bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Origin of the Mammalian Hematopoietic System Found in a Colonial Chordate
Authors: Rosental Benyamin , Kowarsky Mark , Seita Jun , Corey Daniel M. , Ishizuka Katherine J. , Palmeri Karla J. , Chen Shih-Yu , Sinha Rahul , Okamoto Jennifer , Mantalas Gary , Manni Lucia , Raveh Tal , Clarke D. Nathaniel , Newman Aaron M. , Neff Norma F. , Nolan Garry P. , Quake Stephen R. , Weissman Irving L. , Voskoboynik Ayelet
Published: December 2017

Hematopoiesis is an essential process that evolved in multicellular animals. At the heart of this process are hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are multipotent, self-renewing and generate the entire repertoire of blood and immune cells throughout life. Here we studied the hematopoietic system of Botryllus schlosseri, a colonial tunicate that has vasculature, circulating blood cells, and interesting characteristics of stem cell biology and immunity. Self-recognition between genetically compatible B. schlosseri colonies leads to the formation of natural parabionts with shared circulation, whereas incompatible colonies reject each other. Using flow-cytometry, whole-transcriptome sequencing of defined cell populations, and diverse functional assays, we identified HSCs, progenitors, immune-effector cells, the HSC niche, and demonstrated that self-recognition inhibits cytotoxic reaction. Our study implies that the HSC and myeloid lineages emerged in a common ancestor of tunicates and vertebrates and suggests that hematopoietic bone marrow and the B. schlosseri endostyle niche evolved from the same origin.
Comprehensive profiling of TCRβ repertoire in a non-model species (the bank vole) using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Migalska Magdalena , Sebastian Alvaro , Radwan Jacek
Published: December 2017

In recent years, immune repertoire profiling with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has advanced our understanding of adaptive immunity. However, fast progress in the field applied mostly to human and mouse research, with only few studies devoted to other model vertebrates. We present the first in-depth characterization of the TCRβ repertoire in a non-model mammal with limited genomic resources available – the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). We used 5′RACE and Illumina HTS to describe V and J segments and to qualitatively characterize preferential V–J segment usage and CDR3 length distribution. Finally, a molecular protocol integrating unique molecular identifiers was used for quantitative analysis of CDR3 repertoire with stringent error correction. We found 37 V and 11 J genes that were orthologous to mice genes. A conservative, lower bound estimation of the TCRβ repertoire was 1.7–2.3×105clonotypes, and the degree of sharing of the observed repertoire between any two individuals was 3.6% of nucleotide sequences and 14.3% of amino acid sequences. Our work adds a crucial element to the immunogenetic resources available for the bank vole, an important species in ecological and evolutionary research. The workflow that we developed can be applied for immune repertoire sequencing of non-model species, including endangered vertebrates.
In vivo clonal analysis reveals spatiotemporal regulation of thalamic nucleogenesis
Authors: Wong Samuel Z.H. , Scott Earl Parker , Mu Wenhui , Guo Xize , Borgenheimer Ella , Freeman Madeline , Ming Guo-li , Wu Qing-Feng , Song Hongjun , Nakagawa Yasushi
Published: December 2017

The thalamus, a crucial regulator of cortical functions, is composed of many nuclei arranged in a spatially complex pattern. Thalamic neurogenesis occurs over a short period during mammalian embryonic development. These features have hampered the effort to understand how regionalization, cell divisions and fate specification are coordinated and produce a wide array of nuclei that exhibit distinct patterns of gene expression and functions. Here, we performed in vivo clonal analysis to track the divisions of individual progenitor cells and spatial allocation of their progeny in the developing mouse thalamus. Quantitative analysis of clone compositions revealed evidence for sequential generation of distinct sets of thalamic nuclei based on the location of the founder progenitor cells. Furthermore, we identified intermediate progenitor cells that produced neurons populating more than one thalamic nuclei, indicating a prolonged specification of nuclear fate. Our study reveals an organizational principle that governs the spatial and temporal progression of cell divisions and fate specification, and provides a framework for studying cellular heterogeneity and connectivity in the mammalian thalamus.
Paradigm Shift in Sensorimotor Control Research and Brain Machine Interface Control: The Influence of Context on Sensorimotor representations
Authors: Zhao Yao , Hessburg John P. , Asok Kumar Jaganth Nivas , Francis Joseph Thachil
Published: December 2017

Neural activity in the primary motor cortex (M1) is known to correlate with movement related variables including kinematics and dynamics. Our recent work, which we believe will lead to a paradigm shift in sensorimotor research, has shown that in addition to these movement related variables, activity in M1, and the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), are also modulated by context, such as value, during both active movement and movement observation. Here we expand on the investigation of reward modulation in M1, showing that reward level changes the neural tuning function of M1 units to both kinematic as well as dynamic related variables. In addition, we show that this reward-modulated activity is present during brain machine interface (BMI) control. We suggest that by taking into account these context dependencies of M1 modulation, we can produce more robust BMIs. Toward this goal, we demonstrate that we can classify reward expectation from M1 on a movement-by-movement basis under BMI control and use this to gate multiple linear BMI decoders toward improved offline performance. These findings demonstrate that it is possible and meaningful to design a more accurate BMI decoder that takes reward and context into consideration. Our next step in this development will be to incorporate this gating system, or a continuous variant of it, into online BMI performance
Comparing the differentiation potential ofBrachyury+mesodermal cells generated from 3-D and 2-D culture systems
Authors: Zhou Jing , Plagge Antonius , Murray Patricia
Published: December 2017

