bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Could soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor (suPAR) be used as a diagnostic biomarker for ventilator‐associated pneumonia?
Authors: Sunnetcioglu Aysel , Sunnetcioglu Mahmut , Adıyaman Fırat , Binici Irfan , Soyoral Lokman
Published: December 2015

Background

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker that is increasingly used for evaluation of systemic inflammation. This study was performed to investigate whether suPAR may possess a diagnostic value in patients with ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP).

Methods

This clinical study was performed in the anesthesia intensive care units (ICUs) of our university. In addition to descriptive data, WBC, serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and suPAR prior to and after development of VAP were noted and compared in 31 patients (22 men, 9 women) diagnosed with VAP (Study Group) and 19 patients without VAP (Control Group) in ICU (14 men, 5 women).

Results

The suPAR (P = 0.023), CRP (P = 0.037), WBCs (P = 0.024) in patients with VAP were significantly higher than patients without VAP. There was no remarkable difference in terms of WBCs (P = 0.052) and suPAR levels (P = 0.616) between groups on the first day of connection to mechanical ventilator. The suPAR and CRP levels in patients with VAP were significantly higher than prior to development of VAP (P = 0.001 for both). Area under curve value after diagnosis of pneumonia was found 0.248 (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

To conclude, our results suggest that suPAR can be a useful diagnostic biomarker in patients with VAP. However, clinical trials on larger series are warranted to explore the clinical significance more accurately.
Cutaneous histiocytoid Sweet syndrome and its relationship to hematological diseases
Authors: Bush James W. , Wick Mark R.
Published: December 2015

Sweet syndrome (SS) was described over 50 years ago as a distinctive form of neutrophilic dermatosis. It may be idiopathic, drug‐induced or paraneoplastic, and in the last of those subtypes, myeloproliferative diseases are prominently represented. A peculiar variant of SS is termed ‘histiocytoid’ SS (HSS), and early accounts of that condition asserted that it showed no linkage to hematological disorders. We herein report two additional cases of HSS – both of which were associated with myeloid dyscrasias – together with a review of the pertinent literature. Along with our observations, the latter process appears to contradict the contention that HSS has no relationship to hematopoietic diseases; between 35 and 55% of reported cases have indeed shown such an association, usually with myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes.
Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma treated with radiotherapy and methotrexate with development of xanthomas at the sites of prior disease
Authors: Turrión‐Merino Lucía , Perez‐Gala Silvia , Hermosa‐Zarza Eva , Urech‐García‐de‐la‐Vega Marta , Carrillo‐Guijón Rosario , Jaén‐Olasolo Pedro
Published: December 2015

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, and the involvement of the ocular adnexa is extremely rare. Secondary xanthoma‐like changes after radiation therapy or chemotherapy have been rarely reported in association with large‐cell T‐cell anaplastic lymphoma. We report one case of a primary C‐anaplastic large cell lymphoma affecting the eyelid with fast progression with multiple nodules in various anatomic sites and development of xanthoma‐like lesions after treatment.
Endoscopic resection versus surgery for early gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Kaiyu , Chen Shuling , Ye Jinning , Wu Hui , Peng Jianjun , He Yulong , Xu Jianbo
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Endoscopic resection (ER) is becoming an increasingly used treatment option for early gastric cancer (EGC); however, data comparing the long‐term outcomes of ER and surgery are limited. Accordingly, we here aimed to perform a meta‐analysis to clarify the long‐term outcomes and safety of ER and surgery for EGC.

Methods

Literature on the direct comparison of ER and surgery for EGC was retrieved from the Medline, PubMed and Scopus databases. We selected the eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality scores according to the guidelines. The overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and adverse event rates were investigated, and the pooled hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated.

Results

Nine retrospective studies were identified, including 973 and 1190 participants undergoing ER and surgery, respectively. There were no significant differences regarding the OS (HR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.836‐1.185; P = 0.959) and adverse event rates (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.20‐1.28, P = 0.148) between ER and gastrectomy. However, patients undergoing ER had significantly shorter RFS (HR: 7.226, 95% CI: 1.718‐30.400, P = 0.007) than those undergoing gastrectomy.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations of this review, including the retrospective nature of all included studies, our results suggest that ER might be a feasible and safe treatment strategy compared to that of gastrectomy for EGC; however, careful endoscopic surveillance is needed for ensuring favorable outcomes. These findings should be confirmed in further large‐scale, prospective, randomized, controlled trials from different countries.
Reduction of avian diversity in created versus natural and restored wetlands
Authors: Sebastián‐González Esther , Green Andy J.
Published: December 2015

