bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pan‐Arctic sea ice‐algal chl a biomass and suitable habitat are largely underestimated for multiyear ice
Authors: Lange Benjamin A. , Flores Hauke , Michel Christine , Beckers Justin F. , Bublitz Anne , Casey John Alec , Castellani Giulia , Hatam Ido , Reppchen Anke , Rudolph Svenja A. , Haas Christian
Published: May 2017

There is mounting evidence that multiyear ice (MYI) is a unique component of the Arctic Ocean and may play a more important ecological role than previously assumed. This study improves our understanding of the potential of MYI as a suitable habitat for sea ice algae on a pan‐Arctic scale. We sampled sea ice cores from MYI and first‐year sea ice (FYI) within the Lincoln Sea during four consecutive spring seasons. This included four MYI hummocks with a mean chl a biomass of 2.0 mg/m2, a value significantly higher than FYI and MYI refrozen ponds. Our results support the hypothesis that MYI hummocks can host substantial ice‐algal biomass and represent a reliable ice‐algal habitat due to the (quasi‐) permanent low‐snow surface of these features. We identified an ice‐algal habitat threshold value for calculated light transmittance of 0.014%. Ice classes and coverage of suitable ice‐algal habitat were determined from snow and ice surveys. These ice classes and associated coverage of suitable habitat were applied to pan‐Arctic CryoSat‐2 snow and ice thickness data products. This habitat classification accounted for the variability of the snow and ice properties and showed an areal coverage of suitable ice‐algal habitat within the MYI‐covered region of 0.54 million km2 (8.5% of total ice area). This is 27 times greater than the areal coverage of 0.02 million km2 (0.3% of total ice area) determined using the conventional block‐model classification, which assigns single‐parameter values to each grid cell and does not account for subgrid cell variability. This emphasizes the importance of accounting for variable snow and ice conditions in all sea ice studies. Furthermore, our results indicate the loss of MYI will also mean the loss of reliable ice‐algal habitat during spring when food is sparse and many organisms depend on ice‐algae.
Real‐world resource use and costs of haemophilia A‐related bleeding
Authors: Shrestha A. , Eldar‐Lissai A. , Hou N. , Lakdawalla D.N. , Batt K.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Prophylaxis treatment is recommended for haemophilia patients, but associated real‐world economic costs and potential cost‐savings associated with improved disease management are not fully known. This study aimed to assess haemophilia A‐related resource use and cost by treatment type (prophylaxis versus non‐prophylaxis) and any associated cost‐savings.

Methods

Truven MarketScan Commercial claims data (2004–2012) were used to identify haemophilia A‐related healthcare utilization, healthcare costs and patterns of prophylaxis and non‐prophylaxis treatment among 6‐ to 64‐year‐old males. We estimated bleeding‐related resource utilization and costs in three age groups (6–18, 19–44, 45–64) by treatment types and assessed the extent to which early initiation of prophylactic treatment can mitigate them. T‐tests and ordinary least squares regressions were used to compare unadjusted and demographics‐adjusted cost estimates.

Results

Among children, overall haemophilia‐ and bleeding‐related non‐pharmacy costs were substantially lower for patients receiving prophylaxis (haemophilia‐related: $15,864 vs. $53,408; P < 0.001; bleeding‐related: $696 vs. $2013, respectively; P = 0.04). Among younger adults (19–44), haemophilia‐related non‐pharmacy costs were lower for patients receiving prophylaxis ($22,028 vs. $56,311, respectively; P = 0.001). Among children, these savings fully offset the incremental pharmacy cost due to prophylaxis. Among younger adults, the savings offset approximately 34% of the incremental pharmacy cost. No differences were found for older adults (45–64).

Conclusion

These results suggest that initiating prophylaxis earlier in life may reduce the healthcare costs of bleeding events and their long‐term complications. Future studies should strive to collect more detailed information on disease severity and treatment protocols to improve estimates of disease burden.
The effects of joint disease, inhibitors and other complications on health‐related quality of life among males with severe haemophilia A in the United States
Authors: Soucie J. M. , Grosse S. D. , Siddiqi A.‐E.‐A. , Byams V. , Thierry J. , Zack M. M. , Shapiro A. , Duncan N. ,   the Hemophilia Treatment Centers Network
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is reduced among persons with haemophilia. Little is known about how HRQoL varies with complications of haemophilia such as inhibitors and joint disease. Estimates of preference‐based HRQoL measures are needed to model the cost‐effectiveness of prevention strategies.

Aim

We examined the characteristics of a national sample of persons with severe haemophilia A for associations with two preference‐based measures of HRQoL.

Methods

We analysed utility weights converted from EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) and the Short Form 6 Dimensions (SF‐6D) scores from 1859 males aged ≥14 years with severe haemophilia A treated at 135 US haemophilia treatment centres in 2005‐2011. Bivariate and regression analyses examined age‐group‐specific associations of HRQoL with inhibitor status, overweight/obesity, number of bleeds, viral infections, indicators of liver and joint disease, and severe bleeding at the time of the first HRQoL measurement.

