bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IgG from atopic dermatitis patients induces IL‐17 and IL‐10 production in infant intrathymic TCD4 and TCD8 cells
Authors: Sgnotto Fábio D. R. , de Oliveira Marilia G. , Lira Aline A. L. , Inoue Amanda H. S. , Titz Tiago O. , Orfali Raquel L. , Bento‐de‐Souza Luciana , Sato Maria N. , Aoki Valeria , Duarte Alberto J. S. , Victor Jefferson R.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Our group recently demonstrated that IgG modulates αβT cell cytokine production during the maturation process in the human thymus. The effects of this modulation are IgG repertoire dependent and can exert a systemic and long‐term impact.

Objective

To investigate whether IgG from atopic dermatitis (AD) patients can modulate cytokine production of infant intrathymic TCD4 and TCD8 cells in vitro.

Methods

Thymic tissues were obtained from newborn children from nonatopic mothers, and thymocytes were cultured for 6 days with purified IgG from AD patients or with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or mock conditions as controls. Cells were gated as double positive T cells (TDP−CD4+CD8+), TCD4 cells (CD4+CD8−), or TCD8 cells (CD4−CD8+), and intracellular levels of IL‐17A, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, and TGF‐β were evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared to mock and IVIG culture conditions, IgG of AD individuals induced in vitro intracellular production of IL‐17 and IL‐10 by intrathymic TDP, TCD4, and TCD8 cells of infants. TGF‐β was also detected at a higher frequency in response to AD IgG in TDP and TCD8 cells compared to mock and IVIG cultured conditions. An opposite effect was detected upon IFN‐γ production in TCD4 cells, such that AD IgG reduced IFN‐γ production compared to production under mock conditions but not under IVIG conditions.

Conclusion

IgG of AD patients can stimulate cytokine production in infant thymocytes and thus resembles the peripheral profile observed in adults. These findings suggest a novel mechanism that can contribute to AD pathogenesis.
Nurses' satisfaction with use of a personal digital assistants with a mobile nursing information system in China
Authors: Shen Li‐Qiong , Zang Xiao‐Ying , Cong Ji‐Yan
Published: January 2018

Background

Personal digital assistants, technology with various functions, have been applied in international clinical practice. Great benefits in reducing medical errors and enhancing the efficiency of clinical work have been achieved, but little research has investigated nurses' satisfaction with the use of personal digital assistants.

Aim

To investigate nurses' satisfaction with use of personal digital assistants, and to explore the predictors of this.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey targeting nurses who used personal digital assistants in a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Beijing.

Results

A total of 383 nurses were recruited in this survey in 2015. The total score of nurses' satisfaction with use of personal digital assistants was 238.91 (SD 39.25). Nurses were less satisfied with the function of documentation, compared with the function of administering medical orders. The time length of using personal digital assistants, academic degree, and different departments predicted nurses' satisfaction towards personal digital assistant use (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nurses were satisfied with the accuracy of administering medical orders and the safety of recording data. The stability of the wireless network and efficiency related to nursing work were less promising. To some extent, nurses with higher education and longer working time with personal digital assistants were more satisfied with them.
Origins of natural killer cell memory: special creation or adaptive evolution
Authors: Holder Kayla A. , Comeau Emilie M. , Grant Michael D.
Published: January 2018

The few initial formative studies describing non‐specific and apparently spontaneous activity of natural killer (NK) cells have since multiplied into thousands of scientific reports defining their unique capacities and means of regulation. Characterization of the array of receptors that govern NK cell education and activation revealed an unexpected relationship with the major histocompatibility molecules that NK cells originally became well known for ignoring. Proceeding true to form, NK cells continue to up‐end archetypal understanding of their ever‐expanding capabilities. Discovery that the NK cell repertoire is extremely diverse and can be reshaped by particular viruses into unique subsets of adaptive NK cells challenges, or at least broadens, the definition of immunological memory. This review provides an overview of studies identifying adaptive NK cells, addressing the origins of NK cell memory and introducing the heretical concept of NK cells with extensive antigenic specificity. Whether these newly apparent properties reflect adaptive utilization of known NK cell attributes and receptors or a specially creative allocation from an undefined receptor array remains to be fully determined.
In utero exposure to the 1918 pandemic influenza in Denmark and risk of dementia
Authors: Cocoros Noelle M. , Ording Anne G. , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Henderson Victor W. , Sørensen Henrik T.
Published: January 2018

Background

Substantial but inconclusive evidence suggests in utero exposure to influenza infection may be linked with Alzheimer′s disease.

Objectives

We examined whether individuals exposed in utero to the 1918 influenza pandemic are at increased risk of dementia.