Natural wetland ecosystems continue to suffer widespread destruction and degradation. Many recent studies argue that artificial or restored wetlands compensate for wetland loss and are valuable for waterbird conservation. However, detailed comparisons of the value of natural, artificial and restored wetlands are lacking. Our aim was to assess if the restoration or creation of wetlands can fully compensate for the loss of natural wetlands for waterbirds. We compared the waterbird communities in a set of 20 natural, restored and artificial wetlands, all of which are considered important for waterbirds and are located within the same protected area (Doñana Natural Space, south‐west Spain). We used different measures of diversity, including phylogenetic relatedness, and the proportion of threatened species at national, European and international levels. We found that artificial wetlands have consistently lower value than restored and natural wetlands, with little difference between the latter two. Natural wetlands are essential for conserving diversity across the tree of life and for threatened species, but restored wetlands can be of similar value and can assure maintenance of key ecological processes. Thus, when economic costs per unit area are similar, resources for wetland conservation are better invested in restoration projects than in wetland creation, and caution is required when suggesting that artificial wetlands compensate for the loss of natural wetlands.
Variation in prey selection and foraging success associated with early‐life ontogeny and habitat use of American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)
Authors: Hintz William D. , MacVey Nicolle K. , Asher Allison M. , Porreca Anthony P. , Garvey James E.
Published: December 2015

Many fishes are planktivorous during early life and switch to piscivory or consume larger food items as ontogeny progresses. In contrast, paddlefish start as particulate feeders and later become filter feeders. Few studies have identified food items essential for paddlefish growth, survival and recruitment surrounding this ontogenetic diet shift. The objectives of this study were to investigate (i) prey types consumed by paddlefish, (ii) variability in prey selection surrounding an ontogenetic diet shift and (iii) whether habitat affected paddlefish prey selection or foraging success. We analysed gut contents of 189 wild age‐0 paddlefish from the middle Mississippi River (MMR) and also conducted a laboratory experiment to address these objectives. We found that paddlefish primarily foraged on benthic macroinvertebrates in the MMR, which differed from previous studies in lentic systems, suggesting young paddlefish prey selection may be labile depending on habitat (i.e., lotic versus lentic). Dominant prey of wild‐caught and experimental age‐0 paddlefish were caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera), followed by hemipterans and amphipods. We found little evidence that habitat attributes affected foraging success, but the most common prey items consumed were associated with wing dike habitat and the upstream and downstream tips of alluvial islands. Our experimental study revealed that if provided a mixture of organisms, age‐0 paddlefish will primarily consume macroinvertebrates while age‐1 paddlefish will mainly filter zooplankton. Overall results suggest young paddlefish prey selection can be highly variable, but also heavily reliant on a narrow group of prey resources.
The diagnostic utility of 3D electroencephalography source imaging in pediatric epilepsy surgery
Authors: Russo Angelo , Jayakar Prasanna , Lallas Matt , Miller Ian , Hyslop Ann , Korman Brandon , Dunoyer Catalina , Resnick Trevor , Duchowny Michael
Published: December 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of three‐dimensional electroencephalography source imaging (3D‐ESI) with low‐resolution electroencephalographic data in the pediatric noninvasive presurgical evaluation, and to compare the findings with positron emission tomography (PET) and ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography (iSPECT).

Methods

We retrospectively selected 60 patients from a database of 594 patients who underwent excisional surgery for drug‐resistant epilepsy. Patients were <18 years at time of surgery, had at least one presurgical volumetric brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and at least 1 year of outcome data. 3D‐ESI was performed with NeuroScan software CURRY V.7.0. For each patient the surgical resection was planned utilizing 3D‐ESI as an adjunctive tool to supplement MRI and electrocorticographic data. Our analyses addressed three critical variables: pathology (focal cortical dysplasia vs. other pathologies), imaging (MRI negative vs. positive cases), and surgery (temporal resection vs. extratemporal and multilobar resections). We also compared the localizing utility and surgical outcome of 3D‐ESI findings with PET, iSPECT, and the colocalized surgical resection. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 20.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 11.18 years (range 1–18 years). 3D‐ESI showed a strong correlation with the surgical resection cavity (65.0%), particularly within the temporal lobe. 3D‐ESI demonstrated better localization in MRI‐negative cases (78.6%), which was not statistically significant. 3D‐ESI also correlated with a superior surgical outcome profile compared to PET and iSPECT.

Significance

Our findings demonstrate that 3D‐ESI data obtained with low‐resolution electroencephalography achieves reasonably accurate noninvasive localization of epileptic spikes in pediatric focal epilepsy, especially in temporal lobe and MRI‐negative cases, and is comparable to iSPECT and PET. Given its lesser expense and lack of radiation exposure, 3D‐ESI is a useful and efficient tool for evaluating surgical candidacy in pediatric epilepsy surgery centers, particularly if PET and iSPECT are unavailable.
Large‐scale degradation of Amazonian freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Castello Leandro , Macedo Marcia N.
Published: December 2015