Results

Overall mean HRQoL utility weight values were 0.71 using the SF‐6D and 0.78 using the EQ‐5D. All studied patient characteristics except for overweight/obesity were significantly associated with HRQoL in bivariate analyses. In a multivariate analysis, only joint disease was significantly associated with utility weights from both HRQoL measures and across all age groups. After adjustment for joint disease and other variables, the presence of an inhibitor was not significantly associated with HRQoL scores from either of the standardized assessment tools.

Conclusion

Clinically significant complications of haemophilia, especially joint disease, are strongly associated with HRQoL and should be accounted for in studies of preference‐based health utilities for people with haemophilia.
PNPLA3 as a liver steatosis risk factor following living‐donor liver transplantation for hepatitis C
Authors: Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Miuma Satoshi , Taura Naota , Shibata Hidetaka , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Eguchi Susumu , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: June 2017

Aim

Liver steatosis frequently occurs following liver transplantation (LT) and can affect patient outcome. Here, we aimed to clarify the steatosis and steatohepatitis risk factors that apply after living‐donor LT for chronic hepatitis C.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 43 transplant recipients and donors, and tested for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PNPLA3 gene. Liver biopsies taken 1 year after transplantation and yearly thereafter, or when abnormal liver enzyme levels were detected, were examined by histopathology.

Results

Liver steatosis (>5% steatotic hepatocytes) was evident in 13 of 43 cases (30%), and steatohepatitis in 3 (7.0%). The average time to steatosis after LT was 2.74 ± 1.55 years. The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype, a steatosis risk factor, was identified in 13 recipients and 10 donors. Steatosis prevalence did not differ according to recipient genotype. However, this condition was significantly more common among patients who received tissue from donors carrying the rs738409 GG genotype compared to those with grafts from donors of the CC or CG genotype (60, 7, and 26%, respectively; P < 0.05). All 3 steatohepatitis cases were associated with the GG donor genotype.

Conclusion

The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG donor genotype affects liver steatosis and steatohepatitis risk following living‐donor LT.
Weathering of ancient and medieval glasses—potential proxy for nuclear fuel waste glasses. A perennial challenge revisited
Authors: Heimann Robert B.
Published: June 2017

Ancient and medieval glasses that have survived the deleterious attack of the environment for millennia have long since proposed as proxy to estimate and predict the corrosion mechanism of nuclear waste glasses. However, because both composition and environmental burial conditions vastly differ between hydrolytically less stable ancient glasses and modern advanced nuclear waste glasses, only semiquantitative conclusions can be drawn about the likely performance of the latter as long‐term stable immobilization matrices for high‐level radioactive nuclear waste. In this contribution, special emphasis has been devoted to the behavior of manganese, present as both iron decolorant and coloring ions in ancient Roman and medieval glasses. Study of the behavior of manganese in ancient glasses during weathering may provide some limited clues to the behavior of long‐lived radioactive technetium‐99. Knowledge of the corrosion kinetics of ancient glasses will allow, eventually, a reasonable prediction of the long‐term performance of glassy nuclear waste forms as function of their composition and environmental parameters, i.e. groundwater composition, flow rate, pH, solution volume, and surface area.
Understanding the experience of women admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Sydney with psychosis or mania following childbirth after World War II (1945–1955)
Authors: Jefferies Diana , Duff Margaret , Nicholls Daniel
Published: June 2017

In the present study, we investigated a unique set of historical health‐care records of women admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Sydney, Australia with a diagnosis of psychosis or mania after childbirth in the post‐World War II (WWII) period, from 1945 to 1955. This research is part of a larger project examining how the descriptions of these women documented in the health‐care records from 1885 to 1975 affected their treatment and the outcome of their admission. In the present paper, we report on the findings from an intensive examination of the post WWII documents. Eighteen health‐care records from a psychiatric facility (Gladesville Hospital) were identified from admission registers housed in the State Records Office of New South Wales in 2014. Although seven records had been destroyed, 11 were transcribed verbatim. The records contain demographic information; descriptions of the women's signs and symptoms on admission; and information about the women before, during, and after their admission found in letters from relatives or medical staff. A content analysis of admission information showed how the women were described by health‐care professionals, but a textual analysis of the records revealed that there were other factors that could have contributed to the women's condition, which might not have been taken into consideration when treatment and care were devised. The present study demonstrates the value of investigating historical health‐care records to understand how prevailing attitudes and practices might affect diagnosis and treatment.
Large barocaloric effect and pressure‐mediated electrocaloric effect in Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.08O3 ceramics
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Chauhan Aditya , Vaish Rahul , Lynch Christopher S.
Published: June 2017

Ferroelectric materials are being actively explored for next‐generation solid‐state cooling technology. Even though bulk materials possess an advantage in terms of overall heat extraction capacity, their performance is limited due to low adiabatic temperature change. In this regard, the present article explores enhanced cooling capacity of bulk polycrystalline Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.08O3 (PNZT) through external‐field mediation and coupled caloric effects. Barocaloric (BC) and electrocaloric (EC) effects were indirectly estimated using polarization versus electric field (P‐E) loops (under varying pressure and temperature). It was observed that under applied pressure of 325 MPa, ΔTEC could be improved from 1 K to 4.5 K. Similarly, a peak unbiased ΔTBC of 1.5 K could be enhanced to 5.3 K under an electric field of 5 MV·m−1. These figures correspond to an improvement of ~400% over the unbiased values. The results are indicative of the multicaloric cooling capacity of bulk ferroelectric materials.
Prevalence of sun‐protective behaviour and intentional sun tanning in German adolescents and adults: results of a nationwide telephone survey
Authors: Görig T. , Diehl K. , Greinert R. , Breitbart E.W. , Schneider S.
Published: June 2017

Background

The incidence rate of melanoma in the Caucasian population is rising worldwide. One of the major environmental risk factors for melanoma is the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To prevent skin damage caused by UV exposure, several organizations recommend wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, avoiding the outdoors during midday and using sunscreen.

