bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and ankylosing spondylitis in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Li Qiuxia , Qi Jun , Lv Qing , Zheng Xuqi , Wu Xinyu , Gu Jieruo
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To investigate whether vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to aankylosing spondylitis (AS) and study its polymorphisms in Han Chinese.

Methods

We screened single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR region through genome‐wide genotyping chips in AS cases and healthy controls, then used the exome sequencing result to analyze all the potential AS‐associated SNPs in the VDR gene.

Results

Thirty‐two SNPs were found in the VDR gene in the genome‐wide genotyping chips and the logistic regression result showed no significant difference between AS cases and controls. A total of 46 SNPs in the VDR region were genotyped through exome sequencing, including four functional SNPs (rs731236 [TaqI], rs2228570 [FokI], rs7975232 [ApaI], rs1544410 [BsmI]) and two newly discovered SNPs (12:48259222 and 12:48276730). To note, rs731236 and rs2228570 locate in the exons of VDR, which cause synonymous and missense mutation. The association test showed there was no significant difference between AS cases and controls in the allele frequency distribution, but haplotype analysis of rs11168266‐rs11168267 show nominal significance (P = 0.01268).

Conclusion

Our preliminary study indicates the haplotypes (TG) of rs11168266‐rs11168267 in the VDR gene confers susceptibility to AS, which is worth further research.
Getting to Know You: Trust Formation in New Interfirm Relationships and the Consequences for Investments in Management Control and the Collaboration
Authors: Anderson Shannon W. , Chang Hwei Fern , Cheng Mandy M. , Phua Yee Shih
Published: October 2016

Trust is often posited to substitute for management control in interfirm transactions. However, this raises questions of how trust arises in new relationships, and whether trust that is not based on prior experience transacting together is sufficient to persuade managers to forgo investments in management controls. We use an experiment to test whether two features of the early stage of an interfirm relationship influence a buyer's initial trust in a supplier and have consequences for subsequent investments in management controls and in the collaboration. These two features are the autonomy of the buyer's manager to choose a supplier (i.e., delegation of decision‐making authority) and the supplier's willingness to share information with the buyer. We find that the buyer manager's initial trust in the supplier is associated positively with both the autonomy to choose the supplier and the supplier's willingness to share information. Information content and supplier characteristics are held constant, so these results are novel and distinct from prior studies of the antecedents of trust. We find that higher initial trust is associated with reduced expenditures for management controls and increased investments in the collaboration. Thus, we conclude that delegation of decision‐making authority and supplier information‐sharing behavior in the early stages of a relationship influence the formation of initial trust, which has real consequences for investments in management control and in the collaboration.
Intraneural injection of a test dose of local anesthetic in peripheral nerves – does it induce histological changes in nerve tissue?
Authors: Wiesmann T. , Steinfeldt T. , Exner M. , Nimphius W. , De Andres J. , Wulf H. , Schwemmer U.
Published: October 2016

Background & Objectives

Most anesthesiologists use the injection of a test dose of local anesthetic in order to evaluate the final needle tip position. Thus, the intraneural injection of a full dose can be avoided. The aim of this study was to analyze whether an intraneural injection of a test dose of bupivacaine could trigger histological changes.

Methods

Intraneural injections under direct vision were performed in 40 brachial plexus nerves in seven anesthetized pigs. Tibial nerves served as positive and negative controls. Two milliliter of bupivacaine 0.5% was injected in three nerves on the left brachial plexus. For control of local anesthetic's toxicity Ringer's solution was applied intraneurally on the right side. After maintaining 48 h of general anesthesia, the nerves were resected. The specimens were processed for histological examination and assessed for inflammation (hematoxylin and eosin stain, CD68‐immunohistochemistry) and myelin damage (Kluver–Barrera stain). The degree of nerve injury was rated on a scale from 0 (no injury) to 4 (severe injury).

Results

Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the bupivacaine group [median (interquartile range) 1 (1–1.5)] and the Ringer's solution group [1 (0.5–2) P = 0.772]. Mild myelin alteration was found in 12.5% of all specimens following intraneural injection, irrespective of the applied substance.

Conclusions

"In our experimental study, intraneural injection of 2 ml of bupivacaine or Ringer's solution showed comparable mild inflammation. Nevertheless, inflammation can only be prevented by strictly avoiding nerve perforation followed by intraneural injection, as mechanical nerve perforation is a key factor for evolving inflammation.
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery: a safe and effective operation for the ≥60s?
Authors: Mackay Benedict , Zhou Lifeng , Schroeder David
Published: October 2016

Background

The perceived benefits of Roux‐en‐Y laparoscopic gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery in the ≥60s are regarded as being significantly less than in the younger population. This study examined a New Zealand population who underwent LRYGB and analysed the mortality rate, complications and postoperative weight loss.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LRYGB over a 12‐year period and had attended up to 1 year of follow‐up clinic. The study population was from a single centre in New Zealand.

