bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MultiMeta: an R package for meta-analysing multi-phenotype genome-wide association studies
Authors: Vuckovic D. , Gasparini P. , Soranzo N. , Iotchkova V.
Published: January 2015

As new methods for multivariate analysis of Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) become available, it is important to be able to combine results from different cohorts in a meta-analysis. The R packageMultiMetaprovides an implementation of the inverse-variance based method for meta-analysis, generalized to an n-dimensional setting.

Availability

The R packageMultiMetacan be downloaded from CRAN Contact:dragana.vuckovic@burlo.trieste.it
Dissecting phylogenetic signal and accounting for bias in whole-genome data sets: a case study of the Metazoa
Authors: Borowiec Marek L. , Lee Ernest K. , Chiu Joanna C. , Plachetzki David C.
Published: January 2015

Transcriptome-enabled phylogenetic analyses have dramatically improved our understanding of metazoan phylogeny in recent years, although several important questions remain. The branching order near the base of the tree is one such outstanding issue. To address this question we assemble a novel data set comprised of 1,080 orthologous loci derived from 36 publicly available genomes and dissect the phylogenetic signal present in each individual partition. The size of this data set allows for a closer look at the potential biases and sources of non-phylogenetic signal. We assessed a range of measures for each data partition including information content, saturation, rate of evolution, long-branch score, and taxon occupancy and explored how each of these characteristics impacts phylogeny estimation. We then used these data to prepare a reduced set of partitions that fit an optimal set of criteria and are amenable to the most appropriate and computationally intensive analyses using site-heterogeneous models of sequence evolution. We also employed several strategies to examine the potential for long-branch attraction to bias our inferences. All of our analyses support Ctenophora as the sister lineage to other Metazoa, although support for this relationship varies among analyses. We find no support for the traditional view uniting the ctenophores and Cnidaria (jellies, anemones, corals, and kin). We also examine phylogenetic placement of myriapods (centipedes and millipedes) and find it more sensitive to the type of analysis and data used. Our study provides a workflow for minimizing systematic bias in whole genome-based phylogenetic analyses.
ECERIFERUM2-LIKE Proteins Have Unique Biochemical and Physiological Functions in Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acid Elongation
Authors: Haslam Tegan M. , Haslam Richard , Thoraval Didier , Pascal Stéphanie , Delude Camille , Domergue Frédéric , Fernández Aurora Mañas , Beaudoin Frédéric , Napier Johnathan A. , Kunst Ljerka , Joubès Jérôme
Published: January 2015

The extension of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) for the synthesis of specialized apoplastic lipids requires unique biochemical machinery. Condensing enzymes catalyze the first reaction in fatty acid elongation and determine the chain length of fatty acids accepted and produced by the fatty acid elongation complex. Although necessary for the elongation of all VLCFAs, known condensing enzymes cannot efficiently synthesize VLCFAs longer than 28 carbons, despite the prevalence of C28 to C34 acyl lipids in cuticular wax and the pollen coat. The eceriferum2 (cer2) mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was previously shown to have a specific deficiency in cuticular waxes longer than 28 carbons, and heterologous expression of CER2 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) demonstrated that it can modify the acyl chain length produced by a condensing enzyme from 28 to 30 carbon atoms. Here, we report the physiological functions and biochemical specificities of the CER2 homologs CER2-LIKE1 and CER2-LIKE2 by mutant analysis and heterologous expression in yeast. We demonstrate that all three CER2-LIKEs function with the same small subset of condensing enzymes, and that they have different effects on the substrate specificity of the same condensing enzyme. Finally, we show that the changes in acyl chain length caused by each CER2-LIKE protein are of substantial importance for cuticle formation and pollen coat function.
Transcriptome and Metabolite Profiling of the Infection Cycle ofZymoseptoria triticion Wheat Reveals a Biphasic Interaction with Plant Immunity Involving Differential Pathogen Chromosomal Contributions and a Variation on the Hemibiotrophic Lifestyle Definition
Authors: Rudd Jason J. , Kanyuka Kostya , Hassani-Pak Keywan , Derbyshire Mark , Andongabo Ambrose , Devonshire Jean , Lysenko Artem , Saqi Mansoor , Desai Nalini M. , Powers Stephen J. , Hooper Juliet , Ambroso Linda , Bharti Arvind , Farmer Andrew , Hammond-Kosack Kim E. , Dietrich Robert A. , Courbot Mikael
Published: January 2015