Mesodermal populations can be generatedin vitrofrom mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) using three-dimensional (3-D) aggregates called embryoid bodies or two-dimensional (2-D) monolayer culture systems. Here, we investigated whetherBrachyury-expressing mesodermal cells generated using 3-D or 2-D culture systems are equivalent, or instead, have different properties. Using aBrachyury-GFP/E2-Crimson reporter mESC line, we isolatedBrachyury-GFP+mesoderm cells using flow-activated cell sorting and compared their gene expression profiles andex vivodifferentiation patterns. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed significant up-regulation ofCdx2,Foxf1andHoxb1in theBrachyury-GFP+cells isolated from the 3-D system compared with those isolated from the 2-D system. Furthermore, using an ex vivomouse kidney rudiment assay, we found that irrespective of their source,Brachyury-GFP+cells failed to integrate into developing nephrons, which are derived from the intermediate mesoderm. However,Brachyury-GFP+cells isolated under 3-D conditions appeared to differentiate into endothelial-like cells within the kidney rudiments, whereas theBrachyury-GFP+isolated from the 2-D conditions only did so to a limited degree. The high expression ofFoxf1in the 3-DBrachyury-GFP+cells combined with their tendency to differentiate into endothelial-like cells suggests these mesodermal cells may represent lateral plate mesoderm.
A 23bp Indel Polymorphism in TLR2 Gene Enhances Inflammation and Disease Severity in Dengue
Authors: Patro A. Raj Kumar , Mohanty Sriprasad , Panda Aditya K. , Prusty Birendra K. , Singh Diwakar K. , Gaikwad Sagar , Saswat Tanuja , Chattopadhyay Soma , Tripathy Rina , Das Bidyut , Ravindran Balachandran
Published: December 2017

Background

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading viral disease transmitted by the bite of infectedAedesmosquitos. Pathogenesis of dengue is still unclear; although host genetic factors, immune responses and virus serotypes have been proposed to contribute to disease severity. The development of high-throughput methods have allowed to scale up capabilities of identifying the key markers of inflammation. Since NS1 protein of dengue virus has been reported to activate immune cells towards enhanced inflammation through TLR2, we examined the role of a polymorphism, a 23bp deletion in 5’UTR region of TLR2 gene in patients with dengue (with and without warning signs) and correlated with plasma levels of inflammatory mediators with disease severity and viral serotypes.

Methods

Eighty nine patients classified as per WHO 2009 criteria during dengue outbreak in Odisha, India in 2016 were included in the current study. Presence of dengue virus (DENV) was demonstrated by detecting NS1 antigen, IgM capture ELISA and serotypes in circulation were discriminated by type-specific RT-PCR and/or sequencing. Sixty-one confirmed dengue cases were typed for TLR2 indel polymorphism and compared with 485 disease free controls. Plasma samples were assayed for 41-plex cytokine/ chemokines using Luminex bead based immunoassay.

Results

Presence of 23bp deletion allele of TLR2 gene was significantly more in patients with severe dengue in comparison to dengue fever cases (p= 0.03; Odds ratio 4.05) although the frequency of insertion (Ins) allele of TLR2 was comparable in healthy controls and dengue cases (82.4 and 87.9 % respectively). Seventy-three (82%) samples were found to be positive by NS1/IgM capture ELISA/ RT-PCR. DENV-2 was predominant (58%) during the outbreak. Among the host inflammatory biomarkers 9 molecules were significantly altered in dengue patients when compared to healthy controls. The increased levels of IFN-γ, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-1Rα and MIP-1β correlated significantly with severe dengue.

Conclusions

The frequency of 23bp Indel mutation of TLR2 was comparable between healthy controls and dengue fever (with and without warning signs), suggesting that this indel mutation does not contribute significantly to susceptibility/ resistance to dengue; however, del allele of TLR2 gene was significantly more associated in patients with severe dengue symptoms when compared to dengue fever cases.
Optimal planning of eye movements
Authors: David Hoppe , Rothkopf Constantin A.
Published: December 2017

The capability of directing gaze to relevant parts in the environment is crucial for our survival. Computational models based on ideal-observer theory have provided quantitative accounts of human gaze selection in a range of visual search tasks. According to these models, gaze is directed to the position in a visual scene, at which uncertainty about task relevant properties will be reduced maximally with the next look. However, in tasks going beyond a single action, delayed rewards can play a crucial role thereby necessitating planning. Here we investigate whether humans are capable of planning more than the next single eye movement. We found evidence that our subjects’ behavior was better explained by an ideal planner compared to the ideal observer. In particular, the location of the first fixation differed depending on the stimulus and the time available for the search. Overall, our results are the first evidence that our visual system is capable of planning.
Soybean oil containing ginseng saponins as adjuvants promotes production of cytokines and enhances immune responses to foot‐and‐mouth disease vaccine
Authors: Zhang Cenrong , Xu Wei , Chen Jian , Guan Ran , Bi Shicheng , Jin Haibo , Cui Xuemei , Shi Fushan , Hu Songhua
Published: December 2017