Results

A total of 1362 patients were eligible. Demographic analysis showed the <60 to have 83% female majority, mean age of 43 years and a mean body mass index of 46. The ≥60 group had a 76% female majority, mean age of 63 years and a mean body mass index of 45. The % excess weight loss, % weight loss and weight loss at 1 year all showed a significant difference. Analysis of the % excess weight loss at 1 year in the ≥60s showed a mean of 79% and a median of 78% (95% confidence interval: 69%, 85%). In the <60s the mean was 84% and the median 84% (95% confidence interval: 83%, 85%). Comparison between the groups showed a significant difference (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P = 0.0064). The complication frequency of the groups was not significantly different (chi‐square test, P = 0.7605).

Conclusion

LRYGB is an effective weight loss operation in the <60s and ≥60s. LRYGB is safe, with a low complication rate and 30‐day postoperative mortality rate. LRYGB should not be restricted on the basis of age alone.
Distribution of intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio in a healthy Iranian population: the Yazd Eye Study
Authors: Pakravan Mohammad , Javadi Mohammad Ali , Yazdani Shahin , Ghahari Elham , Behroozi Zohreh , Soleimanizad Reza , Moghimi Sasan , Nilforoushan Naveed , Zarei Reza , Eslami Yadollah , Ghassami Mahmood , Ziaei Hossein , Katibeh Marzieh , Tabesh Hanif , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio (VCDR) in the healthy Iranian population.

Methods

This population‐based, epidemiologic study evaluated Iranian aged 40–80 years, residing in Yazd, Iran, in 2010–2011. Eligible subjects were selected by cluster random sampling. Each participant underwent an interview and ophthalmologic examination including slit lamp examination, Goldmann applanation tonometry, binocular optic disc evaluation, stereoscopic fundus photography, ultrasonic pachymetry and visual field testing.

Results

Of 2320 eligible individuals, 2098 subjects (response rate of 90.4%) participated in the study. One eye from 1159 subjects (total of 2262 normal eyes) were randomly selected for the purpose of the study. Mean age was 53.1 ± 9.6 years. MeanIOP,CCTandVCDRwere 14.2 ± 2.5 mmHg, 543 ± 37 μm and 0.32 ± 0.14, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation betweenIOPand age (regression coefficient = 0.02 per year, p = 0.015),CCT(regression coefficient = 0.02 per micron, p < 0.001), Spherical equivalent (regression coefficient = −0.15 per dioptre, p = 0.0.024) and smoking (regression coefficient = 0.89 higher for smokers, p = 0.009); it also showed a significant correlation betweenCCTwith spherical equivalent (regression coefficient = 3.6 per dioptre, p = 0.002) andIOP(regression coefficient = 3.6 per mmHG, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation withVCDR.

Conclusions

MeanIOP,CCTandVCDRwere 14.2 ± 2.5 mmHg, 543 ± 35 μm and 0.32 ± 0.14, respectively, in healthy Iranians that is different from other ethnicities. It seems advisable to pay attention to ethnicity for interpretation of each person's variables.
A minimally invasive adjustable‐depth blunt injector for delivery of pharmaceuticals into the posterior pole
Authors: Rotenstreich Ygal , Tzameret Adi , Kalish Sapir E. , Bubis Ettel , Belkin Michael , Moroz Iris , Rosner Mordechai , Levy Itay , Margel Shlomo , Sher Ifat
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility and safety of a novel minimally invasive adjustable‐depth blunt injector for pharmaceuticals delivery into the posterior segment.

Methods

Indocyanine green (ICG), sodium fluorescein and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were injected using the new injector into the extravascular spaces of the choroid (EVSC) compartment of rabbits and cadaver pig eyes. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), fundus imaging and histology analysis were performed for assessment of injection safety and efficacy.

Results

Indocyanine green, fluorescein and IONPs were detected across the EVSC in rabbit eyes, covering over 80 per cent of the posterior eye surface. Injected IONPs were retained in the EVSC for at least 2 weeks following injection. No retinal detachment, choroidal haemorrhage or inflammation was detected in any of the injected eyes. In cadaver pig eyes, ICG was detected across the EVSC.

Conclusions

This novel minimally invasive delivery system may be used to safely deliver large volumes of pharmaceuticals into a new treatment reservoir compartment – the EVSC which can serve as a depot, in close proximity to the retina, covering most of the surface of the back of the eye without insertion of surgical instruments under the central retina. This system is predicted to enhance the therapeutic effect of treatments for posterior eye disorders.
Comparing pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty to selective laser trabeculoplasty: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mansouri Kaweh , Shaarawy Tarek
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To compare safety, tolerability and intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering efficacy of pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty (PSLT) with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in fellow eyes of untreated patients with glaucoma.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Participants

Twenty‐nine patients (58 eyes) with primary and secondary open angle glaucoma (OAG) were randomized to undergo PSLT or SLT in each eye.