Hydrological connectivity regulates the structure and function of Amazonian freshwater ecosystems and the provisioning of services that sustain local populations. This connectivity is increasingly being disrupted by the construction of dams, mining, land‐cover changes, and global climate change. This review analyzes these drivers of degradation, evaluates their impacts on hydrological connectivity, and identifies policy deficiencies that hinder freshwater ecosystem protection. There are 154 large hydroelectric dams in operation today, and 21 dams under construction. The current trajectory of dam construction will leave only three free‐flowing tributaries in the next few decades if all 277 planned dams are completed. Land‐cover changes driven by mining, dam and road construction, agriculture and cattle ranching have already affected ~20% of the Basin and up to ~50% of riparian forests in some regions. Global climate change will likely exacerbate these impacts by creating warmer and dryer conditions, with less predictable rainfall and more extreme events (e.g., droughts and floods). The resulting hydrological alterations are rapidly degrading freshwater ecosystems, both independently and via complex feedbacks and synergistic interactions. The ecosystem impacts include biodiversity loss, warmer stream temperatures, stronger and more frequent floodplain fires, and changes to biogeochemical cycles, transport of organic and inorganic materials, and freshwater community structure and function. The impacts also include reductions in water quality, fish yields, and availability of water for navigation, power generation, and human use. This degradation of Amazonian freshwater ecosystems cannot be curbed presently because existing policies are inconsistent across the Basin, ignore cumulative effects, and overlook the hydrological connectivity of freshwater ecosystems. Maintaining the integrity of these freshwater ecosystems requires a basinwide research and policy framework to understand and manage hydrological connectivity across multiple spatial scales and jurisdictional boundaries.
Global patterns and climate drivers of water‐use efficiency in terrestrial ecosystems deduced from satellite‐based datasets and carbon cycle models
Authors: Sun Yan , Piao Shilong , Huang Mengtian , Ciais Philippe , Zeng Zhenzhong , Cheng Lei , Li Xiran , Zhang Xinping , Mao Jiafu , Peng Shushi , Poulter Benjamin , Shi Xiaoying , Wang Xuhui , Wang Ying‐Ping , Zeng Hui
Published: December 2015

Aim

To investigate how ecosystem water‐use efficiency (WUE) varies spatially under different climate conditions, and how spatial variations in WUE differ from those of transpiration‐based water‐use efficiency (WUEt) and transpiration‐based inherent water‐use efficiency (IWUEt).

Location

Global terrestrial ecosystems.

Methods

We investigated spatial patterns of WUE using two datasets of gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) and four biosphere model estimates of GPP and ET. Spatial relationships between WUE and climate variables were further explored through regression analyses.

Results

Global WUE estimated by two satellite‐based datasets is 1.9 ± 0.1 and 1.8 ± 0.6 g C m−2 mm−1 lower than the simulations from four process‐based models (2.0 ± 0.3 g C m−2 mm−1) but comparable within the uncertainty of both approaches. In both satellite‐based datasets and process models, precipitation is more strongly associated with spatial gradients of WUE for temperate and tropical regions, but temperature dominates north of 50° N. WUE also increases with increasing solar radiation at high latitudes. The values of WUE from datasets and process‐based models are systematically higher in wet regions (with higher GPP) than in dry regions. WUEt shows a lower precipitation sensitivity than WUE, which is contrary to leaf‐ and plant‐level observations. IWUEt, the product of WUEt and water vapour deficit, is found to be rather conservative with spatially increasing precipitation, in agreement with leaf‐ and plant‐level measurements.

Main conclusions

WUE, WUEt and IWUEt produce different spatial relationships with climate variables. In dry ecosystems, water losses from evaporation from bare soil, uncorrelated with productivity, tend to make WUE lower than in wetter regions. Yet canopy conductance is intrinsically efficient in those ecosystems and maintains a higher IWUEt. This suggests that the responses of each component flux of evapotranspiration should be analysed separately when investigating regional gradients in WUE, its temporal variability and its trends.
Contrasting beta diversity among regions: how do classical and multivariate approaches compare?
Authors: Bennett Joseph R. , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: December 2015

Aim

Approaches to calculating beta diversity (β) include classical measures based on alpha (α) and gamma (γ) diversity, and multivariate distance‐based measures. Species–area relationships cause measurements of γ to vary, making comparisons of classical β among regions contingent on sampling effort. A recent null‐modelling approach has attempted to account for variation in γ by calculating the degree to which β deviates from a random expectation. Here, we clarify the mathematical links between classical and multivariate approaches to measuring β, to derive predictions regarding the reliability of classical, null‐model and multivariate approaches. Next, we use four ecological datasets and simulated data to test the consistency of these approaches across sampling effort and γ. We focus on an issue that arises when making comparisons among regions, namely that even small changes to the area sampled can differentially increase measured γ in each region, potentially causing artefacts in β that are driven by methodology rather than biology.

Innovation

Comparisons among regions using classical and null‐model measures change dramatically as sampling effort and γ increase. This change is understood for classical β because of species–area relationships, but not for null‐model measures, making comparisons among regions impossible using the null‐model approach. Multiple‐site dissimilarity shows a similar sensitivity to γ as classical measures. In contrast, pairwise multivariate distances show no systematic effect of sampling effort and γ: increasing the number of sample plots decreases variability but does not alter mean β.