Objective

To provide representative data on factors associated with sun‐protective behaviours and intentional sun exposure during summertime in the German population.

Methods

A population‐based sample of 3000 German residents aged 14–45 years (response: 32.1%) was interviewed via telephone from October to December 2015. Survey participants provided data on the use of recommended sun‐protective measures on a sunny summer day and their intentional sun exposure during summertime. Data were weighted by age, sex, educational level and federal state to ensure the national representativeness of the sample.

Results

Wearing long‐sleeved clothes was the most frequently reported protective measure (53.9%), while wearing headgear was the least common (17.9%). Significantly lower frequencies of almost all recommended sun‐protective measures were identified for males, participants between 14 and 25 years, those with an immigrant background and those with low levels of education. Using sun protection was positively associated with female gender (OR = 1.62), higher levels of education (ORhigh = 1.27), sunburn during childhood (OR = 1.33) and paying attention to healthy nutrition (OR = 1.64; all P < 0.05). Sun tanning behaviour was associated with female gender (OR = 1.42), younger age, lower level of education, sunbed use (OR = 5.24) and smoking status (OR = 1.50; all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

As individual sun‐protective measures are easy to implement and provide effective protection against high‐risk UV exposure, campaigns on skin cancer prevention in Germany should put a stronger focus on young adults, men, less educated individuals and those with immigration background.
Characterization of a PRISTANE‐induced lupus‐associated model in the non‐human primate cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Wang Jing , Shen Hui , Zhu Yuqiang , Zhu Ying , Cai Lei , Wang Zhiyao , Shi Qin , Qiu Yuhua
Published: June 2017

Background

Lupus is an autoimmune disease with complex syndrome. Rodent models have limitations for recapitulating the spectrum of the disease. A more powerful translational model is desirable.

Method

Lupus‐associated model in cynomolgus monkeys was induced by two intraperitoneal injections of 2, 6, 10, 14‐tetramethylpentadecane (PRISTANE). Lupus‐specific biomarkers and manifestations over a 246‐day period were observed at multilevel. To visualize and quantify kidney function in real time, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound was used.

Results

The indicative biomarkers and manifestations fulfilled major diagnosis criteria according to the “Criteria of Lupus” of the American College of Rheumatology. Significant changes in time‐intensity curve parameters were observed, indicating impaired renal function and the method as a feasible, non‐invasive diagnostic method in primate model.

Conclusions

We successfully induced lupus‐associated model with systemic lupus syndrome. This primate model can be a valuable translational model for further pathogenesis and symptomology studies and for exploring therapeutic candidates.
Creating a placental inflammatory composite index that has a high prognostic relevance to child morbidity
Authors: Chen Yan , Zou Lile , Zhao Yanjun , Wu Ting , Ye Jiangfeng , Zhang Huijuan , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2017

Aim

Selecting pathologic measures of placental inflammation that affect pregnancy and childhood health is largely empirical. We aimed to systematically select several core inflammation‐related placental measures to construct a novel placental inflammatory evaluation criterion with a high prognostic relevance to child morbidity.

Methods

We used data from the US Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–1976), a longitudinal birth cohort study that recruited women during pregnancy and followed the children until 7 years of age. Bootstrap resampling, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and receiver–operator curve were used to select placental pathologic measures that were closely related to child morbidity to form a placental inflammatory composite index.

Results

Twenty‐six candidate placental inflammation‐related measures were ranked based on their close association with adverse neonatal outcomes. The top five placental measures were: (i) neutrophilic infiltration in umbilical artery; (ii) placental weight–birthweight ratio; (iii) necrosis in decidua capsularis; (iv) bacterial colony in epithelium of amnion; and (v) opacity of membranes and fetal surface. Several composite indexes were constructed. A five‐measure composite index that had the highest prognostic relevance was chosen. Compared with subjects without any of the five abnormal measures, those with any lesion ranging from 1 to 5 had a 1.2‐ to 4.6‐fold risk of adverse child outcomes, respectively.

Conclusion

Our composite index is simple, evidence‐based, and has predictive value for child morbidity. It may be used as a novel placental inflammatory evaluation criterion.
Prenatal diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies: Underestimated problem of the secondary prevention of monogenetic disorders
Authors: Massalska Diana , Zimowski Janusz Grzegorz , Roszkowski Tomasz , Bijok Julia , Pawelec Magdalena , Bednarska‐Makaruk Małgorzata
Published: May 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of effective preconceptional testing for carrier status in women at risk for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (D/BMD) on the prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 201 prenatal tests was performed in 169 Polish women at risk, in regard to time of testing for carrier status (prior to conception or during pregnancy) and carrier status of tested women, including confirmed D/BMD carriers (n = 78; 46.2%), D/BMD non‐carriers – tested for germline mosaicism risk (n = 23; 13.6%), and women at risk with uncertain carrier status (n = 68; 40.2%).