Methods

Pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty was performed using the Pascal laser (Pascal Streamline 577; Topcon Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Patients' comfort level to treatment was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Follow‐up visits were at week 1, month 1, 3 and 6. Success was defined as IOP reduction ≥20%.

Main Outcome Measures

Safety, tolerability and IOP reduction.

Results

The mean age of patients was 54.1 ± 15.5 years. Baseline IOP was similar between both groups (PSLT, 17.3 ± 4.0 mmHg; SLT, 16.8 ± 3.6 mmHg, p > 0.05). In the PSLT group, the mean IOP at 1, 3 and 6 months was 14.2 ± 3.5, 13.9 ± 2.6 and 14.0 ± 2.7 mmHg, respectively. In the SLT group, the mean IOP at 1, 3 and 6 months was 14.4 ± 4.1, 13.7 ± 3.2 and 13.7 ± 3.1 mmHg, respectively. The IOP reduction in the PSLT group was greater than the SLT group at 1 month (p < 0.01) and 3 months (p < 0.01). VAS score was better in PSLT eyes: 23.9 ± 20.5 (range, 0–82) than in SLT eyes: 50.4 ± 25.3 (range, 0–98) (p < 0.001). No serious adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

Both laser modalities had similar safety and efficacy profiles while PSLT was better tolerated by patients.
Indications for Cesarean Delivery in Mexico: Evaluation of Appropriate Use and Justification
Authors: Aranda‐Neri Juan Carlos , Suárez‐López Leticia , DeMaria Lisa M. , Walker Dilys
Published: October 2016

Background

Cesarean delivery is one of the most widely used surgical interventions in Latin America and in many cases it is performed with no clear medical indication. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between reported indications for a cesarean and support for that indication in the clinical record in four Mexican hospitals, during the 2006–2007 period.

Methods

The data are from 604 (37.1%) women from a total of 1,625 who were admitted to the hospital in labor, and who gave birth through cesarean. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was used to explore the association between indications for clinically justified or unjustified surgery and other clinical and sociodemographic variables.

Results

Supporting clinical information for indications of cesarean delivery were found in only 45 percent of the cases considered. The adjusted statistical analysis showed that the variables associated with an unjustified indication for cesarean were: not having had a prior birth (OR 1.84 [95% CI 1.16–2.89]), having a maximum cervical dilation of 4 centimeters or less at time of cesarean (OR 2.44 [95% CI 1.53–3.87]), and having received care in a private hospital (OR 6.11 [95% CI 1.90–19.57]).

Discussion

The indications for cesarean related to labor dynamics were those least supported. Not having had a prior birth poses the greatest risk of having a poorly supported indication for a cesarean delivery. It would be prudent to institute audits, and greater requirements for and surveillance of documentation for cesarean delivery indications.
Nativity, Country of Education, and Mexican‐Origin Women's Breastfeeding Behaviors in the First 10 Months Postpartum
Authors: Hendrick C. Emily , Potter Joseph E.
Published: October 2016

Background

Breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits for the infant and mother. Latina women in the United States have historically had high overall rates of initiation and duration of breastfeeding. However, these rates vary by nativity and time lived in the United States. Exclusive breastfeeding patterns among Latina women are unclear. In this study, we investigate the current and exclusive breastfeeding patterns of Mexican‐origin women at four time points from delivery to 10 months postpartum to determine the combined association of nativity and country of education with breastfeeding duration and supplementation.

Methods

Data are from the Postpartum Contraception Study, a prospective cohort study of postpartum women ages 18–44 recruited from three hospitals in Austin and El Paso, Texas. We included Mexican‐origin women who were born in either the United States or Mexico in the analytic sample (n = 593).

Results

Women completing schooling in Mexico had higher rates of overall breastfeeding throughout the study period than women educated in the United States, regardless of country of birth. This trend held in multivariate models while diminishing over time. Women born in Mexico who completed their schooling in the United States were least likely to exclusively breastfeed.

Discussion

Country of education should also be considered when assessing Latina women's risk for breastfeeding discontinuation. Efforts should be made to identify the barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding among US‐educated Mexican‐origin women to enhance existing breastfeeding promotion efforts in the United States.
Connections between constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Wimmer K. , Rosenbaum T. , Messiaen L.
Published: October 2016