In the present study, the adjuvant effect of soybean oil containing ginseng root saponins (SO‐GS‐R) on the immune response to foot‐and‐mouth disease vaccine (FMDV) in mice was investigated. When immunized with FMDV antigen emulsified in an SO‐GS‐R formulation, mice generated remarkably higher serum antibody and cytokine responses than mice immunized with FMDV antigen alone. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the adjuvant effect of SO‐GS‐R, we measured cytokines in serum and muscle tissue after intramuscular injection of SO‐GS‐R. The results showed that injection of SO‐GS‐R significantly increased the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐5, IL‐6, G‐CSF, KC, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, and MIP‐1β in both serum and muscle. These results suggested that SO‐GS‐R recruits neutrophils, eosinophils, T cells and macrophages, causing immune cell recruitment at the injection site, driving antigen‐presenting cells to actively participate in the onset of immunity, and amplifying the immune responses. Considering its adjuvant activity and plant‐derived properties, SO‐GS‐R should be further studied for its adjuvant effect on vaccines used in food animals.
Quantifying the Road Influence Zone on Socio‐economic Developments in Rural Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Tegebu Fredu Nega , Seid Edris Hussein
Published: December 2017

The road influence zone has been used to analyze the influence of roads on ecological and environmental effects but not on socio‐economic conditions. In a first study of its kind, we measured the extent and type of relationship underlying the road influence zone of rural roads on socio‐economic outcomes. Four indicators — namely, trip per capita, use of fertilizers, motorized transport and commercial activities — and three indicators — namely, road dust, flooding and erosion — have been used to analyze the positive and negative effects of roads respectively. Four rural roads and 529 households from four tabias were surveyed and we used piecewise and linear regressions to determine delineation of road influence zones. Except for trips per capita and erosion, threshold effects were observed for the rest of the outcome variables. The road influence zone ranges from 240 meters on both sides of the road in the case of road dust to about 2.6 kilometers in the case of motorized transport. The study results suggest that socio‐economic impacts of roads differ not only on socio‐economic and wealth differences of households but also on distance to road.
Croissance économique et dégradation de l'environnement au Cameroun
Authors: Noubissi Domguia Edmond , Njangang Ndieupa Henri
Published: December 2017

Ce papier a pour objectif d'examiner les effets de la croissance économique sur les émissions de dioxyde de carbone (CO2) et sur l’évolution de la température au Cameroun sur la période 1972–2010. Le test de cointégration par les retards échelonnés ou Auto Regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) indique l'existence d'une relation de long terme sous forme de « N inversé » entre la croissance économique et les indicateurs de dégradation environnementale (émissions de CO2et évolution de la température) retenus dans cette étude. Ensuite, on constate que la consommation d’énergie et les activités industrielles accroissent les émissions de CO2mais pas l’évolution des températures au Cameroun. Par contre, l'ouverture commerciale entraine une baisse du niveau de CO2mais pas de la température. Ce résultat laisse entrevoir que le Cameroun exporte ou transmet sa pollution vers l'extérieur ou vers d'autres pays.
Inequity in Maternal and Child Health Care Utilization in Nigeria
Authors: Nghargbu Rifkatu , Olaniyan Olanrewaju
Published: December 2017

The study assesses the degree and patterns of horizontal inequity in maternal and child health care utilization in Nigeria. Horizontal inequity was estimated using concentration curves and a standardized concentration index, which was decomposed into need and non‐need variables to capture the major drivers of inequity in utilization. Maternal and child health care utilization was measured by antenatal visits, skilled delivery and immunization utilization. Four rounds of Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data (1999, 2003, 2008, 2013) were used. The results show a positive horizontal inequity index from 1999 to 2013; which indicates that there is pro‐rich inequity in utilization of antenatal, skilled delivery and immunization, respectively. The study concludes that there is higher and increasing inequity in maternal health care while inequity in utilization of child health care decreased over time with wealth status and education as the major non‐need drivers of inequity in utilization. Interventions to enhance women's wealth status and education could significantly improve equity in skilled delivery and antenatal care utilization. Hence wealth creation, women empowerment and education should be given more attention to improve the deteriorating equity in maternal health care utilization.
Semi‐parametric Regression‐based Decomposition Methods: Evidence from Regional Inequality in Tunisia
Authors: Jmaii Amal , Rousselière Damien , Daniel Christophe
Published: December 2017

This paper examines urban‐rural welfare inequality in Tunisia. Founded on the recentred influence function and quantile regression based counterfactual decomposition, we dissect the gap between the two areas. Results of the present study suggest that the difference between rural poor households and urban poor households is due essentially to characteristic effects; while for wealthier households both characteristic and returns to these characteristic effects (for example, efficiency of educational system) are responsible for this gap. Additionally, the results demonstrate that this is an issue of value, and, more specifically, an economic development fairness conflict. It is suggested that policymakers should address a positive discrimination programme in favour of the marginalized region.
Analyse des effets de la qualité des institutions sur la volatilité des Investissements Directs Etrangers en Afrique
Authors: Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel , Song Jacques Simon
Published: December 2017