Results

Only 52.7% of women were tested for D/BMD carrier status prior to conception and in these women prenatal diagnosis was carried out more frequently in the first trimester of pregnancy (64.7% vs 47.8%; P = 0.035). The results of prenatal testing in male fetuses in pregnancies of confirmed D/BMD carriers and D/BMD non‐carriers – tested for germline mosaicism risk were conclusive in all cases, whereas in women with uncertain carrier status, only 60.0% of results were conclusive. Eighty‐five of 103 female fetuses (82.5%) were tested prenatally and in 31.8% of them fetal carrier status was confirmed.

Conclusion

Carrier status testing in women prior to conception has a positive impact on the frequency of first‐trimester prenatal diagnosis and known D/BMD carrier status on the effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis. Due to the low percentage of women tested effectively prior to conception, carrier status testing in the families at risk should be propagated (including possibility of prenatal diagnosis of female fetuses).
Noninvasive beat‐to‐beat finger arterial pressure monitoring during orthostasis: a comprehensive review of normal and abnormal responses at different ages
Authors: van Wijnen V. K. , Finucane C. , Harms M. P. M. , Nolan H. , Freeman R. L. , Westerhof B. E. , Kenny R. A. , ter Maaten J. C. , Wieling W.
Published: May 2017

Over the past 30 years, noninvasive beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (BP) monitoring has provided great insight into cardiovascular autonomic regulation during standing. Although traditional sphygmomanometric measurement ofBPmay be sufficient for detection of sustained orthostatic hypotension, it fails to capture the complexity of the underlying dynamicBPand heart rate responses. With the emerging use of noninvasive beat‐to‐beatBPmonitoring for the assessment of orthostaticBPcontrol in clinical and population studies, various definitions for abnormal orthostaticBPpatterns have been used. Here, age‐related changes in cardiovascular control in healthy subjects will be reviewed to define the spectrum of the most important abnormal orthostaticBPpatterns within the first 180 s of standing. Abnormal orthostaticBPresponses can be defined as initial orthostatic hypotension (a transient systolicBPfall of >40 mmHg within 15 s of standing), delayedBPrecovery (an inability of systolicBPto recover to a value of >20 mmHg below baseline at 30 s after standing) and sustained orthostatic hypotension (a sustained decline in systolicBPof ≥20 mmHg occurring 60–180 s after standing). In the evaluation of patients with light‐headedness, pre(syncope), (unexplained) falls or suspected autonomic dysfunction, it is essential to distinguish between normal cardiovascular autonomic regulation and these abnormal orthostaticBPresponses. The prevalence, clinical relevance and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these patterns differ significantly across the lifespan. Initial orthostatic hypotension is important for identifying causes of syncope in younger adults, whereas delayedBPrecovery and sustained orthostatic hypotension are essential for evaluating the risk of falls in older adults.
Tax competition, tax coordination, and e‐commerce
Authors: Bacache Beauvallet Maya
Published: June 2017

This paper contributes to the political debate on commodity tax coordination in Europe. It examines, within Nielsen's setting, the impact of online shopping on taxes and tax competition and contrasts destination‐based taxation with origin‐based taxation. Heterogeneous consumers surf the Internet at a cost. It is assumed that fiscal leakage occurs during transactions on the Internet either because of tax evasion or of the existence of a tax liability threshold. Whereas cross‐border shopping effectively results in taxes being levied at origin, this model by adding e‐commerce shows that taxing online trade based on the origin principle softens tax competition and allows sustaining the destination principle on brick‐and‐mortar shops. Tax competition is reduced if tax is origin‐based, because the Internet helps the small country expand its tax base, which induces tax convergence.
Method development for the determination of elements in Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) herb and preparations using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and microwave digestion
Authors: Owen Jade D , Evans Sara J , Guirguis Amira , Kellett Kathryn , Stair Jacqueline L
Published: May 2017

Objectives

A method was developed to analyze St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) herb and preparations using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine the quantity of 11 elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn).

Methods

This study includes the evaluation of digestion acids and calibration methods, as well as instrumental parameters such as choice of nebulizer and emission wavelength.

Key findings

Two nebulizers (Conikal and SeaSpray) performed similarly for most elements, and two optimum wavelengths were determined for each element. Five acids were evaluated for the digestion of the Polish Certified Reference Material Tea Leaves (INCT-TL-1), while three were taken forward to use for the different St John's wort formulations (i.e. herb, capsule and tablet). A simple protocol using 5 ml HNO3 was sufficient in most cases; however, variability was observed for elements often bound in silicates (e.g. Al, Fe and Zn). An external weighted calibration was also found to be preferential over unweighted, and the use of standard addition affected some concentration values up to 20%.