Main conclusions

Multivariate pairwise distances are independent of sample size, offering the most robust comparison among regions. The widespread influence of sampling effort and γ indicate that only scale‐dependent measures of classical and multiple‐site β are comparable, whereas null‐model β may not be comparable among regions. However, in cases where γ is well known, multiple‐site dissimilarity metrics offer several advantages, and should be strongly considered.
Comparison between sensory and instrumental characterization of topical formulations: impact of thickening agents
Authors: Estanqueiro M. , Amaral M. H. , Sousa Lobo J. M.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Sensorial properties of cutaneous formulations are important in determining their acceptability by consumers. However, sensorial analysis is time‐consuming and requires an available panel of trained assessors. Thus, this article aimed to study the impact of thickening agents on mechanical properties of creams and investigate how these measurements could correlate the sensory attributes using a combined instrumental–sensorial approach.

Methods

For this purpose, eight semisolid formulations were prepared, containing in their composition different thickening agents at different concentrations. These formulations were firstly microscopically observed and then assayed through textural, rheological and spreadability measurements. Textural characterization and rheological characterization were performed during six months to assess the physical stability of the studied formulations. Finally, six sensory attributes, namely firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, spreadability, consistency and adhesiveness post‐application, were tested by a trained panel.

Results

It was observed that thickening agents influence the microstructure of semisolid emulsions and also their mechanical properties. In general, an increase in the concentration of thickening agents improves the physical stability of formulations over time. Besides, textural parameters (firmness and adhesiveness), viscosity and difficulty to spread also increase. A good correlation between mechanical characterization and sensorial analysis was verified, mainly for spreadability properties.

Conclusion

With the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that the proposed methods for mechanical characterization can be correlated with sensorial perception obtained from volunteers, representing a faster and less expensive alternative than sensory analysis.
Adjunctive screening devices for oral lesions: their use by Canadian Dental Hygienists and the need for knowledge translation
Authors: Laronde DM , Corbett KK
Published: December 2015

Screening for oral cancer and other mucosal conditions is a knowledge‐to‐action objective that should be easy: there is supportive evidence, it is fast and non‐invasive, and the oral cavity is easy to visualize. However, over 60% of oral cancers are diagnosed late, when treatment is complex and prognosis poor. Adjunctive screening devices (ASDs), e.g. toluidine blue (TB), fluorescence visualization (FV), chemiluminescence (CL) and brush biopsies, were designed to assess risk of oral lesions or aid in identification and localization of oral premalignant and malignant lesions. Little is known on how clinicians feel about using ASDs.

Objectives

To evaluate use and level of comfort in using ASDs for oral cancer screening among dental hygienists.

Methods

Online email survey of a stratified random sample of nearly 3000 dental hygienists from four Canadian provinces.

Results

A total of 369 hygienists responded about ASDs. Ninety‐three (25%) had used an ASD. Use was associated with six or more continuing education (CE) courses per year (P = 0.030), having a CE course in oral pathology within the last 3 years (P = 0.003) and having a screening protocol (P = 0.008). The most commonly used ASD is FV, which was the tool hygienists felt most comfortable using. Few used brush biopsies. Older graduates were more comfortable using TB (P = 0.014) and CL (0.033).

Conclusion

Current evidence and education through CE appears to bolster knowledge translation efforts for hygienists to become more comfortable in the use of ASDs. ASDs with minimal supporting evidence and not specifically targeted to hygienists, such as the brush biopsies, are not well utilized.
Nasal polyps: a predisposing factor for cutaneous leishmaniasis of the lips?
Authors: Veraldi Stefano , D'Agostino Antonio , Pontini Paolo , Guanziroli Elena , Gatt Paul
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) of the lips is rare. This study was conducted to investigate findings in patients with this condition.

Methods

From 2007 to date, we observed 10 patients (nine males and one female), with a median age of 45.2 years (range: 8–77 years), with CL of the lips.

Results

Six of the 10 patients suffered from nasal polyps, three from bronchial asthma, and one from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Three of the patients with nasal polyps also had asthma. Three patients had none of nasal polyps, asthma, or COPD. In all patients with nasal polyps, diagnosis was confirmed by anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy.

Conclusions

It is possible that, in patients with nasal polyps, asthma, and COPD, the need to breathe through the mouth rather than the nose facilitates the sting by sandflies. Subjects with nasal polyps living in areas endemic for CL should be warned about the risk for being stung by sandflies on the lips, in addition to other uncovered areas.
Immunogenetics of three novel HLA‐Class II alleles: DRB1*03:112, DQB1*03:02:16 and DQB1*03:139
Authors: Street J. , Johnson J. , Lemin A. J. , Harvey C. , Darke C.
Published: December 2015