Constitutional mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare childhood cancer susceptibility syndrome resulting from biallelic germline loss‐of‐function mutations in one of the MMR genes. Individuals with CMMRD have high risk to develop a broad spectrum of malignancies and frequently display features reminiscent of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Evaluation of the clinical findings of genetically proven CMMRD patients shows that not only multiple café‐au‐lait macules but also any of the diagnostic features of NF1 may be present in a CMMRD patient. This phenotypic overlap may lead to misdiagnosis of CMMRD patients as having NF1, which impedes adequate management of the patients and their families. The spectrum of CMMRD‐associated childhood malignancies includes high‐grade glioma, acute myeloid leukaemia or rhabdomyosarcoma, also reported as associated with NF1. Reported associations between NF1 and these malignancies are to a large extent based on studies that neither proved the presence of an NF1 germline mutation nor ruled‐out CMMRD in the affected. Hence, these associations are challenged by our current knowledge of the phenotypic overlap between NF1 and CMMRD and should be re‐evaluated in future studies. Recent advances in the diagnostics of CMMRD should render it possible to definitely state or refute this diagnosis in these individuals.
Circulating tumor cells as a potential biomarker in diagnosis of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Huang , Shi Yan , Huang Jietao , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Rui , Chen Hong
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Accumulating evidences demonstrated that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) show significant high concentration in plasma of lung cancer patients compared to control cohorts, suggesting that CTCs may be a promising biomarker for lung cancer. The meta‐analysis was used to evaluate potential diagnostic value of CTCs in diagnosing lung cancer.

Methods

Relevant literatures were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Technology of Chongqing (VIP), and Wan Fang Data. Summary estimates were used to evaluate CTCs as the diagnostic standard for lung cancer using Meta‐DiSc and STATA 12.0 statistical software.

Results

This meta‐analysis included five studies with a total of 460 lung cancer patients and 239 benign controls. The sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence interval [CI]) of CTCs was 75% (95% CI: 54%‐88%) and 92% (95%CI: 82%‐97%), respectively. In addition, the area under the summary ROC curve (AUC) was 0.93.

Conclusion

CTCs is a novel potential biomarker in the diagnosis of lung cancer, and more prospective are needed in the future.
A proposed classification for follicular involvement by melanoma
Authors: Tjarks B. Joel , Somani Najwa , Piliang Melissa , Bergfeld Wilma F.
Published: October 2016

Background

Folliculotropism in melanoma is poorly characterized and standard categorization for follicular involvement by melanoma is unavailable. We propose a logical categorization system.

Methods

We conducted a search of our archives over a 24‐year period for cases mentioning the terms follicle, follicular, folliculotropic, folliculocentric and melanoma.

Results

We identified 90 cases of melanoma with involvement of the hair follicle. Distinct patterns were identified. The invasive patterns were primary follicular, folliculotropic and invasive arising from melanoma in situ (MIS) with extensive follicular involvement. Follicular involvement by MIS was either lentiginous, nested or a combination of both.

A total of 29 invasive melanomas were identified. Of these 12 had invasive melanoma around the hair follicle, 2 were primary follicular melanomas, 7 showed folliculotropism and 3 were invasive melanomas arising from MIS around the follicle. Seventeen invasive melanomas had follicles only involved by MIS (9 nested, 6 nested and lentiginous and 2 lentiginous).

A total of 61 cases of MIS with follicular involvement were identified; of these 33 were lentiginous, 10 nested and 18 both lentiginous and nested.

Conclusion

We propose that the three distinct patterns of follicular involvement by invasive melanoma and the three distinct patterns of MIS will be valuable for logically categorizing involvement of the hair follicle by melanoma.
Kant, Neo‐Kantians, and Transcendental Subjectivity
Authors: Baumann Charlotte
Published: October 2016

This article discusses an interpretation of Kant's conception of transcendental subjectivity, which manages to avoid many of the concerns that have been raised by analytic interpreters over this doctrine. It is an interpretation put forward by selected C19 and early C20 neo‐Kantian writers. The article starts out by offering a neo‐Kantian interpretation of the object as something that is constituted by the categories and that serves as a standard of truth within a theory of judgment (I). The second part explicates transcendental subjectivity as the system of categories, which is self‐referential and constitutes objects (II), in order to then evaluate this conception by means of a comparison with Hegel's absolute subject (III). Rather than delineating the differences between neo‐Kantian writers, the article systematically expounds a shared project, which consists in providing the ultimate foundation for judgments by means of an anti‐psychologist and non‐metaphysical interpretation of transcendental subjectivity.
Enkratic Agency
Authors: Horst David
Published: October 2016

An enkratic agent is someone who intends to do A because she believes she should do A. Being enkratic is usually understood as something rationality requires of you. However, we must distinguish between different conceptions of enkratic rationality. According to a fairly common view, enkratic rationality is solely a normative requirement on agency: it tells us how agents should think and act. However, I shall argue that this normativist conception of enkratic rationality faces serious difficulties: it makes it a mystery how an agent's thinking and acting can be guided by the enkratic requirement, which, as I shall further argue, is something that an adequate conception of enkratic rationality must be able to explain. This, I suggest, motivates exploring a different account of enkratic rationality. On this view, enkratic rationality is primarily a constitutive requirement on agency: it is a standard internal to agency, i.e., a standard that partly spells out what it is to exercise one's agential powers well.
SORL1 rs1699102 polymorphism modulates age‐related cognitive decline and gray matter volume reduction in non‐demented individuals
Authors: Li H. , Lv C. L. , Yang C. S. , Wei D. F. , Chen K. W. , Li S. W. , Zhang Z. J.
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