The hemibiotrophic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici causes Septoria tritici blotch disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Pathogen reproduction on wheat occurs without cell penetration, suggesting that dynamic and intimate intercellular communication occurs between fungus and plant throughout the disease cycle. We used deep RNA sequencing and metabolomics to investigate the physiology of plant and pathogen throughout an asexual reproductive cycle of Z. tritici on wheat leaves. Over 3,000 pathogen genes, more than 7,000 wheat genes, and more than 300 metabolites were differentially regulated. Intriguingly, individual fungal chromosomes contributed unequally to the overall gene expression changes. Early transcriptional down-regulation of putative host defense genes was detected in inoculated leaves. There was little evidence for fungal nutrient acquisition from the plant throughout symptomless colonization by Z. tritici, which may instead be utilizing lipid and fatty acid stores for growth. However, the fungus then subsequently manipulated specific plant carbohydrates, including fructan metabolites, during the switch to necrotrophic growth and reproduction. This switch coincided with increased expression of jasmonic acid biosynthesis genes and large-scale activation of other plant defense responses. Fungal genes encoding putative secondary metabolite clusters and secreted effector proteins were identified with distinct infection phase-specific expression patterns, although functional analysis suggested that many have overlapping/redundant functions in virulence. The pathogenic lifestyle of Z. tritici on wheat revealed through this study, involving initial defense suppression by a slow-growing extracellular and nutritionally limited pathogen followed by defense (hyper) activation during reproduction, reveals a subtle modification of the conceptual definition of hemibiotrophic plant infection.
Prognostic analysis of defects in manufacturing
Authors: Chongwatpol Jongsawas
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Since works-in-process (WIPs) are highly vulnerable to defects because of the variety and complexity of manufacturing processes, the purpose of this paper is to describe how to utilize existing analytics techniques to reduce defects, improve production processes, and reduce the cost of operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three alternatives for diagnosing causes of defects and variations in the production process are presented in order to answer the following research question: “What are the most important factors to be included in prognostic analysis to prevent defects?”

Findings

– The key findings for the proposed alternatives help explain the characteristics of defects that have a great impact on manufacturing yield and the quality of products. Consequently, any corrective action and preventive maintenance addressing the common causes of defects and variations in the process can be regularly evaluated and monitored.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the focus of this study is on improving shop-floor operations by reducing defects, further experimentation with business analytics in other areas such as machine utilization and maintenance, process control, and safety evaluation remains to be done.

Practical implications

– This study has been validated with several scenarios in a manufacturing company, and the results demonstrate the practical validity of the approach, which is equally applicable to other manufacturing sub-sectors.

Originality/value

– This study is different from the others by providing alternatives for diagnosing the root causes of defects. Control charts, costs of defects, and clustering-based defect prediction scores are utilized to reduce defects. Additionally, the key contribution of this study is to demonstrate different methods for understanding WIP behaviors and identifying any irregularities in the production process.
User development through proactive knowledge transfer
Authors: Daghfous Abdelkader , Ahmad Norita
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the concept of user development which consists of proactively transferring knowledge to potential users of IT innovations in order to increase the likelihood of innovation adoption and diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

– An exploratory approach was adopted using three case organizations representing different sectors. These organizations represent the public, the semi-government, and the private sectors.

Findings

– The findings show that proactive knowledge transfer builds the requisite absorptive capacity of users to understand, adopt new and complex systems and technologies, and effectively integrate them into their organizations, hence increasing their likelihood of adopting such innovations. The findings also show that effective user development hinges on proper selection of potential users and on goals alignment between the innovating firm and the selected users.

Research limitations/implications

– The framework could be further refined through more diverse case studies from a broader range of companies. Survey-based investigations are also needed to operationalize the constructs and explore its effects on the performance of the innovating firm. In practice, innovation managers should be more proactive by recognizing the value of knowledge transfer when it comes to expanding and accelerating the adoption and diffusion of their innovations.

Originality/value

– This paper illustrates the importance of proactive knowledge transfer, especially in situation that call for absorptive capacity building. This paper also opens new opportunities for innovation managers to sell their innovations faster and to a wider market, and perhaps even altering the trajectory of particular innovations.
S&P 500 index addition, liquidity management and Tobin's Q
Authors: Platikanova Petya
Published: January 2015

This study examines the revision in cash holdings and the market valuation of investment opportunities of 475 firms added to the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) stock market index from 1980 to 2010. We find that newly indexed firms have evolved to significantly lower cash balances, which we partially explain by the decreasing growth opportunities following index inclusion. Consistent with index inclusion loosening financial constraints, we document a larger decrease in cash for index inclusions in sectors with high financial dependence. We sort S&P 500 inclusions by corporate governance quality but do not find any empirical support that changes in cash and Tobin's Q are related to management entrenchment.
Second‐generation antipsychotic effect on cognition in patients with schizophrenia—a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Nielsen R. E. , Levander S. , Kjaersdam Telléus G. , Jensen S. O. W. , Østergaard Christensen T. , Leucht S.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate the effect of second‐generation antipsychotics on cognitive function in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Method

Multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis model.