Three novel HLA‐Class II alleles, DRB1*03:112, DQB1*03:02:16 and DQB1*03:139, are described with predicted bearing haplotypes of A*02:01, B*40:01, C*03:04, DRB1*03:112, DQB1*02:01; A*23:01, B*15:01, C*03:03, DRB1*04:01, DQB1*03:02:16 and A*01:01, B*44:02, C*05:01/03, DRB1*04:01, DQB1*03:139. Serological tests showed that the DRB1*03:112 and DQB1*03:139 specificities failed to react as expected with some well‐documented monoclonal antibodies. Subsequent examination of published HLA‐Class II epitopes and inspection of amino acid motifs suggested that epitopes exist that include the positions of their single substitutions (F31C between DRB1*03:01:01:01 and DRB1*03:112, and R48P between DQB1*03:01:01:01 and DQB1*03:139 specificities). This suggests that the reactivity of the monoclonal antibodies used was dependent on these epitopes and that their loss from these rare allele products resulted in their aberrant serology. The new alleles were found after the sequence‐based typing of 32 530 random UK European routine blood donors suggesting that each has a maximum carriage frequency of 0.0031% in the blood donor population resident in Wales.
Epstein–Barr virus‐induced gene 3 suppresses T helper type 1, type 17 and type 2 immune responses after Trypanosoma cruzi infection and inhibits parasite replication by interfering with alternative macrophage activation
Authors: Böhme Julia , Roßnagel Caroline , Jacobs Thomas , Behrends Jochen , Hölscher Christoph , Erdmann Hanna
Published: December 2015

The Epstein–Barr virus‐induced gene 3 (EBI3) is a member of the interleukin‐12 (IL)‐12) family structurally related to the subunit p40 of IL‐12 and forms a heterodimer either with the p28 subunit to build IL‐27 or with p35 to form IL‐35. Interleukin‐27 is secreted by antigen‐presenting cells whereas IL‐35 appears to be produced mainly by regulatory T cells and regulatory B cells but both cytokines negatively regulate inflammatory immune responses. We here analysed the function of EBI3 during infection with the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Compared with C57BL/6 wild‐type mice, EBI3‐deficient (EBI3−/−) mice showed a higher parasitaemia associated with an increased mortality rate. The EBI3−/− mice displayed an elevated inflammatory immune response with an increased production of T helper type 1 (Th1‐), Th2‐ and Th17‐derived cytokines. The increased Th2 immune response appears to have over‐ridden the otherwise protective Th1 and Th17 immune responses by the induction of arginase‐1‐expressing alternatively activated macrophages in these mice. Hence, neutralization of IL‐4 and arginase‐1 activity partially restored protective immune responses in EBI3−/− mice. So far, our results demonstrate that EBI3 is an essential general regulator of inflammatory immune responses in experimental Chagas disease and is required for control of T. cruzi infection by inhibiting Th2‐dependent alternative macrophage activation. Further studies are needed to dissect the underlying mechanisms and clarify whether EBI3 association with IL‐27 or/and IL‐35 accounts for its anti‐inflammatory character in parasitic disease.
Nucleic acid‐sensing TLRs and autoimmunity: novel insights from structural and cell biology
Authors: Pelka Karin , Shibata Takuma , Miyake Kensuke , Latz Eicke
Published: December 2015

Invasion of pathogenic microorganisms or tissue damage activates innate immune signaling receptors that sample subcellular locations for foreign molecular structures, altered host molecules, or signs of compartment breaches. Upon engagement of innate immune receptors an acute but transient inflammatory response is initiated, aimed at the clearance of pathogens and cellular debris. Among the molecules that are sensed are nucleic acids, which activate several members of the transmembrane Toll‐like receptor (TLR) family. Inappropriate recognition of nucleic acids by TLRs can cause inflammatory pathologies and autoimmunity. Here, we review the mechanisms involved in triggering nucleic acid‐sensing TLRs and indicate checkpoints that restrict their activation to endolysosomal compartments. These mechanisms are crucial to sample the content of endosomes for nucleic acids in the context of infection or tissue damage, yet prevent accidental activation by host nucleic acids under physiological conditions. Decoding the molecular mechanisms that regulate nucleic acid recognition by TLRs is central to understand pathologies linked to unrestricted nucleic acid sensing and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Negative regulation of TLR signaling in myeloid cells—implications for autoimmune diseases
Authors: Hamerman Jessica A. , Pottle Jessica , Ni Minjian , He Yantao , Zhang Zhong‐Yin , Buckner Jane H.
Published: December 2015

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are transmembrane pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbial ligands and signal for production of inflammatory cytokines and type I interferon in macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). Whereas TLR‐induced inflammatory mediators are required for pathogen clearance, many are toxic to the host and can cause pathological inflammation when over‐produced. This is demonstrated by the role of TLR‐induced cytokines in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Because of the potent effects of TLR‐induced cytokines, we have diverse mechanisms to dampen TLR signaling. Here, we highlight three pathways that participate in inhibition of TLR responses in macrophages and DC, and their implications in autoimmunity; A20, encoded by the TNFAIP3 gene, Lyp encoded by the PTPN22 gene, and the BCAP/PI3K pathway. We present new findings that Lyp promotes TLR responses in primary human monocytes and that the autoimmunity risk Lyp620W variant is more effective at promoting TLR‐induced interleukin‐6 than the non‐risk Lyp620R protein. This suggests that Lyp serves to downregulate a TLR inhibitory pathway in monocytes, and we propose that Lyp inhibits the TREM2/DAP12 inhibitory pathway. Overall, these pathways demonstrate distinct mechanisms of negative regulation of TLR responses, and all impact autoimmune disease pathogenesis and treatment.
Reducing High Public Debt Ratios: Lessons from UK Experience*
Authors: Crafts Nicholas
Published: December 2015