Cet article analyse les effets de la qualité des institutions sur la volatilité des Investissements Directs Etrangers (IDE) en Afrique. Nous utilisons un modèle estimé en données de panel par les méthodes des moments généralisés en système et des doubles moindres carrés sur la période 1996–2014. Les résultats montrent que la qualité des institutions accroit la volatilité des entrées d'IDE. L'Afrique en général et les sous‐régions Afrique Centrale et Afrique Australe en particulier doivent reformer leurs institutions.
‘You're there because you are unprofessional’: patient and public involvement as liminal knowledge spaces
Authors: Maguire Kath , Britten Nicky
Published: December 2017

Patient and public involvement in health research and care has been repeatedly theorised using the metaphor of spaces, knowledge spaces and participatory citizenship spaces. Drawing on data from a three year qualitative study of people involved in health research with organisations across England, this article explores where these spaces fit in a wider social, political and historical landscape. It outlines a theme recurring frequently in the study data: a unified public/patient/service‐user perspective in opposition to a professional/clinical/academic view. This is discussed in relation to Habermas's division between the lifeworld and system. Patient and public involvement is mapped as spaces between these spheres, therefore between the social norms pertaining to them. In this way, involvement spaces are seen as liminal, in‐between or threshold spaces; this concept provides us with new insights on both the opportunities and the conflicts that are integral in the ambiguous, complex interactions which take place in these spaces.
Smells like politics: planning and the inconvenient politics of intensive peri‐urban agriculture
Authors: Butt Andrew , Taylor Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

Intensive farming is an increasing part of Australian agriculture, including in the multi‐functional landscapes at the edges of Australian cities. The example of intensive “broiler” poultry production reveals the tensions that arise when sites of hyper‐productivity conflict with social change in rural areas. Planning processes for intensive farming in the Australian state of Victoria are predicated on stability and consensus: on assumed static and uncontroversial ideas of agriculture, its place, and the primacy of agricultural productivity. Yet concerns about the industrialisation of agriculture are live political issues at the local level, especially in dynamic peri‐urban locations. This paper explores the emergence of a politics of place outside the bounds of planning consensus through an analysis of planning appeals and associated media relating to planning permits for intensive poultry developments in Victoria over 2011–2016. We highlight tensions that exist in relation to technical planning assessments and categorisations used to assert farming as the orthodox use of rural land, especially when new forms of farming look and feel demonstrably different. Using Mouffe's problematising of the negation of antagonism and Rancière's notion of the risks of a false consensus democracy, we argue that planning processes for intensive farming illustrate critical issues in participatory planning. While ostensibly post‐political decision‐making narrows the politics of place and food systems to decisions about policing the boundaries and buffer distances placed around intensive poultry developments, alternative representations of rural life persist. The certainty offered by code‐based planning does not negate the ongoing (if inconvenient) politics of intensive peri‐urban agriculture.
Bacillus subtilis, the model Gram‐positive bacterium: 20 years of annotation refinement
Authors: Borriss Rainer , Danchin Antoine , Harwood Colin R. , Médigue Claudine , Rocha Eduardo P.C. , Sekowska Agnieszka , Vallenet David
Published: December 2017

Genome annotation is, nowadays, performed via automatic pipelines that cannot discriminate between right and wrong annotations. Given their importance in increasing the accuracy of the genome annotations of other organisms, it is critical that the annotations of model organisms reflect the current annotation gold standard. The genome of Bacillus subtilis strain 168 was sequenced twenty years ago. Using a combination of inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning, we present a unique, manually curated annotation, essentially based on experimental data. This reveals how this bacterium lives in a plant niche, while carrying a paleome operating system common to Firmicutes and Tenericutes. Dozens of new genomic objects and an extensive literature survey have been included for the sequence available at the INSDC (AccNum AL009126.3). We also propose an extension to Demerec's nomenclature rules that will help investigators connect to this type of curated annotation via the use of common gene names.
Urban rural disparity in female breast cancer incidence rate in China and the increasing trend in parallel with socioeconomic development and urbanization in a rural setting
Authors: Wen Denggui , Wen Xiaoduo , Yang Yi , Chen Yuetong , Wei Lizhen , He Yutong , Shan Baoen
Published: December 2017

Background

Worldwide breast cancer incidence correlates with socioeconomic status and increases in parallel with westernization, however urban–rural disparity and trends have not been adequately investigated in China.

Methods

The age standardized rate (ASR) of female breast cancer by population‐based cancer registration was compared between urban Shijiazhuang city and rural Shexian County in relation to socioeconomic status. The increasing trend of breast cancer in Shexian County from 2000–2015 was examined using Joinpoint analysis and the correlation with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was analyzed.