Results

On cognitive composite score, sertindole was superior to clozapine, effect size (ES) 0.87; 95% CI: 0.12–1.63, quetiapine, ES 0.75; 95% CI: 0.00–1.49, and first‐generation antipsychotics (FGAs), ES 0.89; 95% CI: 0.14–1.64. Analyses on each cognitive domain showed clozapine, ES 0.37; 95% CI: 0.00–0.74, olanzapine, ES 0.31; 95%CI: 0.02–0.59, quetiapine, ES 0.34; 95% CI: 0.03–0.64, and FGAs, ES 0.51; 95% CI: 0.18–0.83 performing poorer on verbal working memory than ziprasidone, as well as FGAs performing poorer than risperidone, ES 0.31; 95% CI: 0.04–0.58. On executive function, sertindole performed better than clozapine, ES 0.82; 95% CI: 0.06–1.58, olanzapine, ES 0.81; 95% CI: 0.07–1.55, quetiapine, ES 0.76; 95% CI: 0.02–1.51, ziprasidone, ES 0.90; 95% CI: 0.14–1.67, and FGAs, ES 0.83; 95% CI: 0.08–1.58. On processing speed, FGAs performed poorer than sertindole, ES 0.97; 95% CI: 0.02–1.91, and quetiapine, ES 0.36; 95% CI: 0.01–0.72. On long‐term verbal working memory, clozapine performed poorer than olanzapine, ES 0.41; 95% CI: 0.06–0.76. On verbal fluency, FGAs performed poorer than olanzapine, ES 0.26; 95% CI: 0.01–0.50, and clozapine, ES 0.44; 95% CI: 0.06–0.81. Lastly, FGAs, ES 0.41; 95% CI: 0.04–0.78, and clozapine, ES 0.44; 95% CI: 0.05–0.83, performed poorer on visuospatial skill compared to olanzapine.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis was able to detect some trends in the data analyzed, but did not show any drug having a uniform positive cognitive profile.
Prevalence of internet gaming disorder in German adolescents: diagnostic contribution of the nine DSM‐5 criteria in a state‐wide representative sample
Authors: Rehbein Florian , Kliem Sören , Baier Dirk , Mößle Thomas , Petry Nancy M.
Published: January 2015

Background and aims

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is included as a condition for further study in Section 3 of the DSM‐5. Nine criteria were proposed with a threshold of five or more criteria recommended for diagnosis. The aims of this study were to assess how the specific criteria contribute to diagnosis and to estimate prevalence rates of IGD based on DSM‐5 recommendations.

Design

Large‐scale, state‐representative school survey using a standardized questionnaire.

Setting

Germany (Lower Saxony).

Participants

A total of 11 003 ninth‐graders aged 13–18 years (mean = 14.88, 51.09% male).

Measurements

IGD was assessed with a DSM‐5 adapted version of the Video Game Dependency Scale that covered all nine criteria of IGD.

Findings

In total, 1.16% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96, 1.36] of respondents were classified with IGD according to DSM‐5 recommendations. IGD students played games for longer periods, skipped school more often, had lower grades in school, reported more sleep problems and more often endorsed feeling ‘addicted to gaming’ than their non‐IGD counterparts. The most frequently reported DSM‐5 criteria overall were ‘escape adverse moods’ (5.30%) and ‘preoccupation’ (3.91%), but endorsement of these criteria rarely related to IGD diagnosis. Conditional inference trees showed that the criteria ‘give up other activities’, ‘tolerance’ and ‘withdrawal’ were of key importance for identifying IGD as defined by DSM‐5.

Conclusions

Based on a state‐wide representative school survey in Germany, endorsement of five or more criteria of DSM‐5 internet gaming disorder (IGD) occurred in 1.16% of the students, and these students evidence greater impairment compared with non‐IGD students. Symptoms related to ‘give up other activities’, ‘tolerance’ and ‘withdrawal’ are most relevant for IGD diagnosis in this age group.
Strain hypothesis ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection on the outcome of human diseases
Authors: Xiao J. , Yolken R. H.
Published: January 2015

The intracellular protozoanToxoplasma gondiiis an exceptionally successful food and waterborne parasite that infects approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Genotyping ofT. gondiiisolates from all continents revealed a complex population structure. Recent research supports the notion thatT. gondiigenotype may be associated with disease severity. Here, we (1) discuss molecular and serological approaches for designation ofT. gondiistrain type, (2) overview the literatures on the association ofT. gondiistrain type and the outcome of human disease and (3) explore possible mechanisms underlying these strain‐specific pathology and severity of human toxoplasmosis. Although no final conclusions can be drawn, it is clear that virulent strains (e.g. strains containing type I or atypical alleles) are significantly more often associated with increased frequency and severity of human toxoplasmosis. The significance of highly virulent strains can cause severe diseases in immunocompetent patients and might implicated in brain disorders such as schizophrenia should led to reconsideration of toxoplasmosis. Further studies that combine parasite strain typing and human factor analysis (e.g. immune status and genetic background) are required for better understanding of human susceptibility or resistance to toxoplasmosis.
Single‐incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal obturator hernia repair in a patient on antiplatelet therapy: A case report
Authors: Wakasugi Masaki , Masuzawa Toru , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Omori Takeshi , Ueshima Shigeyuki , Tori Masayuki , Akamatsu Hiroki
Published: January 2015