This paper examines contrasting experiences of the United Kingdom in addressing high public debt to GDP ratios following major wars. A clear message is that interest rate / growth rate differentials were more important than primary budget surpluses for the different outcomes. The debt to GDP ratio fell very rapidly under financial repression following the Second World War but remained stubbornly high despite large budget surpluses with price deflation after the First World War. Implications for policymakers today are that averting price deflation is a high priority and that supply‐side policies that raise growth could play an important part in debt reduction.
An experimental evaluation of the effects of geolocator design and attachment method on between‐year survival on whinchats Saxicola rubetra
Authors: Blackburn Emma , Burgess Malcolm , Freeman Benedictus , Risely Alice , Izang Arin , Ivande Sam , Hewson Chris , Cresswell Will
Published: December 2015

Data from location logging tags have revolutionised our understanding of migration ecology, but methods of tagging that do not compromise survival need to be identified. We compared resighting rates for 156 geolocator‐tagged and 316 colour ringed‐only whinchats on their African wintering grounds after migration to and from eastern Europe in two separate years. We experimentally varied both light stalk length (0, 5 and 10 mm) and harness material (elastic or non‐elastic nylon braid tied on, leg‐loop ‘Rappole’ harnesses) in the second year using a reasonably balanced design (all tags in the first year used an elastic harness and 10 mm light stalk). Tags weighed 0.63 g (0.01 SE), representing 4.1% of average body mass. There was no overall significant reduction in between‐year resighting rate (our proxy for survival) comparing tagged and untagged birds in either year. When comparing within tagged birds, however, using a tied harness significantly reduced resighting rate by 53% on average compared to using an elastic harness (in all models), but stalk length effects were not statistically significant in any model considered. There was no strong evidence that the fit (relative tightness) or added tag mass affected survival, although tied tags were fitted more tightly later in the study, and birds fitted with tied tags later may have had lower survival. Overall, on a precautionary principle, deploying tags with non‐elastic tied harnesses should be avoided because the necessary fit, so as not to reduce survival, is time‐consuming to achieve and does not necessarily improve with experience. Geolocator tags of the recommended percentage of body mass fitted with elastic leg‐loop harnesses and with short light stalks can be used without survival effects in small long‐distance migrant birds.
From integrative to game‐based integrative peer response: high ability versus low ability
Authors: Wang J.H. , Chen S.Y. , Chang B. , Chan T.W.
Published: December 2015

Peer response is useful to improve student writing. However, traditional peer response takes a single mode, which has some problems, such as effort for preparation of documents or ambiguous feedback. To address these problems, this study presents two peer response approaches, that is, an integrative approach and a game‐based integrative approach. Additionally, whether students with these two peer response approaches and those with a non‐peer response approach performed differently is examined in this study, where students' ability levels were also considered. The findings suggest that students with the peer response generally demonstrated better writing performance than those without the peer response. Furthermore, students with the game‐based integrative approach showed better writing quality than those with the integrative approach. Moreover, the former was more helpful in giving direct feedback on surface features and criticism than the latter. However, the usefulness of peer response approaches was associated with ability levels. More specifically, the integrative approach was beneficial for the high‐ability students to improve on their written expression in the aspect of length of composition, while the game‐based integrative approach was advantageous to enhance the low‐ability students' writing quality in the aspect of clear paragraph.
Comparative study of trophic organization of juvenile fish assemblages of three tidal creeks in a tropical semi‐arid estuary
Authors: Figueiredo G. G. A. A. , Pessanha A. L. M.
Published: December 2015

A comparison of three tidal creeks assessed the effects of the hydrological regime on trophic organization in juvenile fish assemblages of 21 species in a tropical estuary in north‐eastern Brazil. There were seven trophic guilds represented spatially. Zooplanktivore and zoobenthivore guilds dominated the lower estuary, whereas omnivores and detritivores dominated the upper estuary. In the rainy season, the zooplanktivore and omnivore guilds were more common throughout the estuary, but in the dry season, zoobenthivores and piscivores occurred throughout. The trophic organization results show that (1) there was a higher complexity in tidal creeks in the upper estuary compared with the first tidal creek in the lower region and (2) trophic linkages increased in the upper estuary, principally the number of omnivore and detritivore species. Spatial variation in trophic structure was primarily associated with differences in the location of the tidal creeks along the estuary, and this variability was partly attributed to fish species richness; the number of species increased towards the upper estuary, and additional species occupied different trophic levels or used additional resources.
Topical steroids in eosinophilic esophagitis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials
Authors: Murali Arvind R , Gupta Ashutosh , Attar Bashar M , Ravi Venkatesh , Koduru Pramoda
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic condition characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction in the presence of eosinophil‐predominant inflammation of esophageal mucosa. Topical steroids are recommended as first line pharmacologic therapy in EoE. We aimed to determine the efficacy of topical steroids in inducing histologic and clinical remission in children and adults with EoE.