Results

In 2012, the ASR of female breast cancer in Shijiazhuang was more than three times higher than in Shexian County (45.5/1 00 000 vs.13.8/1 00 000; P < 0.01) when the GDP per capita was 2.6 times higher (US$6964.80 vs. US$2700). In parallel with rapid socioeconomic development and urbanization, the biennial ASR of female breast cancer in Shexian county has increased significantly from 2.8/1 00 000 in 2000–2001 to 17.3/1 00 000 in 2014–2015, with an average biennial percent change of +10.2% (P < 0.01). The Pearson correlation between ASR and GDP was significantly positive (r = 0.94, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The incidence of breast cancer in women in China is increasing along with lifestyle westernization and changing reproductive patterns associated with socioeconomic development and urbanization. Urgent prevention measures, including the development of a healthy diet, giving birth at a younger age, an increase in breastfeeding, limiting menopause estrogen therapy, and control of alcohol consumption, are required.
Responses of radish (Raphanus sativus) to drought stress
Authors: Stagnari F. , Galieni A. , D'Egidio S. , Pagnani G. , Pisante M.
Published: December 2017

With this study the effects of water deficit on radish growth, dry mass production and partitioning, source–sink relations, physiological responses and accumulation of secondary metabolites in storage roots and leaves have been investigated. Three water stress treatments were applied: (Control) 100% of water holding capacity (WHC), (WS50) 50% of WHC, (WS30) 30% of WHC. Water stress was effectively acquired starting from 287 growing degree days (GDD) as demonstrated by the lower values of relative water content (RWC), higher leaf temperature and NIR‐based water indices values in water stressed conditions. Water stress reduced storage root dry weight by 27% at WS50 and 53% at WS30 as well as leaf dry matter accumulation (by 23% and 31% in WS50 and WS30, respectively), expansion (by 28% and 45% in WS50 and WS30, respectively) and specific leaf area (by 7% and 20% in WS50 and WS30, respectively) at 403 GDD. The increasing of leaf‐to‐root mass (L/R) and leaf area‐to‐root mass (LA/R) ratios indicated less dry matter allocation into storage organs under water stress conditions. Besides, water shortage increased leaf greenness as estimated by the higher soil–plant analysis development (SPAD) values (+14% and +20% on average for WS50 and WS30, respectively); other reflectance indices only partially confirmed SPAD readings. Substantially, water limitation did not significantly influence total anthocyanin content, ABTS‐radical scavenging activity and total free phenolic compounds in storage roots, as well as the total free phenolic compounds in leaves. Radish showed a strong plasticity in its adaptation to drought thanks to avoidance mechanisms such as constrained leaf development, increased leaf thickness and adjusted source–sink relationships.
Phosphatidylethanol Levels Among Incarcerated Women: The Influence of Pre‐incarceration Alcohol Consumption and Length of Abstinence
Authors: Moore Kelly E. , Santiago Rivera Olga J. , Anderson Bradley , Johnson Jennifer E. , Hahn Judith A. , Kurth Megan E. , Reddy Madhavi K. , Schonbrun Yael C. , Stein Michael D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a direct biomarker for alcohol that is formed shortly after alcohol use and may remain detectable in blood for weeks after alcohol consumption. There is little research on alcohol use factors that influence PEth elimination, especially among women.

Methods

Data were collected from 116 alcohol use‐disordered women who were recently incarcerated. We used a 2‐part model with logistic and linear components to examine whether alcohol consumption in the 2 weeks prior to incarceration and days since last alcoholic drink (operationalized as abstinence days prior to incarceration + days incarcerated) were associated with PEth detectability (>8 ng/ml) and level (ng/ml) in blood.

Results

Participants reported drinking an average of 10 drinks per day in the 2 weeks prior to incarceration. Days since last drink was negatively associated with PEth level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93; 0.99) and being PEth detectable (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91; 0.99). Quantity of alcohol consumed prior to jail admission was associated with PEth detection (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03; 1.16), but not PEth level.

Conclusions

Days since last alcoholic drink and drinks per day both influenced PEth detectability, but only days since last drink predicted PEth level among a large sample of women with alcohol use disorder in the criminal justice system.
Early improvement in PANSS‐30, PANSS‐8, and PANSS‐6 scores predicts ultimate response and remission during acute treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Lin C.‐H. , Lin H.‐S. , Lin S.‐C. , Kuo C.‐C. , Wang F.‐C. , Huang Y.‐H.
Published: December 2017

Objective

PANSS‐8 and PANSS‐6 are derived from the 30‐item Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS‐30). We investigate whether PANSS‐8 or PANSS‐6 is a reliable, valid, sensitive to change measure, and scalable, and whether early improvement using them can predict response/remission.

Method

Data were from 3 trials for 270 schizophrenia inpatients receiving antipsychotics. Internal consistency, validity, sensitivity to change, and scalability using PANSS‐30, PANSS‐8, and PANSS‐6 at each assessment were examined. Early improvement was defined as at least 20% reduction of PANSS‐30, PANSS‐8, or PANSS‐6 scores at week 2. Response was defined as at least 40% reduction of PANSS‐30 and remission as a score of PANSS‐8 ≤ 3 on each item at endpoint. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine which rating scale had better discriminative capacity.

Results

PANSS‐8 and PANSS‐6 showed acceptable internal consistency, were highly correlated with PANSS‐30, and had sensitivity to change. PANSS‐8 and PANSS‐6 were scalable at each assessment, except for PANSS‐6 at baseline. Early improvement using PANSS‐8 or PANSS‐6 had comparable predictive values with that of PANSS‐30 for response/remission.