An 83‐year‐old woman who complained of right lower limb discomfort was diagnosed with a right obturator hernia by CT scan. On examination, she had a soft and flat abdomen without signs of peritoneal irritation. The Howship–Romberg sign was present. She had a history of vasospastic angina and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and took aspirin and dipyridamole until she was admitted to the hospital. Exploratory laparoscopy identified a spontaneously reduced small bowel from the right obturator canal, but there were no signs of ischemic and necrotic bowel. The patient underwent SILS for totally extraperitoneal obturator hernia repair without a dissection balloon. The patient recovered without perioperative complications such as hemorrhage and thrombotic episodes. She remains well, and CT scans showed no signs of obturator hernia recurrence at the 7‐month follow‐up.
New suture: Tail clinch knot for transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair
Authors: Uchida Kazunori , Morimoto Hiroshi , Tashiro Hirotaka , Ohdan Hideki , Yamamoto Manabu
Published: January 2015

Introduction

There is some controversy regarding the proper surgical method for inguinal hernia repair and whether transabdominal preperitoneal or totally extraperitoneal repair should be used. The greatest difference between these procedures is the need for absorbable sutures to close the peritoneal incision.

Materials and Surgical Technique

The clinch knot is a kind of slip knot that is used for securing a fishing lure, hook, or swivel to a fishing line. This knot is used by fishermen and has historically proven to be secure.

Discussion

When a clinch know is placed at the tail end of a suture thread, a running suture can be started without knot tying.
Staging laparoscopy leads to rapid induction of chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatobiliary cancers
Authors: Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Sakata Kazuya , Nakagawa Shigeki , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Ohmuraya Masaki , Hirota Masahiko , Yoshida Naoya , Beppu Toru , Baba Hideo
Published: January 2015

Preoperatively evaluating the resectability of pancreatobiliary cancers is difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of staging laparoscopy in unresectable pancreatobiliary cancers. Between 2010 and 2013, 25 patients with pancreatobiliary cancers underwent staging laparoscopy after conventional tumor staging; they were compared with 10 patients who had unresectable or metastatic tumors that were found during laparotomy. Staging laparoscopy did not show unresectable factors in 11 patients, and resections were performed in these patients. Unresectable factors were found in other 14 patients who underwent staging laparoscopy. In these patients, chemotherapy was started after median postoperative day 3 (range, 2–10 days). This period was significantly longer in patients who received unnecessary laparotomy; chemotherapy was started after median postoperative day 11 (range, 6–15 days). These results suggest that staging laparoscopy, while avoiding laparotomy with unsuccessful resection, can lead to rapid induction of chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatobiliary cancers.
Laparoscopic repair for intraoperative injury of the right hepatic artery during cholecystectomy
Authors: Fujioka Shuichi , Fuke Azusa , Funamizu Naotake , Nakayoshi Tomoko , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2015

Right hepatic artery (RHA) injury is a complication that occurs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can sometimes cause hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm or ischemic hepatic necrosis. Therefore, RHA should be managed carefully. Herein, we report a case of intraoperative RHA injury that was successfully repaired during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Bleeding was controlled prior to the cholecystectomy with vascular clamp forceps that had been inserted through an additional trocar, and repair of the RHA injury was then performed laparoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful, and patency of the RHA and its sectional arteries were confirmed by CT arteriography. Laparoscopic repair of minor RHA injuries can be managed safely if bleeding is adequately controlled.
Higher Cesarean Delivery Rates are Associated with Higher Infant Mortality Rates in Industrialized Countries
Authors: Xie Ri‐hua , Gaudet Laura , Krewski Daniel , Graham Ian D. , Walker Mark C. , Wen Shi Wu
Published: January 2015

Background

Recent data indicate that more than half of high‐income industrialized countries have a cesarean delivery rate of  > 25 percent, which is higher than the appropriate level considered by most health professionals worldwide.

Methods

Data for 31 high‐income industrialized countries in 2010 (or the nearest year) obtained from the World Health Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, World Bank, and individual countries were analyzed in this study. We examined the correlation between cesarean delivery rate and infant mortality rate with Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and examined the independent effect of cesarean delivery on infant mortality with multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

The cesarean delivery and infant mortality rates varied substantially among the included countries: from 15.6 to 50.0 percent and from 1.9 per to 6.8 per 1,000 live births, respectively. Cesarean delivery rates were positively correlated with infant mortality rates (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.41, p < 0.05). The association remained after adjustment for maternal age, infant sex, per capita GDP, and the Gini index (p < 0.03), but disappeared after further adjustment for preterm birth (p = 0.07). In a sensitivity analysis, the results were not appreciably affected by excluding births at < 22 weeks of gestation, by weighting the data by the number of births in each country, or by excluding data from particular countries with possible measurement issues (USA, Greece).

Conclusions

A higher cesarean delivery rate is associated with higher infant mortality rate among these high‐income industrialized countries. One of the mechanisms by which cesarean delivery affects infant mortality is through iatrogenic prematurity.
Patient‐reported ‘ever had’ and ‘current’ long‐term physical symptoms after prostate cancer treatments
Authors: Gavin Anna T. , Drummond Frances J. , Donnelly Conan , O'Leary Eamonn , Sharp Linda , Kinnear Heather R.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of physical symptoms that were ‘ever’ and ‘currently’ experienced by survivors of prostate cancer at a population level, to assess burden and thus inform policy to support survivors.