Patients/Methods

In this cohort study, surveillance data were used to identify months when influenza activity was at its peak during the pandemic. Using birth dates, exposed and unexposed individuals were identified based on whether they were in utero during ≥1 of the peak months. The outcome, any type of dementia, was identified in population‐based medical registries. Time and age at risk were restricted so exposed and unexposed had equal time at risk; diagnoses for dementia were assessed between ages 62 and 92, with a maximum of 30 years at risk. Poisson regression was used to estimate sex‐adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

Results

We identified 106 479 exposed and 177 918 unexposed persons. Using the cumulative risk function, there were similar proportions of exposed and unexposed with a dementia diagnosis at 11.9% and 11.7%, respectively. Across all ages, the IRR for the association between in utero influenza exposure and any dementia was 1.01 (95% CI 0.99‐1.04); for Alzheimer's disease, it was 0.97 (0.93‐1.01). When stratified by age and sex, and when dementia type was examined, estimates of association were also null or close to null.

Conclusions

Our study suggests there is likely not an association between in utero exposure to the 1918 influenza pandemic and dementia among those 62 and older.
Standardisation of inactivated influenza vaccines—Learning from history
Authors: Wood John M. , Weir Jerry P.
Published: January 2018

The single radial immunodiffusion assay has been the accepted method for determining the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines since 1978. The worldwide adoption of this assay for vaccine standardisation was facilitated through collaborative studies that demonstrated a high level of reproducibility and its applicability to the different types of influenza vaccine being produced at that time. Clinical evidence indicated the relevance of SRID as a potency assay. Unique features of the SRID assay are likely responsible for its longevity even as newer technologies for vaccine characterisation have been developed and refined. Nevertheless, there are significant limitations to the SRID assay that indicate the need for improvement, and there has been a substantial amount of work undertaken in recent years to develop and evaluate alternative potency assays, including collaborative studies involving research laboratories, regulatory agencies and vaccine manufacturers. Here, we provide an overview of the history of inactivated influenza vaccine potency testing, the current state of alternative assay development and the some of the major challenges to be overcome before implementation of new assays for potency determination.
Analysing the Effects of Critique Techniques on the Success of Interior Architecture Students
Authors: Gunday Gul Ciler Gozde , Afacan Yasemin
Published: January 2018

In architectural design education, the most significant part in the curriculum is the design studio, where students learn how to design. Critique has a crucial role in the design studio, and in determining the best and most beneficial critique type for the architectural design education process. Student attitudes toward critiques and student satisfaction level with each critique technique are also significant. To that end, this article explores design studio learning by reviewing the design learning process and types of design critiques. Focusing on three critique techniques used in design education (desk critiques, pin‐up critiques and group critiques), the article analyses correlations between student attitudes toward each technique and its contribution to the design process. Research was conducted with 84 third‐year interior architecture students from the 2014–15 Fall semester at a university. No statistically significant differences were found between group and pin‐up critiques in terms of students’ preferences and their final performance scores; however, there was a statistically significant relationship between student preferences toward desk critiques and student success. Furthermore, the contribution of a critique technique to the design process was found to be highly correlated with student preference for this technique.
Effects of aerobic interval training on arterial stiffness and microvascular function in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo , Ramirez‐Jimenez Miguel , Fernandez‐Elias Valentin E. , Guio de Prada Maria V. , Morales‐Palomo Felix , Pallares Jesus G. , Nelson Rachael K. , Ortega Juan F.
Published: January 2018

The authors determined the effect of high‐intensity aerobic interval training on arterial stiffness and microvascular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome with hypertension. Applanation tonometry was used to measure arterial stiffness and laser Doppler flowmetry to assess microvascular dysfunction before and after 6 months of stationary cycling (training group; n = 23) in comparison to a group that remained sedentary (control group; n = 23). While no variable improved in controls, hypertension fell from 79% (59%–91%) to 41% (24%–61%) in the training group, resulting in lower systolic and diastolic pressures than controls (−12 ± 3 and −6 ± 2 mm Hg, P < .008). Arterial stiffness declined (−17% augmentation index, P = .048) and reactive hyperemia increased (20%, P = .028) posttreatment in the training group vs controls. Blood constituents associated with arterial stiffness and a prothrombotic state (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, platelets, and erythrocytes) remained unchanged in the training and control groups. In summary, 6 months of an intense aerobic exercise program reduced both arterial stiffness and microvascular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome despite unchanged blood‐borne cardiovascular risk factors. Training lowers blood flow resistance in central and peripheral vascular beds in a coordinated fashion, resulting in clinically relevant reductions in hypertension.
Tracking actinic keratosis of face and scalp treated with 0.015% ingenol mebutate to identify clinical and dermoscopic predictors of treatment response
Authors: Pampena R. , Benati E. , Borsari S. , Bombonato C. , Lombardi M. , Raucci M. , Mirra M. , Lallas A. , Apalla Z. , Papadimitriou I. , Moscarella E. , Kyrgidis A. , Argenziano G. , Pellacani G. , Longo C.
Published: January 2018

Background

Ingenol mebutate (IngMeb) 0.015% gel is an approved field treatment option for non‐hyperkeratotic non‐hypertrophic actinic keratosis (AK) of face and scalp. Efficacy of IngMeb has been assessed only on a clinical ground, in the majority of studies. Dermoscopy is a pivotal tool for the diagnosis of AK, while its role in evaluating the response to non‐surgical therapies for AK has not been fully defined.