Conclusions

Therefore, this paper presents the development and optimized method parameters to be used with ICP-OES that will allow the analysis of 11 key elements present in St John's wort herb and preparations.
The relationship between sleep and glucagon‐like peptide 1 in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance
Authors: Reutrakul Sirimon , Sumritsopak Rungtip , Saetung Sunee , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat
Published: May 2017

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 plays a role in glucose regulation. Sleep disturbances (obstructive sleep apnea, insufficient or poor sleep quality) have been shown to adversely affect glucose metabolism. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep and glucagon‐like peptide 1 regulation in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance. Seventy‐one adults with haemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and < 6.5% and no history of diabetes participated. Habitual sleep duration and efficiency were obtained from 7‐day actigraphy recordings. Obstructive sleep apnea was assessed using an overnight home monitor. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 levels were measured during a 75‐g glucose tolerance. The area under the curve of glucagon‐like peptide 1 was calculated. The mean age (SD) was 55.1 (8.3) years and median (interquartile range) haemoglobin A1c was 5.97% (5.86, 6.23). There was no relationship between sleep duration or efficiency and fasting or area under the curve glucagon‐like peptide 1. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 levels did not differ among those sleeping ≤ 5.75, > 5.75–< 6.5 or ≥ 6.5 h per night. Increasing apnea–hypopnea index, an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea severity, correlated with lower area under the curve glucagon‐like peptide 1 (B −0.242, P = 0.045), but not with fasting glucagon‐like peptide 1 (B −0.213, P = 0.079). After adjusting for sex, haemoglobin A1c and body mass index, increasing apnea–hypopnea index was negatively associated with having area under the curve glucagon‐like peptide 1 in the highest quartile (odds ratio 0.581, P = 0.028, 95% CI 0.359, 0.942). This study demonstrated that increasing obstructive sleep apnea severity was associated with lower glucagon‐like peptide 1 response to glucose challenge. This could possibly be an additional mechanism by which obstructive sleep apnea affects glucose metabolism. Whether raising glucagon‐like peptide 1 levels in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance with more severe obstructive sleep apnea will be beneficial should be explored.
A comparison of pulse oximetry and cerebral oxygenation in children with severe sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Olmo Arroyo Jorge , Khirani Sonia , Amaddeo Alessandro , Griffon Lucie , De Sanctis Livio , Pouard Philippe , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: May 2017

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to assess the impact of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on cerebral oxygenation. However, the relationship between the variations in the cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (ΔTOI) and pulse oximetry (ΔSpO2) has not been assessed in children with OSAHS. Consecutive clinically stable children with severe OSAHS [apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) >15 events h−1] diagnosed during a night‐time polygraphy with simultaneous recording of cerebral oxygenation with NIRS (NIRO‐200NX, Hamamatsu Photonics KK) were included between September 2015 and June 2016. Maximal ΔSpO2 (SpO2 drop from the value preceding desaturation to nadir) and concomitant variations in transcutaneous carbon dioxide (ΔPtcCO2), maximal ΔTOI and maximal variations in cerebral oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) haemoglobin were reported. The relationships between ΔSpO2, ΔPtcCO2 and ΔTOI, ΔO2Hb and ΔHHb were investigated. The data from five children (three boys, aged 9.6 ± 6.7 years, AHI 16–91 events h−1) were analysed. Strong correlations were found between ΔSpO2 and ΔTOI (r = 0.887, P < 0.001), but also with ΔO2Hb and ΔHHb with a particular pattern in the youngest child with a dark skin pigmentation. Mean ΔSpO2 was 20 ± 17% and mean ΔTOI was 8 ± 7%. Maximal ΔSpO2 of approximately 70% were coupled with ΔTOI of no more than 35%. ΔPtcCO2 correlated only weakly with the cerebral oxygenation indexes. This pilot study shows a strong relationship between pulse oximetry and cerebral oxygenation in children with OSAHS, with lower changes in TOI compared to SpO2. Future studies should address the clinical impact of respiratory events on cerebral oxygenation and its consequences.
The effects of rapid eye movement sleep deprivation during late pregnancy on newborns' sleep
Authors: Aswathy B.S. , Kumar Velayudhan M. , Gulia Kamalesh K.
Published: May 2017

Sleep deprivation during pregnancy is an emerging concern, as it can adversely affect the development of the offspring brain. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep during the third term of pregnancy on the sleep–wake profiles of neonates in the Wistar rat model. Sleep–wake patterns were assessed through electrophysiological measures and behavioural observations during postnatal days 1–21 on pups born to REM sleep‐deprived dams and control rats. Pups of REM sleep‐deprived dams had active sleep that was not only markedly higher in percentage during all the days studied, but also had reduced latency during later postnatal days 15–21. Quiet sleep and wake periods were lower. These factors, along with less frequent but longer sleep–wake cycles, indicated maturational delay in the sleep–wake neural networks. The disruption of time‐bound growth of sleep–wake neural networks was substantiated further by the decreased slope of survival plots in the sleep bouts. Examination of altered sleep–wake patterns during early development may provide crucial information concerning deranged neural development in the offspring. This is the first report, to our knowledge, to show that maternal sleep deprivation during pregnancy can delay and impair the development of sleep–wake profile in the offspring.
Hepatitis B treatment eligibility in West Africa: Uncertainties and need for prospective cohort studies
Authors: Jaquet Antoine , Nouaman Marcellin , Tine Judicaël , Tanon Aristophane , Anoma Camille , Inwoley André , Attia Alain , Ekouevi Didier K. , Seydi Moussa , Dabis François , Wandeler Gilles
Published: May 2017

Background & Aims

While universal screening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended in high burden countries, little is known about the proportion of HBV‐infected persons in need of antiviral therapy in these settings.