Patients and Methods

The study included 3 348 men surviving prostate cancer for 2–18 years after diagnosis. A cross‐sectional, postal survey of 6 559 survivors diagnosed 2–18 years ago with primary, invasive prostate cancer (ICD10‐C61) identified via national, population‐based cancer registries in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Questions included symptoms at diagnosis, primary treatments and physical symptoms (erectile dysfunction [ED]/urinary incontinence [UI]/bowel problems/breast changes/loss of libido/hot flashes/fatigue) experienced ‘ever’ and at questionnaire completion (‘current’). Symptom proportions were weighted by age, country and time since diagnosis. Bonferroni corrections were applied for multiple comparisons.

Results

Adjusted response rate 54%; 75% reported at least one ‘current’ physical symptom (‘ever’ 90%), with 29% reporting at least three. Prevalence varied by treatment. Overall, 57% reported current ED and this was highest after radical prostatectomy (RP, 76%) followed by external beam radiotherapy with concurrent hormone therapy (HT, 64%). UI (overall ‘current’ 16%) was highest after RP (‘current’ 28%; ‘ever’ 70%). While 42% of brachytherapy patients reported no ‘current’ symptoms, 43% reported ‘current’ ED and 8% ‘current’ UI. ‘Current’ hot flashes (41%), breast changes (18%) and fatigue (28%) were reported more often by patients on HT.

Conclusion

Symptoms after prostate cancer treatment are common, often multiple, persist long‐term and vary by treatment method. They represent a significant health burden. An estimated 1.6% of men aged >45 years are survivors of prostate cancer and currently experiencing an adverse physical symptom. Recognition and treatment of physical symptoms should be prioritised in patient follow‐up. This information should facilitate men and clinicians when deciding about treatment as differences in survival between radical treatments is minimal.
The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is higher in adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Neville Kristen A. , Walker Jan L. , Cohn Richard J. , Cowell Christopher T. , White Christopher P.
Published: January 2015

Background

It is unclear whether the rate of vitamin D deficiency in paediatric cancer survivors is higher than in the background population, and whether this is of pathological significance.

Patients and Methods

25OHD was measured in a previously studied group of 208 survivors (n = 108 paediatric 5–17 years, n = 99 adults 18–39 years) and compared with paediatric (5–17 years; n = 132) and adult controls (25–35 years; n = 1393 from the AusDiab cohort) adjusted for age and gender. Relationships with treatment factors (irradiation, bone marrow transplantation and intensity of treatment) along with overweight/obesity (defined by BMI), abdominal adiposity (waist:height ratio >0·5) and hyperinsulinism or abnormal glucose tolerance (HI/aGT) were sought.

Results

25OHD concentrations were similar in paediatric survivors compared with controls (64·3 ± 21·6 nmol/l vs 66·3 ± 22·8 nmol/l), with no effect of age or gender. Adjusted for gender, rates of 25OHD deficiency (<50 nmol/l) were higher in adult survivors compared with AusDiab controls (42·4% vs 20·8%; P < 0·001). Apart from time since diagnosis (P = 0·03), no relationship with treatment factors was detected. In multivariate regression analysis, abdominal adiposity (P = 0·001), but not overweight/obesity by BMI status nor HI/aGT, was associated with significantly lower 25OHD concentrations.

Conclusions

Adult survivors are at increased risk of abnormalities in vitamin D compared to the background population, probably reflecting longer time since diagnosis. Like others, we have not identified any contributory treatment‐related factors. Vitamin D deficiency does not appear to be associated with the development of abnormal glucose tolerance in this population.
Genetic association between Interleukin‐17A gene polymorphisms and the pathogenesis of Graves’ disease in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Qi Yicheng , Zheng Huan , Liu Nan , Guo Ting , Zhu Wei , Wang Shu , Cui Bin , Ning Guang
Published: January 2015

Objective

Graves’ disease, one of the commonest autoimmune disorders, has a complex genetic basis. Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is an important cytokine involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. This case–control study sought to investigate genetic association between the IL‐17A gene and the process of Graves’ disease (GD).

Design and methods

Our pilot study was performed on a cohort from Shanghai, which included 713 patients with GD and 756 healthy controls. A replicate cohort was from Xiamen, recruiting 444 patients with GD and 427 healthy subjects. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4711998, rs3819024, rs2275913, rs8193037, rs3819025 and rs3748067) within the IL‐17A gene were genotyped by the SNPstream Genotyping Systems and Taqman PCR method.

Results

In Shanghai cohorts, the frequencies of rs8193037 alleles were strongly different between patients with Graves’ disease (G, 87·6% and A, 12·4%) and healthy controls (G, 91·4% and A, 8·6%) (P = 0·00067). The A carriers were associated with increased Graves’ disease risks when compared with the G carriers (OR = 1·51, 95%CI = 1·19‐1·92). In replicate cohorts, the proportion of individuals carrying the A allele of rs8193037 was significantly higher in patients with Graves’ disease than in controls [Graves’ disease vs control, 14·3% vs 9·1%, OR = 1·66 (95% CI: 1·23–2·24), Pallele = 0·0082]. In addition, rs8193037 and rs3748067 were found to be different in both genotype and allele distributions in Graves’ disease‐associated ophthalmopathy patients and controls in Shanghai cohorts. Haplotype association analysis also identified five main haplotypes of those six SNPs.