Objectives

Our study aims to determine whether some dermoscopic features of AK of the face and scalp areas may independently predict the response to IngMeb therapy.

Methods

Clinical and dermoscopic responses, 1 month after 0.015% IngMeb therapy, were retrospectively evaluated using a per‐patient and per‐lesion approach. Safety was evaluated through local skin reaction composite score calculation. Demographic, clinical and dermoscopic factors were then evaluated via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess independent predictors of response.

Results

Fifty‐five patients with 245 AKs were enrolled. Clinically, per‐patient response evaluation identified 25 (45.4%) poor/partial and 30 (54.5%) complete responders, corresponding on a per‐lesion approach to 66 (26.9%) and 179 (73.1%) AKs, respectively. Dermoscopy reclassified 14 patients in the per‐patient and 48 AKs in the per‐lesion analysis from complete to poor/partial responders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AKs dermoscopically characterized by red pseudonetwork and located on the face were independently associated with a complete dermoscopic response to 0.015% IngMeb therapy, while microerosions were negative predictors.

Conclusion

Specific dermoscopic features of AK may predict the response to 0.015% IngMeb therapy, together with the location on the face.
Clinicopathological features and course of cutaneous protothecosis
Authors: Tseng H.‐C. , Chen C.‐B. , Ho J.‐C. , Cheng Y.‐W. , Huang H.‐W. , Sun P.‐L. , Lee C.‐H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Protothecosis is an uncommon infection caused by the achlorophyllic algae found more commonly in tropical areas. Only a limited number of cases have been reported.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of cutaneous protothecosis.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 20 pathology‐confirmed cases of cutaneous protothecosis based on skin biopsies in two tertiary medical centres in Taiwan from 1997 to 2015.

Results

The age of the patients at the time of diagnosis ranged from 48 to 85 years (mean age of 74 years). All lesions developed on the limbs. Twelve (60%) patients had adrenal insufficiency, but no patients had active malignancy at diagnosis. Interestingly, four (20%) patients had concurrent scabies infestation. Clinically, most lesions were erythematous plaques studded with punctate ulcers. Microscopically, the most common finding was granulomatous inflammation. Nineteen (95%) cases were successfully treated with itraconazole for 14–148 days with only one case of recurrence. Concomitant scabies should be suspected if pruritus is recalcitrant despite itraconazole treatment.

Conclusion

Despite its rarity, cutaneous protothecosis has become more significant due to an increased prevalence of immunocompromised individuals. Steroid overuse or iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency predisposes individuals to high‐risk infections. Neglecting the disease leads to a chronic and incurable state. Protothecosis should be suspected in chronic eczematous and ulcerative plaques on the limbs refractory to conventional antibacterial and antiviral treatments, especially in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Clinical suspicion should be confirmed by skin biopsies, and confirmed cases can be successfully treated with itraconazole.
Guideline‐compliant prescription of biologicals and possible barriers in dermatological practices in Bavaria
Authors: Schielein M.C. , Tizek L. , Rotter M. , Konstantinow A. , Biedermann T. , Zink A.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Psoriasis and urticaria are chronic inflammatory skin diseases, which account for a substantial socioeconomic burden and severely affect patients’ quality of life. According to the respective German guidelines, biologicals can be used for the treatment of severe forms of these diseases. However, only a minority of patients receive this advised treatment.

Objective

To analyse the prescription of biologicals according to the German national guidelines for psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria and to assess possible barriers to prescription.

Materials and methods

Cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study including all Bavarian dermatologists based in private practices. Linear and logistic regression models were used to identify significant influencing factors on the perception of possible barriers.

Results

Between January 2017 and February 2017, a total of 137 (of 499) dermatologists participated. Of all patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria, participating dermatologists indicated treating 14.2% and 6.9% with biologicals, respectively. The most prevalent barriers to prescription were the high cost of the therapy, the low reimbursement and the fear of recourse. Analysis showed that age, years spent working in a dermatological hospital and the number of patients treated with moderate to severe psoriasis affect the perception of many barriers. Furthermore, age and barriers related to physician factors and external factors were identified as modifiers to the prescription scheme of dermatologists.

Conclusions

The role of clinical education and the importance of external and economic barriers in comparison with medical barriers have to be emphasised. Guideline‐compliant use of biologicals has to be optimised. Further research is needed to ascertain not only a barrier pattern for Bavaria but also for wider settings. Actions based on this for psoriasis are needed to achieve the goal of the WHO Global Psoriasis Report to strengthen the role of patient‐centred care and improve the quality of life of affected patients. Analogue, this applies also for urticaria.
Combining synthetic controls and interrupted time series analysis to improve causal inference in program evaluation
Authors: Linden Ariel
Published: January 2018

Rationale, aims and objectives

Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is an evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied over time and the intervention is expected to “interrupt” the level and/or trend of the outcome. The internal validity is strengthened considerably when the treated unit is contrasted with a comparable control group. In this paper, we introduce a robust evaluation framework that combines the synthetic controls method (SYNTH) to generate a comparable control group and ITSA regression to assess covariate balance and estimate treatment effects.