SORL1 rs1699102 is associated with the risk of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease. However, the effects of this single nucleotide polymorphism on cognition and brain structure during normal aging are unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of the rs1699102 polymorphism on age‐related cognitive decline and cortical gray matter reduction in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

A total of 780 non‐demented adults completed a battery of neuropsychological tests. High‐resolution T1‐weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 89 of these subjects were also collected using a Siemens Trio 3.0 Tesla scanner.

Results

The T allele carriers displayed an accelerated age‐related change in episodic memory and processing speed tests relative to the CC genotype. A similar pattern was observed in the age‐related gray matter volume (GMV) reduction of the right middle temporal pole. The GMV in this region was significantly positively correlated with the episodic memory scores.

Conclusions

The SORL1 gene rs1699102 polymorphism has been found to be associated with age‐related cognitive decline and GMV reduction of the right middle temporal pole in older adults. These findings elucidate how the SORL1 variants shape the neural system to modulate age‐related cognitive decline and support the hypothesis that SORL1 may represent a candidate gene for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease.
Low cycle fatigue life prediction in shot‐peened components of different geometries – part II: life prediction
Authors: You C. , Achintha M. , Soady K. A. , Reed P. A. S.
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the effects of shot peening on the low‐cycle fatigue performance of a low‐pressure steam turbine blade material. The finite element model incorporating shot‐peening effects, which has been introduced in part I, has been used to predict the stabilised stress/strain state in shot‐peened samples during fatigue loading. The application of this model has been extended to different notched geometries in this study. Based on the modelling results, both the Smith–Watson–Topper and Fatemi–Socie critical plane fatigue criteria have been used to predict the fatigue life of shot‐peened samples (treated with two different peening intensities) with varying notched geometries. A good agreement between experiments and predictions was obtained. The application of a critical distance method considering the stress and strain hardening gradients near the shot‐peened surface has been found to improve the life prediction results. The effects of surface defects on the accuracy of life predictions using the proposed method were also discussed.
An invasive wetland grass primes deep soil carbon pools
Authors: Bernal Blanca , Megonigal J. Patrick , Mozdzer Thomas J.
Published: October 2016

Understanding the processes that control deep soil carbon (C) dynamics and accumulation is of key importance, given the relevance of soil organic matter (SOM) as a vast C pool and climate change buffer. Methodological constraints of measuring SOM decomposition in the field prevent the addressing of real‐time rhizosphere effects that regulate nutrient cycling and SOM decomposition. An invasive lineage of Phragmites australis roots deeper than native vegetation (Schoenoplectus americanus and Spartina patens) in coastal marshes of North America and has potential to dramatically alter C cycling and accumulation in these ecosystems. To evaluate the effect of deep rooting on SOM decomposition we designed a mesocosm experiment that differentiates between plant‐derived, surface SOM‐derived (0–40 cm, active root zone of native marsh vegetation), and deep SOM‐derived mineralization (40–80 cm, below active root zone of native vegetation). We found invasive P. australis allocated the highest proportion of roots in deeper soils, differing significantly from the native vegetation in root : shoot ratio and belowground biomass allocation. About half of the CO2 produced came from plant tissue mineralization in invasive and native communities; the rest of the CO2 was produced from SOM mineralization (priming). Under P. australis, 35% of the CO2 was produced from deep SOM priming and 9% from surface SOM. In the native community, 9% was produced from deep SOM priming and 44% from surface SOM. SOM priming in the native community was proportional to belowground biomass, while P. australis showed much higher priming with less belowground biomass. If P. australis deep rooting favors the decomposition of deep‐buried SOM accumulated under native vegetation, P. australis invasion into a wetland could fundamentally change SOM dynamics and lead to the loss of the C pool that was previously sequestered at depth under the native vegetation, thereby altering the function of a wetland as a long‐term C sink.
Exploring the potential linkages between oil‐field brine reinjection, crystalline basement permeability, and triggered seismicity for the Dagger Draw Oil field, southeastern New Mexico, USA, using hydrologic modeling
Authors: Zhang Y. , Edel S. S. , Pepin J. , Person M. , Broadhead R. , Ortiz J. P. , Bilek S. L. , Mozley P. , Evans J. P.
Published: October 2016