Conclusion

These results suggested that the polymorphism of IL‐17A rs8193037 was strongly associated with Graves’ disease susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.z
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus can directly infect intact current‐year shoots of Fraxinus excelsior and artificially exposed leaf scars
Authors: Kräutler K. , Treitler R. , Kirisits T.
Published: January 2015

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback, was inoculated onto intact, unwounded current‐year shoots and leaf scars of 4‐year‐old, potted Fraxinus excelsior seedlings. Pieces of ash wood colonized by the fungus were used as inoculum. Three of 25 (12%) of the inoculated intact shoots and nine of 25 (36%) of the inoculated leaf scars were infected by H. fraxineus and developed typical symptoms of ash dieback, including necrotic lesions on the shoot surface and wood discoloration as well as shoot and leaf wilting distal to the inoculation site. No symptoms occurred on control seedlings, which had been inoculated in the same way but with sterile wood pieces. Visible necrotic lesions on shoots and wood discoloration were statistically significantly longer in proximal than in distal direction from the inoculation site, a pattern which resembles symptoms after natural infection. The ash dieback pathogen was re‐isolated from nine of 12 (75%) of the symptomatic seedlings. These results provide indirect supportive evidence that the fungus infects shoots via leaves and shows that it is able, under experimental conditions using a massive mycelial inoculum, to directly infect intact, unwounded current‐year shoots of its main host in Europe.
Incidence of ultrasound‐detected asymptomatic long‐term central vein catheter‐related thrombosis and fibrin sheath in cancer patients
Authors: Boddi Maria , Villa Gianluca , Chiostri Marco , De Antoniis Francesco , De Fanti Ilaria , Spinelli Alessandra , Savino Andrea , Gensini Gian Franco , Pelagatti Cecilia
Published: January 2015

Background

Most central venous catheter (CVC)‐related deep vein thromboses (DVT) are asymptomatic and their incidence and clinical relevance are still under debate. Data on CVC‐related fibrin sheaths are scarce. We investigated the incidence of asymptomatic DVT and fibrin sheaths in cancer patients with long‐term CVC implantation who underwent Doppler ultrasound surveillance at 1, 6, and 12 months after implantation. Effects of low‐weight molecular heparin (LWMH) therapy on DVT and fibrin sheaths were also analyzed.

Material and methods

This prospective study was performed on a large cohort (n = 400) of patients with cancer aged >18 requiring long‐term CVC implantation for chemotherapy infusion. CVC was implanted by a trained qualified staff, according to standardized protocol in a specific surgery. Patients underwent ultrasound examination at 1 and 6 months after CVC implantation to detect ‘early’ (1 month) and ‘late’ (6 months) asymptomatic DVT or fibrin sheaths incidence. Sixty‐nine patients underwent US examination also 12 months after CVC implantation.

Results

The incidence of CVC‐related thrombosis was 0.10 events per 1000 catheter days. Anticoagulation therapy with LWMH resolved 50% of DVT, but no CVC needed removing. Incidence of new onset fibrin sheaths was 0.71 events per 1000 catheter days. Fibrin sheaths resolution occurred independently of LWMH therapy.

Discussion

The incidence of asymptomatic DVT in our patients with long‐term CVC is very low and does not represent per se an indication for removal of functioning CVC in patients with cancer. Fibrin sheaths are frequent (13%) and never associated with CVC dysfunction.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic DVT and fibrin sheaths do not represent per se an indication for removal of functioning CVC in cancer patients who need central vein access.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for refractory acute myeloid leukemia: a single center analysis of long‐term outcome
Authors: Hemmati Philipp G. , Terwey Theis H. , Na Il‐Kang , Jehn Christian F. , le Coutre Philipp , Vuong Lam G. , Dörken Bernd , Arnold Renate
Published: January 2015

For patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) represents the only curative approach. We here analyzed the long‐term outcome of 131 consecutive patients with active AML, which was either primary refractory or unresponsive to salvage chemotherapy, transplanted at our center between 1997 and 2013. After a median follow‐up of 48 months for the surviving patients, disease‐free survival (DFS) at 5 yr post alloSCT was 26% (94% CI: 17–35). Relapses, most of which occurred within the first 2 yr from transplant, were the predominant cause of treatment failure affecting 48% (95%CI: 40–58) of patients, whereas non‐relapse mortality was 26% (95%CI: 20–36) at 5 yr and thereafter. A marrow blast count ≥20% before alloSCT was an independent prognosticator associated with an inferior DFS (HR: 1.58, P = 0.027), whereas the development of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGvHD) predicted an improved DFS (HR 0.21, P < 0.001) and a decreased relapse incidence (HR: 0.18, P = 0.026), respectively. These results indicate that alloSCT represents a curative treatment option in a substantial proportion of patients with refractory AML. A pretransplant blast count <20% before alloSCT and the development of cGvHD are the most important predictors of long‐term disease control.
Association between diabetes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sweden
Authors: Mariosa D. , Kamel F. , Bellocco R. , Ye W. , Fang F.
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

Energy metabolism is altered in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but the role of diabetes is largely unknown.