Methods:

We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases for studies investigating the efficacy of topical steroids in EoE. We collected data on the number of patients, dose and duration of therapy, complete and partial histological response, and clinical improvement. We performed meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials using Review Manager version 5.2. We used funnel plots to evaluate for publication bias.

Results:

Five studies that included 174 patients with EoE were included in the meta‐analysis. Topical fluticasone was administered in three studies involving 114 patients, and topical budesonide in two studies involving 60 patients. Patients treated with topical steroids, as compared with placebo, had higher complete histological remission (odds ratio [OR] 20.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.03, 61.63) and partial histological remission (OR 32.20, 95% CI 6.82, 152.04). There was a trend towards improvement in clinical symptoms with topical steroids as compared with placebo but it did not reach statistical significance (OR 2.72, 95 %CI 0.90, 8.23).

Conclusions:

Topical corticosteroids seem to be effective in inducing histological remission but may not have similar significant impact in improving clinical symptoms of EoE. Studies with large sample size are needed to uniformly validate symptom improvement in EoE.
Erring on the side of caution: pregnant women's perceptions of consuming fish in a risk averse society
Authors: Lucas C. , Starling P. , McMahon A. , Charlton K.
Published: December 2015

Background

Fish and seafood are good sources of several nutrients that are important for foetal growth and development. Despite guidelines encouraging the eating of fish during pregnancy, research indicates that pregnant women may be limiting or avoiding these foods. Possible factors contributing to this include concerns regarding levels of mercury and other contaminants and pregnant women's purported heightened risk consciousness. The present study aimed to explore pregnant women's perceptions of consuming fish and seafood during pregnancy.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 pregnant women across all three trimesters in New South Wales, Australia. Questions focussed on exploring nutrition information received during pregnancy, dietary changes made during pregnancy and, more specifically, perceptions of fish and seafood, as well as views on information of fish and seafood commonly provided to pregnant women. Data were collected, then transcribed and analysed using an inductive coding process, guided by the qualitative theory grounded approach.

Results

Multiple inter‐related themes were found to shape pregnant women's perceptions related to fish and seafood consumption during pregnancy; namely, the understanding of fish and seafood as part of a healthy diet, external factors such as cost, individual preferences such as taste, and confidence in choosing and preparing fish. The context of a risk adverse society permeated these themes.

Conclusions

The present study provides insight into the inter‐related factors that influence pregnant women's consumption or avoidance of fish and seafood.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Household Consumption
Authors: Ivanova Diana , Stadler Konstantin , Steen‐Olsen Kjartan , Wood Richard , Vita Gibran , Tukker Arnold , Hertwich Edgar G.
Published: December 2015

We analyze the environmental impact of household consumption in terms of the material, water, and land‐use requirements, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, associated with the production and use of products and services consumed by these households. Using the new EXIOBASE 2.2 multiregional input‐output database, which describes the world economy at the detail of 43 countries, five rest‐of‐the‐world regions, and 200 product sectors, we are able to trace the origin of the products consumed by households and represent global supply chains for 2007. We highlight the importance of environmental pressure arising from households with their consumption contributing to more than 60% of global GHG emissions and between 50% and 80% of total land, material, and water use. The footprints are unevenly distributed across regions, with wealthier countries generating the most significant impacts per capita. Elasticities suggest a robust and significant relationship between households’ expenditure and their environmental impacts, driven by a rising demand of nonprimary consumption items. Mobility, shelter, and food are the most important consumption categories across the environmental footprints. Globally, food accounts for 48% and 70% of household impacts on land and water resources, respectively, with consumption of meat, dairy, and processed food rising fast with income. Shelter and mobility stand out with high carbon and material intensity, whereas the significance of services for footprints relates to the large amount of household expenditure associated with them.
Toward a Practical Ontology for Socioeconomic Metabolism
Authors: Pauliuk Stefan , Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Müller Daniel B. , Hertwich Edgar G.
Published: December 2015