Methods

We evaluate the effect of California's Proposition 99 for reducing cigarette sales, by comparing California to other states not exposed to smoking reduction initiatives. SYNTH is used to reweight nontreated units to make them comparable to the treated unit. These weights are then used in ITSA regression models to assess covariate balance and estimate treatment effects.

Results

Covariate balance was achieved for all but one covariate. While California experienced a significant decrease in the annual trend of cigarette sales after Proposition 99, there was no statistically significant treatment effect when compared to synthetic controls.

Conclusions

The advantage of using this framework over regression alone is that it ensures that a comparable control group is generated. Additionally, it offers a common set of statistical measures familiar to investigators, the capability for assessing covariate balance, and enhancement of the evaluation with a comprehensive set of postestimation measures. Therefore, this robust framework should be considered as a primary approach for evaluating treatment effects in multiple group time series analysis.
Household Optimism and Overborrowing
Authors: HYYTINEN ARI , PUTKURI HANNA
Published: January 2018

We use Finnish household‐level data from 1994 to 2013 to measure how often and what kind of forecast errors households make and how the errors are linked to the households' borrowing behavior and overindebtedness. We find that those households that make the largest optimistic forecast errors have greater debt‐to‐income ratios. They also are more likely to report that they suffer from excessive debt loads and have problems in coping with their bills. There are no such systematic effects for the households that make pessimistic forecast errors.
Intersectoral Labor Immobility, Sectoral Comovement, and News Shocks
Authors: KATAYAMA MUNECHIKA , KIM KWANG HWAN
Published: January 2018

Sectoral comovement of output and hours worked is a prominent feature of business cycle data. However, most two‐sector neoclassical models fail to generate this sectoral comovement. We construct and estimate a two‐sector neoclassical Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DGSE) model generating sectoral comovement in response to both anticipated and unanticipated shocks. The key to our model's success is a significant degree of intersectoral labor immobility, which we estimate using data on sectoral hours worked. Furthermore, we demonstrate that imperfect intersectoral labor mobility provides a better explanation for the sectoral comovement than an alternative model emphasizing the role of labor‐supply wealth effects.
Corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐binding protein is up‐regulated by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and is secreted in an activity‐dependent manner in rat cerebral cortical neurons
Authors: Adachi Naoki , Suzuki Shingo , Matsuoka Hidetada , Fushimi Satoko , Ono Junichiro , Ohta Ken‐ichi , Hirai Yohei , Miki Takanori , Koshimizu Hisatsugu
Published: January 2018

A recent study revealed that corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in the cerebral cortex (CTX) plays a regulatory role in emotional behaviors in rodents. Given the functional interaction between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the CRH‐signaling pathway in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, we hypothesized that BDNF may regulate gene expression of CRH and its related molecules in the CTX. Findings of real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) indicated that stimulation of cultured rat cortical neurons with BDNF led to marked elevations in the mRNA levels of CRH and CRH‐binding protein (CRH‐BP). The BDNF‐induced up‐regulation of CRH‐BP mRNA was attenuated by inhibitors of tropomyosin related kinase (Trk) and MEK, but not by an inhibitor for PI3K and Phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ). The up‐regulation was partially blocked by an inhibitor of lysine‐specific demethylase (KDM) 6B. Fluorescent imaging identified the vesicular pattern of pH‐sensitive green fluorescent protein‐fused CRH‐BP (CRH‐BP‐pHluorin), which co‐localized with mCherry‐tagged BDNF in cortical neurons. In addition, live‐cell imaging detected drastic increases of pHluorin fluorescence in neurites upon membrane depolarization. Finally, we confirmed that tetrodotoxin partially attenuated the BDNF‐induced up‐regulation of CRH‐BP mRNA, but not that of the protein. These observations indicate the following: In cortical neurons, BDNF led to gene expression of CRH‐BP and CRH. TrkB, MEK, presumably ERK, and KDM6B are involved in the BDNF‐induced gene expression of CRH‐BP, and BDNF is able to induce the up‐regulation in a neuronal activity‐independent manner. It is suggested that CRH‐BP is stored into BDNF‐containing secretory granules in cortical neurons, and is secreted in response to membrane depolarization.

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Assessment of the efficacy of a new complex antisensitive skin cream
Authors: Wang Yinjuan , Viennet Céline , Jeudy Adeline , Fanian Ferial , He Li , Humbert Philippe
Published: January 2018

Background

Sensitive skin is frequently complaint in dermatology consultation with cutaneous manifestations such as stinging, redness, dryness, and burning sensation that affect the quality of life. Its pathogenesis is mainly related to dysfunction of neurosensory, skin barrier, and also immune activity. The treatment is generally based on continuous and topical therapy by nonirritating complex.