Methods

A population‐based case−control study was conducted of 5108 ALS cases and 25 540 individually matched population controls during 1991–2010. Information on ALS and pre‐existing diabetes was retrieved from the Swedish Patient Register to explore the association of ALS with diabetes overall and with insulin‐dependent or non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes specifically. Variation of the association by diabetes duration and age was also studied.

Results

In total, 224 ALS cases (4.39%) and 1437 controls (5.63%) had diabetes before the index date, leading to an overall inverse association between diabetes and ALS risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.91]. The association was strong for non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.53–0.81) but not for insulin‐dependent diabetes (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.60–1.15) and varied as a function of diabetes duration, with the strongest association observed around 6 years after first ascertainment of diabetes. The association was age‐specific; the inverse association was noted only amongst individuals aged 70 or older. In contrast, for younger individuals (<50 years), pre‐existing insulin‐dependent diabetes was associated with a higher ALS risk (OR 5.38, 95% CI 1.87–15.51).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that there is an association between diabetes and ALS, and highlights the importance of taking into account age, insulin dependence and diabetes duration. Future studies should explore whether the association is independent of body mass index.
3‐T magnetic resonance imaging simultaneous automated multimodal approach improves detection of ambiguous visual hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Vasta R. , Caligiuri M. E. , Labate A. , Cherubini A. , Mumoli L. , Ferlazzo E. , Perrotta P. , Lanza P. L. , Augimeri A. , Aguglia U. , Quattrone A. , Gambardella A.
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

To evaluate if an automatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) processing system may improve detection of hippocampal sclerosis (Hs) in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Methods

Eighty consecutive patients with a diagnosis of MTLE and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were prospectively recruited and included in our study. The entire group had 3‐T MRI visual assessment of Hs analysed by two blinded imaging epilepsy experts. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the performances of neuroradiologists and multimodal analysis.

Results

The multimodal automated tool gave no evidence of Hs in all 20 controls and classified the 80 MTLE patients as follows: normal MRI (54/80), left Hs (14/80), right Hs (11/80) and bilateral Hs (1/80). Of note, this multimodal automated tool was always concordant with the side of MTLE, as determined by a comprehensive electroclinical evaluation. In comparison with standard visual assessment, the multimodal automated tool resolved five ambiguous cases, being able to lateralize Hs in four patients and detecting one case of bilateral Hs. Moreover, comparing the performances of the three logistic regression models, the multimodal approach overcame performances obtained with a single image modality for both the hemispheres, reaching a global accuracy value of 0.97 for the right and 0.98 for the left hemisphere.

Conclusions

Multimodal quantitative automated MRI is a reliable and useful tool to depict and lateralize Hs in patients with MTLE, and may help to lateralize the side of MTLE especially in subtle and uncertain cases.
Diabetes mellitus in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde?
Authors: Jawaid A. , Brown J. A. , Schulz P. E.
Published: January 2015

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Descriptive analysis of longitudinal endoscopy for exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred racehorses training and racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club – letter
Authors: Preston S. , Riggs C. M.
Published: January 2015

See article by Preston et al. and correspondence by Morley and Hinchcliff
Biological characteristics of the hydrological landscapes in the Bay of Biscay in spring 2009
Authors: Lezama‐Ochoa Ainhoa , Grados Daniel , Lebourges‐Dhaussy Anne , Irigoien Xabier , Chaigneau Alexis , Bertrand Arnaud
Published: January 2015

In the present study we investigated the biogeography of macrozooplankton and fish biomass in the Bay of Biscay. In this region, we defined six different landscapes based on the hydrogeographical characteristics observed in spring 2009. We then related landscape's characteristics and environmental parameters such as light attenuation depth and chlorophyll‐a with macrozooplankton and fish acoustic biomass. Hydrodynamic structures together with coastal influences (river discharges, predation pressure and depth preference) and vertical thermohaline structure/mixing (feeding modes and ability to stay in preferred layers) appeared as the main factors determining the biological distribution. Besides, variance partitioning was used to assess the respective roles played by the hydrological environment, the geographical space and the biological environment alone, and their interactions. Results revealed that: (i) macrozooplankton and fish have a preference for different hydrogeographical landscapes; (ii) the association between hydrological conditions and geographical features, i.e. the spatial structure of the hydrological environment, plays a key role in the distribution of macrozooplankton; and (iii) prey–predator relationships have to be taken into account to provide a comprehensive characterization of habitat suitability.
Use of medications and functional dependence among Chinese older adults in a rural community: A population‐based study
Authors: Liang Yajun , Johnell Kristina , Yan Zhongrui , Cai Chuanzhu , Jiang Hui , Welmer Anna‐Karin , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: January 2015