We used hydrologic models to explore the potential linkages between oil‐field brine reinjection and increases in earthquake frequency (up to Md 3.26) in southeastern New Mexico and to assess different injection management scenarios aimed at reducing the risk of triggered seismicity. Our analysis focuses on saline water reinjection into the basal Ellenburger Group beneath the Dagger Draw Oil field, Permian Basin. Increased seismic frequency (>Md 2) began in 2001, 5 years after peak injection, at an average depth of 11 km within the basement 15 km to the west of the reinjection wells. We considered several scenarios including assigning an effective or bulk permeability value to the crystalline basement, including a conductive fault zone surrounded by tighter crystalline basement rocks, and allowing permeability to decay with depth. We initially adopted a 7 m (0.07 MPa) head increase as the threshold for triggered seismicity. Only two scenarios produced excess heads of 7m five years after peak injection. In the first, a hydraulic diffusivity of 0.1 m2 s−1 was assigned to the crystalline basement. In the second, a hydraulic diffusivity of 0.3 m2 s−1 was assigned to a conductive fault zone. If we had considered a wider range of threshold excess heads to be between 1 and 60 m, then the range of acceptable hydraulic diffusivities would have increased (between 0.1–0.01 m2 s−1 and 1–0.1 m2 s−1 for the bulk and fault zone scenarios, respectively). A permeability–depth decay model would have also satisfied the 5‐year time lag criterion. We also tested several injection management scenarios including redistributing injection volumes between various wells and lowering the total volume of injected fluids. Scenarios that reduced computed excess heads by over 50% within the crystalline basement resulted from reducing the total volume of reinjected fluids by a factor of 2 or more.
The contribution of recently identified adult BMI risk loci to paediatric obesity in a Singaporean Chinese childhood dataset
Authors: Dorajoo R. , Ong R. T‐H. , Sim X. , Wang L. , Liu W. , Tai E. S. , Liu J. , Saw S‐M.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Recent genome‐wide association studies have identified 103 adult obesity risk loci; however, it is unclear if these findings are relevant to East‐Asian childhood body mass index (BMI) levels.

Methods and Results

We evaluated for paediatric obesity associations at these risk loci utilizing genome‐wide data from Chinese childhood subjects in the Singapore Cohort study Of the Risk factors for Myopia study (N = 1006). A weighted gene‐risk score of all adult obesity risk loci in the Singapore Cohort study Of the Risk factors for Myopia study showed strong associations with BMI at age 9 (p‐value = 3.40 × 10−12) and 4‐year average BMI (age 9 to 12, p‐value = 6.67 × 10−8). Directionally consistent nominal associations for 15 index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (p‐value < 0.05) were observed. Pathway analysis with genes from these 15 replicating loci revealed over‐representation for the G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR)‐mediated integration of entero‐endocrine signalling pathway exemplified by L‐cell (adjusted p‐value = 0.018). Evaluations of birth weight to modify the effects of BMI risk SNPs in paediatric obesity did not reveal significant interactions, and these SNPs were generally not associated with birth weight.

Conclusions

At least some common adult BMI risk variants predispose to paediatric obesity risk in East‐Asians.
Incidental inflammatory adenoma with β‐catenin activation in the setting of paediatric NASH
Authors: Oliveira S. , Samba A. K. , Towbin A. J. , Gupta A. , Geller J. I. , Nathan J. D. , Kohli R.
Published: October 2016

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are benign tumours with potential for malignant transformation with no recommendations regarding management in the paediatric population. We report a case of an inflammatory adenoma with β‐catenin activated pathway in an obese, paediatric patient with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Case Report: An 11‐year‐old female presented with a microlobulated liver lesion measuring >5 cm in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with inflammatory adenoma with β‐catenin activated pathology arising in a background of NASH, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score 5/8. Imaging follow‐up demonstrated stable disease without progression for 3 years.Discussion: Malignant transformation of Hepatocellular adenomas in a child is approximately 4.2%. It is unknown if hepatic steatosis increases this risk. Obese patients mainly develop inflammatory and β‐catenin activated (highest risk for malignant transformation) adenomas. Our patient had inflammatory and β‐catenin activation, which led to monitoring for malignant transformation.Conclusion: We report a β‐catenin activated inflammatory adenoma in a child with obesity and NASH with ongoing expectant management.
Deciphering the killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor system at super‐resolution for natural killer and T‐cell biology
Authors: Béziat Vivien , Hilton Hugo G. , Norman Paul J. , Traherne James A.
Published: October 2016

Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) are components of two fundamental biological systems essential for human health and survival. First, they contribute to host immune responses, both innate and adaptive, through their expression by natural killer cells and T cells. Second, KIR play a key role in regulating placentation, and hence reproductive success. Analogous to the diversity of their human leucocyte antigen class I ligands, KIR are extremely polymorphic. In this review, we describe recent developments, fuelled by methodological advances, that are helping to decipher the KIR system in terms of haplotypes, polymorphisms, expression patterns and their ligand interactions. These developments are delivering deeper insight into the relevance of KIR in immune system function, evolution and disease.
Management of extremely hard‐to‐heal extremity wounds with severe life‐threatening complications
Authors: Cai Aijia , Boos Anja M , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E
Published: October 2016