Objective

To evaluate the antisensitive function of a new complex cream composed by Yunnan Portulaca oleracea extract, Prinsepia utilis oil, beta‐glucan, and sodium hyaluronate extracted from mushroom.

Methods

A randomized double‐blind and self‐control study was conducted on 20 selected volunteers with sensitive skin. Subjects applied the test cream to 1 side of the face, and the control cream (tolerance‐extreme cream) to the other side of the face, twice daily over 28 days. Evaluations were performed at baseline and at 28 days. Expert clinical grading of facial skin including dryness, roughness, desquamation, and erythema was assessed. Subject self‐assessment questionnaires, digital photography and noninvasive bioinstrumentation of hydration, transepidermal water loss, lipid index, skin texture, and wettability were also included in the study.

Results

Products were well tolerated. For all parameters studied, no significant difference was observed between test and control creams. Results showed that test cream provided a statistically significant improvement in clinical grading scores for dryness, roughness, and erythema at 28 days compared to baseline. In addition, statistically significant improvement of skin hydration and texture parameters (eg, smoothness and roughness) was demonstrated. Volunteers’ questionnaire revealed self‐perceived benefits consistent with expert visual grading.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the effectiveness and tolerance of the new complex cream in subjects with sensitive skin. The test cream could serve as a daily care moisturizer for face.
Assessment of the efficacy and tolerance of an innovative regenerative serum on cutaneous regeneration, following fractional laser procedure using Erbium:YAG
Authors: Jiménez Natalia , Hermosa Angela , de Miguel Laura , Sánchez‐Neila Natalia , Truchuelo Maria Teresa , Eraña Itziar , Cuevas Jesus
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Cutaneous regeneration, fractional laser, medical device, cellular proliferation cutaneous changes linked to photoaging are currently treated with physical treatments, such as fractional laser, which may induce epidermal alteration.

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of a regenerative serum (Matricium®, Laboratoire Bioderma, France) after laser procedure.

Methods

Prospective, double‐blind, controlled, and randomized study in subjects with photoaged skin. The regenerative serum of treatment was used after a fractional laser session twice daily for 2 months on 1 side of the face and the placebo on the other side. The main variable to determine efficacy was the improvement of clinical signs and histological and immunological results.

Results

A superior quality of epidermal regeneration on the treated side compared to the placebo side was observed. Likewise, a superior and faster clinical improvement on static wrinkles was observed on the hemiface on which the regenerative serum was used. After 60 days, the investigator and the subjects observed a moderate to significant improvement of the skin on the treated side and a mild to moderate improvement on the placebo side.

Histological examinations showed a superior thickness of epidermis and higher cellular proliferation rate (Ki67 markers) as well as a superior thickness of dermis with higher increase in elastin density with the regenerative serum compared to placebo.

Conclusion

The use of the regenerative serum after fractional laser on the face accelerated and improved the cutaneous regeneration on both the clinical and histological level and maximized the benefits of the laser procedure.
Response to Letter: ‘Sorrow and cardiovascular events’
Authors: Hagström C. , Held C.
Published: January 2018

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by E. E. Mazokopakis
Measuring exclusive breastfeeding social support: Scale development and validation in Uganda
Authors: Boateng Godfred O. , Martin Stephanie L. , Collins Shalean M. , Natamba Barnabas K. , Young Sera L.
Published: January 2018

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for at least 2 years. Social support has been widely recognized to influence breastfeeding practices. However, existing scales do not measure exclusive breastfeeding social support (EBFSS), rather they assess social support for any breastfeeding. Further, they are tailored towards high‐income settings. Therefore, our objectives were to develop and validate a tool to measure EBFSS in low‐income settings. To develop the scale, local and international breastfeeding experts were consulted on modifications to the Hughes' Breastfeeding Social Support Scale. It was then implemented in an observational cohort in Gulu, Uganda, at 1 (n = 238) and 3 (n = 237) months post‐partum (NCT02925429). We performed polychoric and polyserial correlations to remove redundant items and exploratory factor analysis at 1 month post‐partum to determine the latent factor structure of EBFSS. We further applied confirmatory factor analysis to assess dimensionality of the scale at 3 months post‐partum. We then conducted tests of predictive, convergent, and discriminant validity against EBF, self‐efficacy, general social support, and depression. The modification of the Hughes' scale resulted in 18 items, which were reduced to 16 after examining variances and factor loadings. Three dimensions of support emerged: Instrumental, Emotional, and Informational, with alpha coefficients of 0.79, 0.85, and 0.83, respectively. Predictive, convergent, and discriminant validity of the resultant EBFSS scale was supported. The EBFSS scale is valid and reliable for measuring EBFSS in northern Uganda and may be of use in other low‐income settings to assess determinants of EBF.
Brain oxygenation with a non‐vasoactive perfluorocarbon emulsion in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Abutarboush Rania , Mullah Saad H. , Saha Biswajit K. , Haque Ashraful , Walker Peter B. , Aligbe Chioma , Pappas Georgina , Tran Ho Lam Thuy Vi , Arnaud Francoise G. , Auker Charles R. , McCarron Richard M. , Scultetus Anke H. , Moon‐Massat Paula
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess, in two experiments, the safety and efficacy of the PFC emulsion Oxycyte as an oxygen therapeutic for TBI to test the hypothesis that early administration of this oxygen‐carrying fluid post‐TBI would improve brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2).