Aim

To investigate the associations between medication use and functional dependence in Chinese older people living in a rural community.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study included 1538 participants (age ≥60 years, 59.1% women) in the Confucius Hometown Aging Project in Shandong, China. In June 2010 to July 2011, data on demographics, lifestyle factors, health history, basic activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, and use of medications were collected through interviews and clinical examinations. Functional status was categorized into no dependence, dependence only in instrumental ADL and dependence in basic ADL. Data were analyzed with multinomial logistic models controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Dependence in instrumental or basic ADL was significantly associated with use of antihypertensives and hypolipidemic agents, and basic ADL dependence was also associated with use of sedatives or tranquilizers and cardiac glycosides. An increased number of concurrently used medications was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of dependence in basic ADL (P for trend = 0.016). Compared with non‐users of any medication, individuals who concurrently used three or more classes of medications had a multi‐adjusted odds ratio of 2.91 (95% confidence interval 1.02–8.28) for dependence in basic ADL.

Conclusions

Use of antihypertensives, hypolipidemic drugs, cardiac glycosides and sedatives or tranquilizers, especially use of multiple classes of medications, is correlated with functional dependence among older people in rural China. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1242–1248.
Geriatric oral health predicaments in New Delhi, India
Authors: Singh Abhinav , Purohit Bharathi M , Masih Nitin
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to analyze geriatric oral health predicaments in India. Specifically, to assess the oral health status and treatment needs among the geriatric population attending health camps in New Delhi, Northern India.

Methods

The sample size for the cross‐sectional study comprised of 248 elderly participants aged 60 years having attended the health check‐up camps organized in New Delhi, India. The community periodontal index was used for assessment of periodontal disease. The World Health Organization's criterion was used for detection of dentition status and treatment needs. The χ2‐test was used to compare between categorical variables. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare between two groups for quantitative variables. Regression analysis was carried out to identify the factors associated with dental caries and periodontal disease status.

Results

The mean number of affected sextants with the highest community periodontal index score of 4 was 3.54 ± 2.45. Mean decayed, missing and filled teeth score of 16.39 ± 8.97 was recorded among the elderly. Prosthetic need was noted among 206 (83.1%) participants. Age and literacy status contributed to 27% and 12% of the variance respectively in the decayed, missing and filled teeth model. (P < 0.001) Major contributory factors in the periodontal disease model for the 37%, 11% and 11% variance were age, sex and tobacco consumption (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Two striking features of the study were the high levels of unmet prosthetic needs and the extremely low utilization of dental care. There is an urgent necessity to resolve the high burden of unmet prosthetic need among the aged in India. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 37–45.
Going outdoors and cognitive function among community‐dwelling older adults: Moderating role of physical function
Authors: Harada Kazuhiro , Lee Sangyoon , Park Hyuntae , Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Yoshida Daisuke , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Anan Yuya , Uemura Kazuki , Suzuki Takao
Published: January 2015

Aims

Identifying the risk factors of cognitive impairment is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies for dementia. Previous studies have shown that the frequency of going outdoors is inversely associated with cognitive decline. Little research has examined whether the relationship between going outdoors and cognitive decline varies with physical functioning in older adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between going outdoors and cognitive function in older adults with and without physical function limitations.

Methods

The present study analyzed the data of 4450 individuals (aged 65 years or older) who participated in the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly. The measures were the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), going outdoors (at least once a week or not), self‐reported physical function limitations (with or without), and demographic and health‐related factors as potential confounders.

Results

Analysis of covariance and post‐hoc comparisons showed that although going outdoors at least once a week was associated with higher MMSE scores among older adults with limited physical function, it was not significantly associated with the MMSE scores among older adults without limited physical function. Similarly, logistic regression analyses, stratified by physical function, showed a significant association between going outdoors and MMSE (<24 points or not) among older adults with limited physical function.

Conclusions

The results show that going outdoors less than once a week is associated with decreased cognitive function among older adults with limited physical function, but it is not associated with cognitive function among older adults without limited physical function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 65–73.
Relationship between balance and dual task walking in the very elderly
Authors: Ansai Juliana Hotta , Aurichio Thais Rabiatti , Rebelatto José Rubens
Published: January 2015

Aim

To investigate the relationship between balance and dual task performance in adults aged over 80 years, and to analyze possible differences between fallers and non‐fallers in dual task performance.

Methods

An observational cross‐sectional study was carried out at the Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil). We assessed 67 community‐dwelling older adults aged over 80 years who were able to walk. The volunteers were divided into groups of fallers and non‐fallers. The one‐leg standing and tandem tests were used to assess balance. Dual task was assessed by the Timed Up and Go test, associated with a motor task (TUGT‐motor) and a cognitive task (TUGT‐cognitive). Statistical analyses were carried out, and the significance level was set at α = 5%.

Results

Significant correlations were found between balance and dual task variables. Fallers took significantly more time and steps on both the TUGT‐motor and the TUGT‐cognitive, with no significant differences on balance tests between groups.

Conclusions

Recognizing the influence of dual task walking on balance and fall risk could help health professionals to prevent falls in older adults, as well as optimize assessment and intervention planning. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 89–94.