Conclusion

PANSS‐8 and PANSS‐6 are clinically useful measures. Early improvement, regardless of whether PANSS‐30, PANSS‐8, or PANSS‐6 is used, is a statistically significant predictor of response/remission.
Gambling and physical intimate partner violence: Results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions (NESARC)
Authors: Roberts Amanda , Landon Jason , Sharman Stephen , Hakes Jahn , Suomi Aino , Cowlishaw Sean
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

Links between intimate partner violence (IPV) and gambling problems are under researched in general population samples. Understanding these relationships will allow for improved identification and intervention. We investigated these relationships and sought to determine whether links were attenuated by axis I and II disorders.

Methods

This study examined data from waves 1 and 2 (N = 25,631) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC); a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults. Gambling symptoms and other psychiatric disorders were measured at wave 1 by the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disability Interview Schedule‐DSM‐IV Version (AUDADIS‐IV). Physical IPV victimization and perpetration in the last 12 months were assessed 3 years later at wave 2 using items from the Conflict Tactics Scale‐R. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine associations separately for males and females.

Results

Problem gambling was associated with increased odds of both IPV perpetration for males (OR = 2.62, 95%CI = 1.22‐5.60) and females (OR = 2.87, 95%CI = 1.29‐6.42), and with IPV victimization for females only (OR = 2.97, 95%CI = 1.31‐6.74). Results were attenuated with inclusion of axis I and axis II disorders; links between gambling and IPV were weaker than those involving other mental health conditions.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

There are prospective associations with gambling problems and physical IPV which have implications for identification, spontaneous disclosure, and treatment seeking. The links between gambling problems and violence are complex and should not be considered independently of co‐occurring mental health and substance use disorders. (Am J Addict 2018;27:7–14)
Sports involvement, injury history, and non‐medical use of prescription opioids among college students: An analysis with a national sample
Authors: Ford Jason A. , Pomykacz Corey , Veliz Philip , McCabe Sean Esteban , Boyd Carol J.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

The United States is in the midst of a prescription drug epidemic, particularly related to opioids. To more effectively deal with the devastating outcomes associated with non‐medical use of prescription opioids (NUPO), research is needed to identify populations at increased risk. The current research builds on a small number of studies that have shown that adolescents involved in competitive sports are more likely to report NUPO. Specifically, we examine the relationship between athlete status, injury history, and NUPO among college students.

Methods

Using data from the National College Health Assessment (NCHA II from 2008 to 2011), we estimated several logistic regression models to examine the individual, and combined, effects of sex, athlete status, and injury history on NUPO.

Results

In the NCHA II 8.3% of students reported NUPO, 8.0% identified as a varsity athlete, and 17.4% reported an injury. Looking at factors individually, having an injury, being a varsity athlete, and being male were all significantly associated with NUPO. By combining these factors together we were able to determine that male athletes, athletes with injuries, and male athletes with injuries were at the greatest risk for NUPO, after controlling for relevant covariates.

Discussion and Conclusions

To create effective prevention and intervention programs that target the health and wellness of college students, it is important to understand which groups of students are most likely to report NUPO.

Scientific Significance

This study advances our understanding of the relationship between sports involvement and NUPO. (Am J Addict 2018;27:15–22).
Use of a functional mobility measure to predict discharge destinations for patients admitted to an older adult rehabilitation ward: A feasibility study
Authors: Tillson Trish , Rohan Maheswaran , Larmer Peter J
Published: December 2017

Objective

To investigate whether the discharge destination for older adults can be predicted using functional mobility as measured by the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale (MEMS), associated with demographic and primary reason for admission variables.

Methods

A retrospective cohort population audit of 257 patients admitted and discharged from four tertiary older adult rehabilitation wards in a three‐month period. A number of predictor variables were considered alongside the discharge destination.

Results

Multinomial statistical modelling established that MEMS prior to (P < 0.001), MEMS on completion (P = 0.009) of rehabilitation physiotherapy and primary reason for admission (P = 0.002) were significant variables to predict discharge destination. The model correctly predicted 71% of observed patient discharge destinations.

Conclusion

The MEMS in conjunction with primary reason for admission was able to predict discharge destination with 71% accuracy in a heterogeneous population of older adults following rehabilitation.
Efficacy and safety of oxycodone/naloxone as add‐on therapy to gabapentin or pregabalin for the management of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy in Korea
Authors: Kim Bong‐Seog , Jin Jong‐Youl , Kwon Jung Hye , Woo In Sook , Ko Yoon Ho , Park Suk‐Young , Park Hye‐Jeong , Kang Jin Hyung
Published: December 2017

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of oxycodone/naloxone in patients with chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) inadequately controlled with pregabalin or gabapentin.