The complexity of data and methods in industrial ecology (IE) keeps growing, and the demand for comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessments increases. To keep up with this development, the field needs a data infrastructure that allows researchers to annotate, store, retrieve, combine, and exchange data at low cost, without loss of information, and across disciplines and model frameworks. A consensus‐building debate about how to describe the common object of study, socioeconomic metabolism (SEM), is necessary for the development of practical data structures and databases. We review the definitions of basic concepts to describe SEM in IE and related fields such as integrated assessment modeling. We find that many definitions are not compatible, are implicit, and are sometimes lacking. To resolve the conflicts and inconsistencies within the current definitions, we propose a hierarchical system of terms and definitions, apractical ontology, for describing objects, their properties, and events in SEM. We propose a typology of object properties and usesetsto group objects into a hierarchical, mutually exclusive, and collectively exhaustive (H‐MECE) classification. This grouping leads to a general definition ofstocks. We show that a MECE representation of events necessarily requires two complementary concepts:processesandflows, for which we propose general definitions based on sets. Using these definitions, we show that the system structure of any interdisciplinary model of SEM can be formulated as adirected graph. We propose guidelines for semantic data annotation and database design, which can help to turn the vision of a powerful data infrastructure for SEM research into reality.
Classification of Salmonella enterica serotypes with selective bands using visible/NIR hyperspectral microscope images
Authors: EADY M. , PARK B.
Published: December 2015

Optical detection of foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella classifies bacteria by analysing spectral data, and has potential for rapid detection. In this experiment hyperspectral microscopy is explored as a means for classifying five Salmonella serotypes. Initially, the microscope collects 89 spectral measurements between 450 and 800 nm. Here, the objective was to develop correct classification of five serotypes with optimal spectral bands selected through multivariate data analysis (MVDA), thus reducing the data processing and storage requirement necessary for practical application in the food industry. An upright digital microscope is equipped with an acousto‐optical tuneable filter, electron multiplying charge‐coupled device, and metal halide lighting source. Images for each of the five serotypes were collected, and informative bands were identified through a principal component analysis, for four abbreviated spectral ranges containing 3, 7, 12 and 20 spectral bands. The experiment was repeated with an independent repetition and images were collected at each of the reduced band sets, identified by the first repetition. A support vector machine (SVM) was used to classify serotypes. Results showed that with the first repetition, classification accuracy decreased from 99.5% (89 bands) to 84.5% (3 bands), whereas the second repetition showed classification accuracies of 100%, possibly due to a reduction in spectral noise. The support vector machine regression (SVMR) was applied with cross‐validation, and had R2 calibration and validation values >0.922. Although classification accuracies through SVM classification showed that as little as 3 bands were able to classify 100% of the samples, the SVMR shows that the smallest root‐mean squared‐error values were 0.001 and 0.002 for 20 and 12 bands, respectively, suggesting that the 12 band range collected between 586 and 630 nm is optimal for classifying bacterial serotypes, with only the informative HMI bands selected.
Melatonin localization in human salivary glands
Authors: Isola Michela , Lilliu Maria Alberta
Published: December 2015

Background

Circulating melatonin is believed to reach body fluids by crossing passively the cell membranes, but alternative ways for melatonin transport also are hypothesized. This investigation was carried out to furnish ultrastructural evidences for melatonin transport by salivary gland cells in order to indicate plausible routes by which circulating melatonin can reach saliva.

Methods

Bioptic samples of parotid, submandibular and labial glands were processed for the electron microscopy and treated to demonstrate melatonin reactivity by the immunogold staining method.

Results and conclusions

The preferential sites of melatonin reactivity were the granules and vesicles of serous cells. Our results suggested that the acinar cells are able to store melatonin and that the hormone can be released into saliva through granule and vesicle exocytosis. The quantitative evaluation of labelling showed that the parotid gland is the most involved in the release of melatonin in saliva.
The Relationship Between Pregnancy Prevention and STI/HIV Prevention and Sexual Risk Behavior Among American Indian Men
Authors: Rink Elizabeth , FourStar Kristofer , Anastario Michael P.
Published: December 2015

Objective

We examined the relationship between American Indian men's attitudes toward pregnancy prevention, STI/HIV prevention, and sexual risk behavior. Attention was given to: (1) attitudes and intentions to use condoms and sexual risk behavior; (2) STI/HIV prevention characteristics and sexual risk behavior; (3) attitudes toward abstinence and monogamy and sexual risk behavior; and (4) decision‐making in relationships and sexual risk behavior.

Study Design

Our sample included 120 heterosexual American Indian men aged 18 to 24 living on a reservation. Data were collected during in‐depth interviews. A community‐based participatory research framework was used to ensure the relevancy and acceptability of the study given the sensitivity of the topic.

Principal Findings

Results demonstrated that attitudinal factors were associated with sexual risk behavior, particularly inconsistent condom use. Attitudes associated with consistent condom use suggested greater levels of positive dispositions toward prevention and intention to use condoms. Consistent condom use was associated with more cautious attitudes toward sex with multiple sex partners. Study results suggested that American Indian men who reported sex with multiple partners exhibited a set of attitudes and beliefs toward pregnancy prevention and STI/HIV prevention that corresponded with a disposition resulting from their behaviors, in that engaging in sexual risk behavior elevated their levels of risk perception.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that heterosexual American Indian men living in rural environments need sexual and reproductive health programs and clinical services that address differing attitudes toward condom use within the context of multiple sex partners and sexual risk behavior.