Methods

Prisoners in Senegal and Togo as well as female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Cote d'Ivoire were screened for HBV infection. All HBsAg‐positive participants underwent transient elastography, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV viral load (VL) quantification. Individuals with cirrhosis or those aged >30 years with an HBV replication ≥20 000 IU/mL and elevated ALT were considered eligible for antiviral therapy.

Results

Of 1256 participants, 110 (8.8%) were HBsAg positive; their median age was 30 years [interquartile range: 25‐33] and 96 (86.5%) were men. Three individuals (2.7%) had cirrhosis, while 28 (29.5%) of 94 participants with available measurements had an HBV VL ≥20 000 IU/mL. Overall, 11 (10.0%) subjects were considered eligible for immediate antiviral treatment (2.1% of participants in Dakar, 7.7% in Abidjan and 21.6% in Lome, P=.001) and 59 (53.4%) for close monitoring due to the presence of significant liver fibrosis, elevated ALT or significant HBV replication.

Conclusions

Among vulnerable populations in West Africa, a minority of HBV‐infected individuals were eligible for immediate antiviral therapy. Prospective cohort studies are necessary to evaluate anti‐HBV treatment eligibility facing the significant proportion of individuals with active chronic HBV infection.
Intestinal microbiota in patients with chronic hepatitis C with and without cirrhosis compared with healthy controls
Authors: Heidrich Benjamin , Vital Marius , Plumeier Iris , Döscher Nico , Kahl Silke , Kirschner Janina , Ziegert Szilvia , Solbach Philipp , Lenzen Henrike , Potthoff Andrej , Manns Michael Peter , Wedemeyer Heiner , Pieper Dietmar Helmut
Published: May 2017

Background & Aims

The importance of the intestinal microbiota for the onset and clinical course of many diseases, including liver diseases like non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, is increasingly recognized. However, the role of intestinal microbiota in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional approach, the intestinal microbiota of 95 patients chronically infected with HCV (n=57 without cirrhosis [NO‐CIR]; n=38 with cirrhosis [CIR]) and 50 healthy controls (HC) without documented liver diseases was analysed.

Results

Alpha diversity, measured by number of phylotypes (S) and Shannon diversity index (H′), decreased significantly from HC to NO‐CIR to CIR. S and H′ correlated negatively with liver elastography. Analysis of similarities revealed highly statistically significant differences in the microbial communities between HC, NO‐CIR and CIR (R=.090; P<1.0×10−6). Stratifying for HCV genotypes even increased the differences. In addition, we observed distinct patterns in the relative abundance of genera being either positive or negative correlated with diseases status.

Conclusions

This study shows that not only the stage of liver disease but also HCV infection is associated with a reduced alpha diversity and different microbial community patterns. These differences might be caused by direct interactions between HCV and the microbiota or indirect interactions facilitated by the immune system.
Early Experiences of Contact Laser Vaporization of the Prostate using the 980 nm High Power Diode Laser for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: MIYAZAKI Hideyo , HIRANO Yoshikazu , KATO Shinobu , IORITANI Naomasa , ICHIKAWA Takaharu , TAKAMOTO Hitoshi , HOMMA Yukio
Published: June 2017

Objectives

We report early experiences of contact laser vaporization of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

A total of 80 patients recruited at four institutions in Japan from April 2013 through September 2014 underwent contact laser vaporization of the prostate using 980 nm high power diode laser with an end‐firing fiber in the contact mode. Patients were followed prospectively at 1 day, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, postoperatively per protocol, and at 1 and 2 years post‐protocol.

Results

Of 76 eligible patients, 64 (84.2%) achieved more than 50% decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score at 24 weeks (95% confidence interval: 74.0–91.6%), clearing the pre‐fixed non‐inferiority efficacy level to transurethral resection of the prostate (65%). Symptom scores, maximum flow rate, post‐void residual urine, and prostate volume showed significant improvements at 12 and 24 weeks after the surgery. Perioperative complications included transient urinary retention (n = 20), retrograde ejaculation (5), bladder neck contracture (4), urethral stricture (3), stone in prostatic bed (3), bladder stone (2), bladder perforation (1), bladder deformity (1), and transient urgency incontinence (1). Urinary retention and bladder neck contracture occurred almost exclusively at one institution. Improved symptom scores, maximum flow rate, and post‐void residual urine observed at 24 weeks remained virtually unchanged at 1 and 2 years.