Methods

This 4‐week, multicenter, interventional, single‐arm phase IV study included 72 Korean patients with CIPN inadequately controlled with pregabalin or gabapentin (Numeric Rating Scale 0–10; NRS ≥4 at baseline). In addition to pregabalin or gabapentin at existing doses, patients received 20/10 mg/day oxycodone/naloxone (up‐titrated to 80/40 mg/day as needed). The primary endpoint was change in NRS score after 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints included Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group‐Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG‐NTX) scores and safety assessments.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) dose of oxycodone/naloxone was 23.3 ± 7.5 mg/day. At week 4, NRS score reduction was 1.29 ± 1.84 points (21.4% reduction; P < 0.0001). Patients on taxane‐based chemotherapy experienced a significantly smaller mean change in NRS score at week 4 compared to patients on other chemotherapy (−0.63 ± 1.54 [n = 30] vs. −1.83 ± 1.00 [n = 36]; P = 0.0072). Although there were no significant changes in FACT/GOG‐NTX total scores, improvements were observed in the neurotoxicity subscale measuring numbness/tingling of hands (mean ± SD change: −0.27 ± 1.04; P = 0.0427) and feet (−0.60 ± 1.09; P < 0.0001). Forty‐two (58.3%) patients reported adverse events. There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory tests or vital signs.

Conclusion

Oxycodone/naloxone added to pregabalin or gabapentin provided additional pain relief and symptom control in Korean patients with CIPN, without clinically significant safety concerns.
A retrospective pilot study to determine whether the reproductive tract microbiota differs between women with a history of infertility and fertile women
Authors: Wee Bryan A. , Thomas Mark , Sweeney Emma Louise , Frentiu Francesca D. , Samios Melanie , Ravel Jacques , Gajer Pawel , Myers Garry , Timms Peter , Allan John A. , Huston Wilhelmina M.
Published: December 2017

Background

We know very little about the microbiota inhabiting the upper female reproductive tract and how it impacts on fertility.

Aims

This pilot study aimed to examine the vaginal, cervical and endometrial microbiota for women with a history of infertility compared to women with a history of fertility.

Materials and methods

Using a retrospective case–control study design, women were recruited for collection of vaginal, cervical and endometrial samples. The microbiota composition was analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplification and endometrial expression of selected human genes by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Sixty‐five specimens from the reproductive tract of 31 women were successfully analysed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (16 controls and 15 cases). The dominant microbial community members were consistent in the vagina and cervix, and generally consistent with the endometrium although the relative proportions varied. We detected three major microbiota clusters that did not group by tissue location or case–control status. There was a trend that infertile women more often had Ureaplasma in the vagina and Gardnerella in the cervix. Testing for the expression of selected genes in the endometrium did not show evidence of correlation with case–control status, or with microbial community composition, although Tenascin‐C expression correlated with a history of miscarriage.

Conclusions

There is a need for further exploration of the endometrial microbiota, and how the microbiota members or profile interplays with fertility or assisted reproductive technologies.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) cumulative live birth rates following preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy (PGD‐A) or morphological assessment of embryos: A cohort analysis
Authors: Lee Evelyn , Chambers Georgina Mary , Hale Lyndon , Illingworth Peter , Wilton Leeanda
Published: December 2017

Background

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy (PGD‐A) for all 24 chromosomes improves implantation and clinical pregnancy rates per single assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. However, there is limited data on the live‐birth rate of PGD‐A over repeated cycles.

Aim

To assess the cumulative live‐birth rates (CLBR) of PGD‐A compared with morphological assessment of embryos of up to three ‘complete ART cycles’ (fresh plus frozen/thaw cycles) in women aged 37 years or older.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of ART treatments undertaken by ART‐naïve women at a large Australian fertility clinic between 2011 and 2014. Cohorts were assigned based on the embryo selection method used in their first fresh cycle [PGD‐A, n = 110 women (PGD‐A group); morphological assessment of embryos, n = 1983 women (control group)]. CLBR, time to clinical pregnancy and cycles needed to achieve a live birth were measured over multiple cycles.

Results

Compared to the control group, the PGD‐A group achieved a higher per cycle live‐birth rate (14.47% vs 9.12%, P < 0.01), took a shorter mean time to reach a clinical pregnancy leading to a live‐birth (104.8 days vs 140.6 days, P < 0.05) and required fewer cycles to achieve a live‐birth (6.91 cycles vs 10.96 cycles, P < 0.01). However, after three ‘complete ART cycles’, the CLBR was comparable for the two groups (30.90% vs 26.77%, P = 0.34).

Conclusion

This is the first study to assess the effectiveness of PGD‐A over multiple ART cycles. These real‐world findings suggest that PGD‐A leads to better outcomes than using morphological assessment alone in women of advanced maternal age.
Exploring performance of, and attitudes to, Stop‐ and Mock‐Before‐You‐Block in preventing wrong‐side blocks
Authors: Hopping M. , Merry A. F. , Pandit J. J.
Published: December 2017