Methods

The first experiment assessed the effects of Oxycyte on cerebral vasoactivity in healthy, uninjured rats using intravital microscopy. The second experiment investigated the effect of Oxycyte on cerebral PbtO2 using the PQM in TBI model. Animals in the Oxycyte group received a single injection of Oxycyte (6 mL/kg) shortly after TBI, while NON animals received no treatment.

Results

Oxycyte did not cause vasoconstriction in small‐ (<50 μm) or medium‐ (50‐100 μm) sized pial arterioles nor did it cause a significant change in blood pressure. Treatment with Oxycyte while breathing 100% O2 did not improve PbtO2. However, in rats ventilated with ~40% O2, PbtO2 improved to near pre‐TBI values within 105 minutes after Oxycyte injection.

Conclusions

Although Oxycyte did not cause cerebral vasoconstriction, its use at the dose tested while breathing 100% O2 did not improve PbtO2 following TBI. However, Oxycyte treatment while breathing a lower enriched oxygen concentration may improve PbtO2 after TBI.
Dynamical localization of a thylakoid membrane binding protein is required for acquisition of photosynthetic competency
Authors: Gutu Andrian , Chang Frederick , O'Shea Erin K.
Published: January 2018

Vipp1 is highly conserved and essential for photosynthesis, but its function is unclear as it does not participate directly in light‐dependent reactions. We analyzed Vipp1 localization in live cyanobacterial cells and show that Vipp1 is highly dynamic, continuously exchanging between a diffuse fraction that is uniformly distributed throughout the cell and a punctate fraction that is concentrated at high curvature regions of the thylakoid located at the cell periphery. Experimentally perturbing the spatial distribution of Vipp1 by relocalizing it to the nucleoid causes a severe growth defect during the transition from non‐photosynthetic (dark) to photosynthetic (light) growth. However, the same perturbation of Vipp1 in dark alone or light alone growth conditions causes no growth or thylakoid morphology defects. We propose that the punctuated dynamics of Vipp1 at the cell periphery in regions of high thylakoid curvature enable acquisition of photosynthetic competency, perhaps by facilitating biogenesis of photosynthetic complexes involved in light‐dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Rapid drink challenge test during esophageal high resolution manometry in patients with esophago‐gastric junction outflow obstruction
Authors: Biasutto D. , Mion F. , Garros A. , Roman S.
Published: January 2018

Background

Esophago‐gastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction is of unclear significance. Rapid drink challenge (RDC) test is easy to perform during esophageal high resolution manometry. We aimed to assess the yield of RDC test in patients with EGJ outflow obstruction.

Methods

Manometry studies of patients with EGJ outflow obstruction according to the Chicago Classification v3.0 were retrospectively reviewed. Pan‐esophageal pressurization (PEP), esophageal shortening, and pressure gradient across the EGJ were analyzed during RDC test (200‐mL free drinking in sitting position) and compared according to the causes of EGJ outflow obstruction determined by charts review.

Key Results

Seventy‐five patients (29 males, mean age 62 years) were included. Causes of EGJ outflow obstruction were previous esophago‐gastric surgery (40%), incomplete form of achalasia (7%), mediastinal neoplasia (7%), other associated conditions (21%), and undetermined (25%). Rapid drink challenge test was successfully performed in 70 patients and associated with PEP and shortening in 41% and 13%, respectively. The causes of EGJ outflow obstruction were similarly distributed in patients with and without PEP during RDC test. Esophageal shortening tended to be more likely in patients with definitive findings of obstruction (achalasia, previous surgery, neoplasia) than in the others. Dysphagia was more severe in patients with PEP and/or shortening during RDC test compared to those without.

Conclusions & Inferences

Pan‐esophageal pressurization and esophageal shortening were associated with symptoms severity but did not predict the cause of this disorder. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if RDC test could help to select patients who might benefit from treatment.
High intraspecific genome diversity in the model arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiont Rhizophagus irregularis
Authors: Chen Eric C. H. , Morin Emmanuelle , Beaudet Denis , Noel Jessica , Yildirir Gokalp , Ndikumana Steve , Charron Philippe , St‐Onge Camille , Giorgi John , Krüger Manuela , Marton Timea , Ropars Jeanne , Grigoriev Igor V. , Hainaut Matthieu , Henrissat Bernard , Roux Christophe , Martin Francis , Corradi Nicolas
Published: January 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to improve plant fitness through the establishment of mycorrhizal symbioses. Genetic and phenotypic variations among closely related AMF isolates can significantly affect plant growth, but the genomic changes underlying this variability are unclear.