The introduction of neoadjuvant radiotherapy has allowed limb‐preserving surgical treatment in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma, and the overall prognosis of this approach is similar to that of limb amputation. The benefits of this treatment, however, are often accompanied with a higher risk of major complications and blood vessel damage because of radiation‐induced inflammation and necrosis of the vessel wall. In particular, it is associated with the rupture of large vessels like the femoral artery and more severe complications of wounds located in the proximal lower extremity. We present a series of four patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh undergoing tumour removal and reconstruction of the defect after neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The post‐operative outcome depended on the total dose of radiation used as well as the closing technique of the resulting wound. Major wound complications occurred when the irradiated skin was closed directly over the resection cavity or when local skin flaps were used. In one case, severe radiation‐induced life‐threatening multiple bleeding events occurred, which led to multiple flap failures. Even if the skin cover is not a problem, we propose a combined interdisciplinary approach involving immediate plastic surgical transfer of healthy, well‐vascularised tissue into a defect resulting from oncological resection of sarcoma of the lower extremity following neoadjuvant radiotherapy in order to avoid secondary wound breakdown and severe bleeding complications.
Elective surgery to save my life: rethinking the “choice” in bariatric surgery
Authors: Trainer Sarah , Benjamin Tonya
Published: October 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to explicate the processes by which a patient's choice to undergo bariatric surgery is made to feel like a medical necessity, to explore the ways widespread societal stigmatization of weight and bariatric surgery shapes patient and provider discourse about surgery and to discuss patient rationalizations of the choice to have surgery.

Background

Severe obesity is currently highly stigmatized. Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly used option for individuals seeking to lose drastic amounts of weight. The surgery itself, however, remains stigmatized across many diverse settings.

Design

This research design is centred on an ethnographic study of bariatric surgery patients who undergo surgery at a particular bariatric clinic in the American Southwest.

Methods

Data collection included repeated ethnographic interviews with 35 individuals enrolled in the bariatric programme over the past 5 years. The interviews were supplemented by extensive participant observation, starting in 2014 to date. Thematic analysis of fieldnotes and transcribed interviews followed.

Results

People who have bariatric surgery for weight‐loss may trade one type of stigma for another. Thus, individuals who qualify for bariatric surgery based on weight alone may be reluctant to explore the surgery as a viable option. This research also shows that younger women are more likely to face the effects of weight‐related stigma, which has an impact on their motivations for undergoing bariatric surgery.

Conclusion

Stigma – both weight‐related and surgery‐related – needs to be addressed at a larger level, in terms of policy and in clinical bariatric programmes.
The effectiveness of multimedia education for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Mei‐Chuan , Hung Chich‐Hsiu , Yu Ching‐Yun , Berry Diane C. , Shin Shyi‐Jang , Hsu Yu‐Yun
Published: October 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of two types of health education on improving knowledge concerning diabetes and insulin injection, insulin injection skills and self‐efficacy, satisfaction with health education and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and creatinine levels among patients with type 2 diabetes who began insulin therapy using a pen injector.

Background

Insulin therapy is recommended to facilitate the regulation of plasma glucose; however, patient's acceptance of insulin therapy is generally low. Healthcare providers should help them improve their knowledge of diabetes and insulin injection, as well as their insulin injection skills.

Design

A randomized repeated measures experimental study design.

Methods

The experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups received multimedia and regular health education programmes, respectively from October 2013–August 2014. Four structured questionnaires were used and videotapes were applied to demonstrate injection skills.

Results

Generalized estimating equations showed that the experimental group's scores were significantly higher than those of the control group for diabetes and insulin injection knowledge, insulin injection skills, self‐efficacy in insulin injection and satisfaction with health education. On the other hand, an analysis of covariance revealed glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and creatinine levels did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Implementation of a multimedia diabetes education programme could improve patients’ diabetes and insulin injection knowledge, insulin injection skills, self‐efficacy in insulin injection and satisfaction with health education. Healthcare providers should improve quality of patient care by providing multimedia diabetes health education.
Improving the Health and Well‐Being of Adults With Conditions of a Genetic Origin: Views from Professionals, Syndrome Support Groups and Parents
Authors: Redley Marcus , Pannebakker Merel , Holland Anthony
Published: October 2016

Background

Advances in medical genetics herald the possibility that health and social care services could be more responsive to the needs arising from a person's genotype. This development may be particularly important for those men and women whose learning disability (known internationally as intellectual disability) is linked to a neurodevelopmental condition of genetic origin.