Conclusions

Early experience of contact laser vaporization in Japan showed efficacy comparable to transurethral resection of the prostate as a surgical procedure for BPH at 24 weeks. Long‐term efficacy of the procedure remains uncertain.
Effects of short‐to‐long term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on skeletal muscle tissue in late onset Pompe disease (LOPD)
Authors: Ripolone M. , Violano R. , Ronchi D. , Mondello S. , Nascimbeni A. , Colombo I. , Fagiolari G. , Bordoni A. , Fortunato F. , Lucchini V. , Saredi S. , Filosto M. , Musumeci O. , Tonin P. , Mongini T. , Previtali S. , Morandi L. , Angelini C. , Mora M. , Sandri M. , Sciacco M. , Toscano A. , Comi G. P. , Moggio M.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficiency of acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) enzyme. Histopathological hallmarks in skeletal muscle tissue are fibre vacuolization and autophagy. Since 2006, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the only approved treatment with human recombinant GAA alglucosidase alfa. We designed a study to examine ERT‐related skeletal muscle changes in 18 modestly to moderately affected late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) patients along with the relationship between morphological/biochemical changes and clinical outcomes. Treatment duration was short‐to‐long term.

Methods

We examined muscle biopsies from 18 LOPD patients at both histopathological and biochemical level. All patients underwent two muscle biopsies, before and after ERT administration respectively. The study is partially retrospective because the first biopsies were taken before the study was designed, whereas the second biopsy was always performed after at least 6 months of ERT administration.

Results

After ERT, 15 out of 18 patients showed improved 6‐min walking test (6MWT; P = 0.0007) and most of them achieved respiratory stabilization. Pretreatment muscle biopsies disclosed marked histopathological variability, ranging from an almost normal pattern to a severe vacuolar myopathy. After treatment, we detected morphological improvement in 15 patients and worsening in three patients.

Post‐ERT GAA enzymatic activity was mildly increased compared with pretreatment levels in all patients. Protein levels of the mature enzyme increased in 14 of the 18 patients (mean increase = +35%; P < 0.05). Additional studies demonstrated an improved autophagic flux after ERT in some patients.

Conclusions

ERT positively modified skeletal muscle pathology as well as motor and respiratory outcomes in the majority of LOPD patients.
Early weaning stress induces chronic functional diarrhea, intestinal barrier defects, and increased mast cell activity in a porcine model of early life adversity
Authors: Pohl C. S. , Medland J. E. , Mackey E. , Edwards L. L. , Bagley K. D. , DeWilde M. P. , Williams K. J. , Moeser A. J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Early life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for development of gastrointestinal disorders later in life. The underlying mechanisms through which ELA and sex interact to influence disease susceptibility remains poorly understood.

Methods

Utilizing a porcine early weaning stress (EWS) model to mimic ELA, we investigated the long‐term effects of EWS on functional diarrhea, ileal permeability, mast cell activity and mast cell relationship with enteric ganglia.

Key Results

Juvenile and adult EWS pigs exhibited chronic, functional diarrhea (EWS 43.6% vs late wean control(LWC) 4.8%, P<.0001), increased intestinal permeability (2 fold increase EWS vs LWC, P<.0001), and mast cell numbers (at 7 weeks and 20 weeks ~1.6 fold increase EWS vs LWC, P<.05). Compared with EWS male castrates (Male‐C), females EWS pigs exhibited more frequent diarrhea (58.8% vs 29.9%, P=.0016), and increased intestinal permeability (1‐2 fold higher in EWS females, P<.001). Increased mast cell numbers and their enhanced co‐localization with neuronal ganglia were observed in both Male‐C and female EWS pigs; however, female pigs exhibited greater release of mast cell tryptase upon activation with c48/80 (~1.5 fold increase, P<.05), compared with Male‐C pigs.

Conclusions and Inferences

These data demonstrate that pigs exposed to ELA exhibit increased vulnerability to functional diarrhea, intestinal permeability and mast cell activity. Further, these studies also showed that EWS female and Male‐C pigs exhibited dimorphic responses to EWS with female piglets exhibited greater susceptibility and severity of diarrhea, intestinal permeability and mast cell tryptase release. Together, these findings mimic some of the key pathophysiologic findings in human functional GI disorders functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) suggesting that the EWS porcine model could be a valuable preclinical translational model for FGID research associated with ELA.
Introduction to a Virtual Issue on root traits
Authors: Norby Richard J. , Iversen Colleen M.
Published: May 2017

Link to the Virtual Issue
Linking plant hydraulics and beta diversity in tropical forests
Authors: Christoffersen Bradley , Meir Patrick , McDowell Nate G.
Published: May 2017

This article is a Commentary on Cosme et al., 215: 113–125.
Increased pericarp cell length underlies a major quantitative trait locus for grain weight in hexaploid wheat
Authors: Brinton Jemima , Simmonds James , Minter Francesca , Leverington‐Waite Michelle , Snape John , Uauy Cristobal
Published: June 2017

Crop yields must increase to address food insecurity. Grain weight, determined by grain length and width, is an important yield component, but our understanding of the underlying genes and mechanisms is limited.

We used genetic mapping and near isogenic lines (NILs) to identify, validate and fine‐map a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on wheat chromosome 5A associated with grain weight. Detailed phenotypic characterisation of developing and mature grains from the NILs was performed.