To address this issue, we improved the genome assembly and gene annotation of the model strain Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM197198, and compared its gene content with five isolates of R. irregularis sampled in the same field.

All isolates harbor striking genome variations, with large numbers of isolate‐specific genes, gene family expansions, and evidence of interisolate genetic exchange. The observed variability affects all gene ontology terms and PFAM protein domains, as well as putative mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted effector‐like proteins and other symbiosis differentially expressed genes. High variability is also found in active transposable elements.

Overall, these findings indicate a substantial divergence in the functioning capacity of isolates harvested from the same field, and thus their genetic potential for adaptation to biotic and abiotic changes. Our data also provide a first glimpse into the genome diversity that resides within natural populations of these symbionts, and open avenues for future analyses of plant–AMF interactions that link AMF genome variation with plant phenotype and fitness.
Cytokinin signaling: from the ER or from the PM? That is the question!
Authors: Romanov Georgy A. , Lomin Sergey N. , Schmülling Thomas
Published: January 2018

Content

Summary
41

I.
Introduction
41

II.
Historical outline
42

III.
Recent developments
43

IV.
Towards an integrative concept for cytokinin receptor signaling
48

Acknowledgements
51

References
51

Cytokinin signaling plays an important role in plant growth and development, and therefore its molecular characteristics are under extensive study. One characteristic is the subcellular localization of cytokinin signal initiation. This localization determines both the pathway for hormone delivery to the receptor, as well as molecular aspects of signal transfer to the primary cellular targets. Subcellular sites for the onset of cytokinin signaling are still uncertain and experimental data are in part controversial. A few years ago, cytokinin receptors were shown to be localized predominantly in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and to possess some features, such as their pH activity profile, typical for intracellular proteins. Very recently, new data corroborating the functionality of ER‐located cytokinin receptors were reported. However, other work argued for cytokinin perception to occur at the plasma membrane (PM). Here, we discuss in detail these partially conflicting data and present an integrative model for cytokinin perception and signaling. In our opinion, the prevailing evidence argues for the ER being the predominant site of cytokinin signal perception but also that signal initiation at the PM might be relevant in some circumstances as well. The roles of these pathways in long‐distance, paracrine and autocrine cytokinin signaling are discussed.
Testosterone a key factor in gender related metabolic syndrome
Authors: Bianchi V. E. , Locatelli V.
Published: January 2018

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly correlated with cardiovascular diseases. Although an excess of body fat is a determinant factor for MetS development, a reduced level of testosterone plays a fundamental role in its regulation. Low testosterone level is highly related to insulin resistance, visceral obesity and MetS. We have searched in Pubmed clinical trial with the password: testosterone and insulin resistance, and testosterone and MetS. We found 19 studies on the correlation between testosterone level with insulin resistance and 18 on the effect of testosterone therapy on MetS. A high correlation between low testosterone and insulin resistance has been found in men, but not in women. Testosterone administration in hypogonadal men improved MetS and reduced the mortality risk. Androgen and oestrogen receptors are expressed in adipocytes, muscle and liver tissue, and their activation is necessary to improve metabolic control. Normalization of testosterone level should be the primary treatment in men, along with caloric restriction and physical exercise. These findings come mainly from correlative data, and there remains a need for randomized trials to strengthen this evidence. This review will consider the effects of testosterone on the regulation and development of MetS in men and women.
Plant reproductive strategies vary under low and high pollinator densities
Authors: Mu Junpeng , Wu Qinggui , Yang Yulian , Huang Mei , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: January 2018

Long‐term variation in the population density of honey beesApis melliferaacross landscapes has been shown to correlate with variation in the floral traits of plant populations in these landscapes, suggesting that variations in pollinator population density and foraging rates can drive floral trait evolution of their host plants. However, it remained to be determined whether this variation in plant traits is associated with adaptive variation in plant reproductive strategies under conditions of high and low pollinator densities. Here we conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment to examine how this variation in floral traits, under conditions of either high and low pollinator density, impacted seed production in the Tibetan lotusSaussurea nigrescens. In 2014 and 2015, we recorded the floral traits, pollinator visitation rates, and seed production ofS. nigrescenspopulations grown in both home sites and foreign sites, where sites varied in honey bee population density. Our results demonstrated that the floral traits reflected those of their original population, regardless of their current location. However, seed production varied with both population origin and transplant site. Seed number was positively correlated with flower abundance in the pollinator‐rich sites, but with nectar production in the pollinator‐poor sites. Pollinator visitation rate was also positively correlated with flower number at pollinator‐rich sites, and with nectar volume at pollinator‐poor sites. Overall, the local genotype had higher seed production than nonlocal genotypes in home sites. However, when pollen is hand‐supplemented, plants from pollinator‐rich populations had higher seed production than plants from pollinator‐poor populations, regardless of whether they were transplanted to pollinator‐rich or ‐poor sites. These results suggest that the plant genotypic differences primarily drive variation in pollinator attraction, and this ultimately drives variation in seed: ovule ratio. Thus, our results suggest that flowering plant species use different reproductive strategies to respond to high or low pollinator densities.
Effects of conditionally expressed phenotypes and environment on amphibian dispersal in nature
Authors: Ousterhout Brittany H. , Semlitsch Raymond D.
Published: January 2018