Method

This possibility is tested through interviews with samples of (i) professional ‘opinion former’ with nationally recognised clinical and/or academic interests in learning disabilities and genetics; (ii) representatives of syndrome organisations prompting the interests of families where someone has a neurodevelopmental condition, and parent‐members of these same organisations.

Results

The reporting and discussion of the interview data considers the possibility that notwithstanding the successes of the social model of disability, the health and wellbeing of people whose learning disability is associated with a neurodevelopmental condition could be better served by a more medicalised approach to their interests.

Conclusion

While a more medicalised approach to this populations’ disabilities would appear to be beneficial, so long as it is focused on interventions to improve their lives rather than catalogues their deficiencies.
Development and validation of a phenological model for the univoltine European corn borer
Authors: Schaub L. , Breitenmoser S. , Derron J. , Graf B.
Published: October 2016

Biological control of a univoltine race of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), by Trichogramma in Switzerland is currently timed according to repeated, semi‐field observations of the post‐diapause development of the pest at one site. We developed a phenology model with the aims of replacing this costly labour practice and by considering the Swiss landscape. Observations collected over 29 years were used for model calibration and validation. We parameterized a time‐varying distributed delay model based on published laboratory observations of development durations at constant temperatures. The model was driven with hourly temperature recordings beginning on January 1. The calibration of the mean development rates and their variations was based on semi‐field data of larval and pupal development. The model, with its calibrated parameters and their variations, allowed the simulation of mean predictions and prediction intervals. We validated the model predictions of emergence with flight data (obtained via light traps) from several sites in western and northern Switzerland. The simulated mean emergence was 6.9 degree‐days earlier than the observed flight at the calibration sites and only 0.5 degree‐days earlier than the observed flight at other sites. Our simulation of pupation explained half of the variation in emergence time, whereas semi‐field observations of pupation explained three‐quarters of this variation. Our model simulations are not subjected to the local potential biases. Simulation errors from a year with an extremely dry spring were explained by the lack of consideration of humidity by the model. Our simulations provide a valid and less labour‐intensive alternative to observations for timing biological control in the maize‐growing areas of Switzerland and likely other areas of Europe.
Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa by naturally infected Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) to different host plants
Authors: Cornara D. , Cavalieri V. , Dongiovanni C. , Altamura G. , Palmisano F. , Bosco D. , Porcelli F. , Almeida R. P. P. , Saponari M.
Published: October 2016

The recent establishment of Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca in the southern Italian region of Apulia threatens agricultural crops and the environment. Olive is an important and widespread ancient crop in Italy and, so far, the most impacted host. The meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) has been identified as a vector of X. fastidiosa in southern Italy; this species is one of the most common potential vectors in Europe. To generate disease management strategies, data on X. fastidiosa transmission by P. spumarius are necessary. Therefore, we carried out transmission experiments by using field‐collected spittlebugs in 2014 and 2015 (5 and 11 collection dates, respectively), and transferring groups of insects immediately on to recipient plants. Various host plant species were tested: olive, oleander, sweet orange, grapevine and the stone fruit rootstock GF677 (Prunus persica × Prunus amygdalus). Xylella fastidiosa was detected in all the host plants after insect plant access except for grapevine; infections to sweet orange and stone fruit were not systemic. In 2015, estimates of insect X. fastidiosa infectivity were obtained; the number of PCR‐positive P. spumarius on each plant was positively correlated with the plant infection status. The proportion of P. spumarius infected with X. fastidiosa ranged from 25% to 71% during the entire survey period. The number of X. fastidiosa cells detected in P. spumarius heads ranged from 3.5 × 10 to 4.0 × 102 (CFU equivalents), which is lower than that reported for leafhopper vectors in the Americas. These data show that field‐collected P. spumarius have high rates of X. fastidiosa infection and are competent vectors.
Electroantennographic responses of red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to volatile organic compounds
Authors: Balakrishnan K. , Holighaus G. , Weißbecker B. , Schütz S.
Published: October 2016

The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the most encountered and destructive stored product insect pest of cereal grains and seeds. Although this beetle has been used as a model organism for many decades, there is no systematic knowledge about antennal detection of host and non‐host volatiles. Electroantennogram responses to 94 selected volatile organic compounds including alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, terpenoids and aromatic compounds were recorded from both sexes of T. castaneum. Overall, female and male T. castaneum exhibited similar electroantennography (EAG) responses. Compounds eliciting the strongest EAG responses within compound groups of chemical similarity were undecane, 1‐hexen‐3‐ol, octanal, 2‐heptanone, hexanoic acid and ethyl hexanoate. Comparison of vapour pressure and EAG amplitudes within homologous series of compounds revealed responses to undecane, octadecane, octanal, nonanal, 2‐heptanone, hexanoic acid and octanoic acid as outstanding. Given that systematic EAG screenings have not been conducted before, these are the best candidates for evaluation in future behavioural studies to unravel their potential for application in integrated pest management strategies of T. castaneum.