We conducted an online survey to assess the career experiences of wrong side blocks, the practice of Stop‐Before‐You‐Block, the recently described method of Mock‐Before‐You‐Block and attitudes to these. Respondents were 208 anaesthetists across nine hospitals (173 consultants or Staff and Associate Specialist doctors'), representing 3623 years of collective anaesthetic practice. There had been a total of 62 wrong side blocks (by 51 anaesthetists and one current trainee). Predisposing factors for this were commonly ascribed to distractions (35 (69%), for example due to rushing or teaching), patient positioning (9 (18%)) or miscommunication (6 (12%)). Two (4%) respondents felt they had performed Stop‐Before‐You‐Block too early; 62 (41%) of all respondents stated they performed Stop‐Before‐You‐Block as early as preparing the skin or on arrival of the patient in the anaesthetic room, and not any later. Twenty (10%) respondents admitted to not performing Stop‐Before‐You‐Block at all or only occasionally (including 5 (2%) who had performed a wrong side block). Mock‐Before‐You‐Block was easily understood (by 169 out of 197 (86%)) and 14 out of 61 (23%) respondents felt it would have prevented the wrong side error in their case. However, free‐text comments indicated that many anaesthetists were reluctant to use a method that interrupted their performance of the block. We conclude that considerable work is needed to achieve full compliance with Stop‐Before‐You‐Block at the correct time.
Exposures of male rats to environmental chemicals [bisphenol A and di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate] affected expression of several proteins in the developing epididymis
Authors: Abdel‐Maksoud F. M. , Knight R. , Waler K. , Yaghoubi‐Yeganeh N. , Olukunle J. O. , Thompson H. , Panizzi J. R. , Akingbemi B. T.
Published: December 2017

Hormonally active agents are released into the environment from industrial and manufacturing activity. Evidence in the literature indicates that impaired reproductive capacity in wildlife and laboratory species is associated with chemical exposures. In particular, bisphenol A (BPA) and di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have generated public interest due to their presence in several consumer products. In this study, we determined that expression of steroid hormone receptors (estrogen and androgen receptors), Wnt4, and β‐catenin was greater (p < 0.05) in the rat epididymis at 35 days of age compared to 21 and 90 days. Second, timed‐pregnant Long‐Evans dams were exposed to the chemicals BPA and DEHP by gavage from gestational days 12–21. The caput epididymis was collected from cohorts of male offspring at 35 and 90 days of age and processed for Western blot analysis. Results showed that prenatal BPA and DEHP exposures affected (p < 0.05) expression of estrogen and androgen receptor, Wnt4, β‐catenin, MAPK, and HOXD4 protein in the epididymis. Data have implications for morphological development of the epididymis, a possibility that would be explored in future studies.
Randomised study found that improved nutritional intake was associated with better sleep patterns in prepubertal children who were both short and lean
Authors: Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal , Machtei Ayelet , Lazar Liora , Shamir Raanan , Phillip Moshe , Lebenthal Yael
Published: December 2017

Aims

Nutrition and sleep are prerequisites for linear growth and we addressed the under‐researched role of sleep in this equation.

Methods

This was a prospective randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study of nutritional supplements in 164 healthy lean, short, prepubertal children with 83 in the supplement group and 81 in the placebo group. From November 2010 to November 2013, we focussed on children aged three to nine years referred for specialist growth assessments to the Schneider Children's Medical Center, Israel. Progress was assessed using anthropometric measurements, sleep questionnaires and three‐day food diaries at baseline and after the six‐month intervention.

Results

Children in the supplement group who took at least 50% of the recommended dose had shorter sleep latency than those who did not (p = 0.046). Children who fell asleep in less than 15 minutes had significantly improved standard deviation scores for weight (0.25 ± 0.34 versus 0.07 ± 0.36, p = 0.044) and height (0.09 ± 0.13 versus 0.03 ± 0.13, p = 0.057) than those who took longer to fall asleep. Positive correlations were found between mean sleep duration and caloric and macronutrient intake per kilogram.

Conclusion

Adequate nutritional intake was associated with better sleep patterns and may enhance linear growth.
Extreme prematurity, treated retinopathy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cerebral palsy are significant risk factors for ophthalmological abnormalities at 6.5 years of age
Authors: Hellström Ann , Källén Karin , Carlsson Birgitta , Holmström Gerd , Jakobsson Peter , Lundgren Pia , Serenius Fredrik , Stjernqvist Karin , Tornqvist Kristina , Hellgren Kerstin
Published: December 2017

Aim

This study evaluated the contributions of various prenatal and postnatal predictive factors to a documented high prevalence of ophthalmological abnormalities in children aged 6.5 years who were born extremely preterm.

Methods

We carried out a prospective population‐based study of all children born in Sweden at a gestational age of 22 + 0 to 26 + 6 weeks based on the Extremely Preterm Infants in Sweden Study. The main outcome measures were a combined score of visual impairment, refractive errors and strabismus at 6.5 years of age. Models of univariate and multivariable regression were used to analyse potential prenatal and postnatal predictive factors at different clinically relevant time‐points from one minute after birth to 30 months.

Results

We focused on 399 known extremely preterm survivors and compared them to 300 full‐term controls. Significant antecedents for ophthalmological abnormalities included prematurity per se, retinopathy of prematurity that required treatment, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cerebral palsy. Severe intraventricular haemorrhage was no longer a significant risk factor when we adjusted it for the 30‐month cognitive and neuromotor development outcomes.

Conclusion

This time‐course risk analysis model showed a changing panorama of significant risk factors for ophthalmological abnormalities in children aged 6.5 years who were born extremely preterm.