We identified a stable and robust QTL associated with a 6.9% increase in grain weight. The positive interval leads to 4.0% longer grains, with differences first visible 12 d after fertilization. This grain length effect was fine‐mapped to a 4.3 cM interval. The locus also has a pleiotropic effect on grain width (1.5%) during late grain development that determines the relative magnitude of the grain weight increase. Positive NILs have increased maternal pericarp cell length, an effect which is independent of absolute grain length.

These results provide direct genetic evidence that pericarp cell length affects final grain size and weight in polyploid wheat. We propose that combining genes that control distinct biological mechanisms, such as cell expansion and proliferation, will enhance crop yields.
Genomics of antibiotic‐resistance prediction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jeukens Julie , Freschi Luca , Kukavica‐Ibrulj Irena , Emond‐Rheault Jean‐Guillaume , Tucker Nicholas P. , Levesque Roger C.
Published: June 2017

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide health issue spreading quickly among human and animal pathogens, as well as environmental bacteria. Misuse of antibiotics has an impact on the selection of resistant bacteria, thus contributing to an increase in the occurrence of resistant genotypes that emerge via spontaneous mutation or are acquired by horizontal gene transfer. There is a specific and urgent need not only to detect antimicrobial resistance but also to predict antibiotic resistance in silico. We now have the capability to sequence hundreds of bacterial genomes per week, including assembly and annotation. Novel and forthcoming bioinformatics tools can predict the resistome and the mobilome with a level of sophistication not previously possible. Coupled with bacterial strain collections and databases containing strain metadata, prediction of antibiotic resistance and the potential for virulence are moving rapidly toward a novel approach in molecular epidemiology. Here, we present a model system in antibiotic‐resistance prediction, along with its promises and limitations. As it is commonly multidrug resistant, Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infections that are often difficult to eradicate. We review novel approaches for genotype prediction of antibiotic resistance. We discuss the generation of microbial sequence data for real‐time patient management and the prediction of antimicrobial resistance.
Critical threshold meal size and molt initiation in Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Saenz Roberto A. , Medone Paula , di Clemente Natalia , Tongen Anthony , Rabinovich Jorge
Published: May 2017

The molting process and body growth in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) (Ståhl, 1859) are significantly influenced by the availability and quality of food. Based on the body weight of each stage, the present study provides estimates of a potential critical weight threshold required for molt initiation in R. prolixus. In addition, a new measure given by the area under the weight curve is proposed, which encapsulates both body weight and time. It is shown that this measure is consistent with the data, and allows the estimation of a pre‐refractory period (i.e. the time interval between the moment at which the critical weight threshold is reached and the moment when no further meals are accepted). The present analysis estimates the critical weight threshold as 1.6, 5.3, 12.9, 42.0 and 97.0 mg for stages 1–5, respectively, whereas the values of the area under the curve threshold as 5, 16, 31.2, 159.7 and 329.9 mg days for stages 1–5, respectively. The results of the present study confirm the existence of a weight‐dependent mechanism for the initiation of molting in R. prolixus.
Measurement of UV Emission from a Diffusing Optical Fiber Using Radiochromic Film
Authors: Welch David , Spotnitz Henry M. , Brenner David J.
Published: June 2017

Analysis of the emission pattern from optical diffuser tips is vital to their usage in biomedical applications, especially as they find growing functionality beyond established phototherapy techniques. The use of ultraviolet radiation with diffuser tips increases the need to accurately characterize these devices, both for effective application and to avoid potentially dangerous exposure conditions. This study presents a new method to capture the diffusion pattern at a high resolution through the use of radiochromic film. The film is positioned in a cylinder around the diffuser, light is emitted from the diffuser onto the film and the film expresses a color change relative to the exposure amount. The resulting emission map shows the distribution of power from the diffuser in all direction. This method, which is both quick and inexpensive, generates high‐resolution data much simpler than previously published works which required precise goniometric positioning.
Persistence of plant hormone levels in rice shoots grown under microgravity conditions in space: its relationship to maintenance of shoot growth
Authors: Wakabayashi Kazuyuki , Soga Kouichi , Hoson Takayuki , Kotake Toshihisa , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Yamazaki Takashi , Higashibata Akira , Ishioka Noriaki , Shimazu Toru , Kamada Motoshi
Published: June 2017

We investigated the effects of microgravity environment on growth and plant hormone levels in dark‐grown rice shoots cultivated in artificial 1 g and microgravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS). Growth of microgravity‐grown shoots was comparable to that of 1 g‐grown shoots. Endogenous levels of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in shoots remained constant, while those of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), cytokinins (CKs) and gibberellins (GAs) decreased during the cultivation period under both conditions. The levels of auxin, ABA, JA, CKs and GAs in rice shoots grown under microgravity conditions were comparable to those under 1 g conditions. These results suggest microgravity environment in space had minimal impact on levels of these plant hormones in rice shoots, which may be the cause of the persistence of normal growth of shoots under microgravity conditions. Concerning ethylene, the expression level of a gene for 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase, the key enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis, was reduced under microgravity conditions, suggesting that microgravity may affect the ethylene production. Therefore, ethylene production may be responsive to alterations of the gravitational force.