Individuals vary greatly in the distance they disperse, and in doing so, strongly affect ecological and evolutionary processes. Dispersal, when viewed as a component of phenotype, can be affected independently or jointly by environment. However, among taxa with complex life cycles that occupy different habitats over ontogeny, the effects of environment on dispersal and the interaction between environment and phenotype remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted a field experiment to measure how dispersal distance was affected by phenotype, environment experienced before and after metamorphosis, and their interaction. We manipulated the environment encountered by a pond‐breeding salamanderAmbystoma annulatumduring the aquatic larval stage and again as dispersing terrestrial juveniles. After assaying juvenile phenotype (exploration behavior, body condition, and morphology), we then measured the initial distance dispersed by juveniles. The distance moved by dispersing salamanders was affected by attributes of both larval and juvenile habitat, with salamanders that encountered low quality habitat in either life stage moving the farthest. However, we did not find support for an interactive effect of phenotype and environment affecting the distance moved by dispersers. Interestingly, exploration behavior explained the distance moved by philopatric animals but not dispersing ones. Our findings indicate that the environment experienced before metamorphosis can affect juvenile dispersal behavior, and demonstrates the need to consider dispersal in species with complex life cycles to understand the coupling between local and regional population dynamics.
Medical equipment deployment in pediatric emergency prehospital medical units in Japan
Authors: Kaku Noriyuki , Nitta Masahiko , Muguruma Takashi , Hirata Yuichiro , Tsukahara Kohei , Knaup Emily , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Enomoto Yuki
Published: January 2018

The deployment status of pediatric emergency equipment in ambulances in Japan is unknown. To investigate the status of and issues associated with prehospital emergency medical care for pediatric patients, we conducted a descriptive epidemiological study. We carried out a Web‐based survey of 767 fire defense headquarters in Japan, of which 671 responded (valid response rate, 88%). Most of the fire defense headquarters equipped all of their ambulances with oxygen masks (82%), bag‐valve masks (for neonates, 83%; for children, 84%), straight laryngoscope blades (for neonates, 47%; for children 68%), blood pressure cuffs for children (91%), oximeter probes (78%), and stiff neck collars (91%); but despite the need for other equipment such as nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways, and Magill forceps, they were insufficiently deployed. In Japan, prehospital emergency medical equipment deployment does not meet the needs of pediatric patients. Minimum equipment standards need to be established for pediatric prehospital care.
The use of vascular homografts in pediatric small bowel transplantation: Single‐center experience over a decade
Authors: Kwon Yong K. , Llore Nathaly , Kaufman Stuart S. , Matsumoto Cal S. , Fishbein Thomas M. , Girlanda Raffaele
Published: January 2018

Intestinal transplantation in children has evolved with more isolated small intestine transplants being performed compared to combined liver‐intestine transplants. Consequently, surgical techniques have changed, frequently requiring the use of vascular homografts of small caliber to revascularize the isolated small intestine, the impact of which on outcomes is unknown. Among 106 pediatric intestine and multivisceral transplants performed at our center since 2003, 33 recipients of an isolated small intestine graft were included in this study. Outcome parameters were thrombotic complications, graft, and patient survival. A total of 29 of 33 (87.9%) patients required arterial and/or venous homografts from the same donor, mainly iliac or carotid artery and iliac or innominate vein, respectively (donor's median age 1.1 years [2 months to 23 years], median weight 10 kg [14.7‐48.5]). Post‐transplant, there were three acute arterial homograft thromboses and one venous thrombosis resulting in two peri‐operative graft salvages and two graft losses. Three of four thromboses occurred in patients with primary hypercoagulable state, including the two graft losses. Overall, at a median of 4.1 years (1‐10.2) from transplant, 29 of 33 (88%) patients are alive with 26 of 33 (79%) functioning grafts. The procurement of intact, size‐matched donor vessels and the management of effective post‐transplant anticoagulation are critical.
Total Factor Productivity in South African Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Kreuser Carl Friedrich , Newman Carol
Published: January 2018

We use firm‐level data for the period 2010‐2013 to estimate total factor productivity in the South African manufacturing sector. We examine differences in the level and growth of productivity across manufacturing subsectors and examine the heterogeneity in productivity levels within sectors. We find that productivity grew in most subsectors but that there is heterogeneity across subsectors in the pace of growth. We find that firm size is positively correlated with productivity and its growth rate. We also find that there is a productivity premium associated with engaging in R&D and international trade.