bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD39 positive regulatory T cell frequency as a biomarker of treatment response to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Katiyar Shobhita , Singh Ankita , Misra Ramnath , Aggarwal Amita
Published: August 2018

Aim

Nearly one‐third of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not respond to Methotrexate (MTX), the first‐line therapy in RA. CD39, an ectonucleotidase highly expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs), is responsible for production of adenosine, an important anti‐inflammatory mediator of MTX action. Higher expression of CD39 on Tregs improves their suppressive capacity. Therefore, we aimed to study the role of CD39+ Treg frequency as a biomarker for MTX treatment response in RA.

Methods

Patients with active RA who were naive to disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs were enrolled. Frequencies of CD39+ Tregs (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+CD39+ cells) and CD4+CD25+CD39+ cells were determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood before the start of therapy. After 4 months of MTX monotherapy, patients were classified into responders (European League Against Rheumatism [EULAR] good/moderate response) and non‐responders (EULAR no response). All samples were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs11188513 and rs7071836 in the ENTPD1 (CD39) gene.

Results

After 4 months of MTX monotherapy, 54 patients were classified as responders and 16 as non‐responders. The baseline CD39+ Treg and CD4+CD25+CD39+ cell frequencies were significantly higher in the responder group as compared with the non‐responder group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). AA genotype at SNP rs7071836 was associated with poor response to MTX (P < 0.05; odds ratio = 5.67; 95% CI = 1.12–28.75).

Conclusion

Higher frequencies of CD39+ Tregs and CD4+CD25+CD39+ cells in the peripheral blood are associated with response to MTX in RA and hence, these could be considered as potential biomarkers for prediction of response to MTX treatment.
Methotrexate intoxication: Beyond the adverse events
Authors: Dalkilic Ediz , Coskun Belkıs Nihan , Yağız Burcu , Tufan Ayşe Nur , Ermurat Selime , Pehlivan Yavuz
Published: August 2018

Aim

Methotrexate (MTX) is the first‐line disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, this anchor may cause some side effects that may range from nausea to mortality. The clinical features of MTX toxicity are under‐researched. In this study, we aimed to find out the potential predisposing factors and outcomes of the MTX toxicity (n = 31).

Methods

The data were collected from 31 patients whose ages ranged from 25 to 81 years, who were suffering from immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases and major MTX‐related toxicity.

Results

Out of 31 patients, six (19.4%) used MTX every day, and 13 (41.9%) patients had renal insufficiency who were admitted to the hospital because of mucositis (90.3%) and fever (71%). While using MTX, 27 patients (87.1%) were discharged after the treatment and four patients (12.9%) died.

Conclusions

Although MTX has high efficacy for the toxicity ratio, wrong use and dosage of MTX may be harmful to patients. Thus, patients should be informed about the proper use of MTX.
Genetic implications in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Rezaei Ramazan , Aslani Saeed , Dashti Navid , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Gharibdoost Farhad , Mahmoudi Mahdi
Published: August 2018

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the connective tissues of unknown etiology, characterized mainly by fibrosis of the skin, vascular abnormalities, and systemic involvement of other organs, such as gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, and heart. SSc has been associated with a complex etiology with the involvement of both environmental and genetic factors in the onset and outcome of the disease. Although several major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non‐MHC genes have been associated with the disease risk, there are several questions to answer. This article's purpose was to provide an extensive overview of the identified genetic factors in the etiopathogenesis of SSc.
Targeted capture sequencing identifies novel genetic variations in Chinese patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Peng Qing‐Lin , Lin Jin‐Ming , Zhang Yong‐Biao , Zhang Xue‐Zhi , Wang Pan‐Pan , Wu Ting‐Ting , Yu Jun , Dong Xiao‐Qun , Gu Ming‐Liang , Wang Guo‐Chun
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Previous association studies have identified genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex as substantial risk factors for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). However, a great number of genes are located in the HLA region, and thus fine mapping is quite necessary.

Methods

Targeted capture sequencing were performed on the whole HLA region in 42 IIM patients and 24 healthy controls. A microarray analysis was applied to analyze gene expression profiles in additional 20 newly diagnosed IIM and five healthy controls.

Results

The HLA region was confirmed to be associated with IIMs in Chinese patients. By gene expression profiling and pathway analysis, several genes were identified as candidates for IIM risk factors, including HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐DRB5, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DQB2. Interestingly, p.Y107V of the HLA‐DRB1 was predicted to be a potential causal non‐synonymous variation for IIMs that may affect the antigen‐binding groove of the HLA‐II molecule.

Conclusions

Our data have revealed novel genetic variations in the HLA region of IIM patients and provide new insight into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of IIMs.
Pulmonary hypertension in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Sari Alper , Sener Yusuf Z. , Firat Esra , Armagan Berkan , Erden Abdulsamet , Oksul Metin , Hekimsoy Vedat , Asil Serkan , Kilic Levent , Kiraz Sedat , Kaya Ergun B. , Tokgozoglu Lale , Akdogan Ali
Published: August 2018

Aim

To determine the frequency and define the causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA).

Method

Sixty‐four TA patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Having an estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) ≥40 mm Hg by echocardiography or if performed, mean PAP ≥25 mm Hg in right heart catheterization was defined as PH. Clinical, imaging and laboratory results of the TA patients were obtained from hospital files.

Result

In total, seven (10.9%) patients had PH. Four patients had PH due to left‐sided heart disease (group 2 PH), three patients due to pulmonary arterial involvement (PAI; group 4 PH) and one patient due to atrial septal defect (group 1 PH). In one patient, combination of PAI, aortic insufficiency and pulmonary venous return anomaly was present and he was considered to have both group 2 and group 4 PH. PAI was more frequent (42.9% vs 15.7%) in patients with PH but the difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of patients treated with cyclophosphamide and/or biologics was higher in the group with PH as compared to the group without PH (P = 0.015). One patient with group 4 PH had been on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)‐specific agents for 8 years.

Conclusion

Pulmonary hypertension is not infrequent in TA patients and all the potential causes of PH should be carefully evaluated. Patients with severe or treatment‐resistant disease are prone to have PH. PAH‐specific agents may be effective in patients with group 4 PH.
Elucidating the environmental risk factors for rheumatic diseases: An umbrella review of meta‐analyses
Authors: Belbasis Lazaros , Dosis Vasilios , Evangelou Evangelos
Published: August 2018

Aims

Although rheumatic diseases constitute a leading cause of disability, the environmental risk factors for these diseases are not clarified. In the present study, we aim to systematically appraise the epidemiological credibility of the environmental risk factors for rheumatic diseases.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed to capture meta‐analyses of observational studies on environmental risk factors for the most prevalent rheumatic diseases. For each association, we estimated the summary effect size estimate, the 95% confidence and prediction intervals, and the I2 metric. We further examined the presence of small‐study effects and excess significance bias.

Results

Overall, we identified 30 eligible papers describing 42 associations. Thirty‐three associations were statistically significant at P < 0.05, whereas 13 of them were statistically significant at P < 1 × 10−6. Thirty‐two associations had large or very large between‐study heterogeneity. In 12 associations, evidence of small‐study effects and/or excess significance bias was found. Six risk factors (nine associations) presented convincing or highly suggestive evidence of association: smoking and pack‐years of smoking for rheumatoid arthritis; BMI (per 5 kg/m2 increase) for gout and hip osteoarthritis; alcohol consumption for gout; BMI (overweight vs lean, obese vs lean), knee injury and participation in heavy work for knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Our umbrella review indicated that a narrow range of risk factors has been examined for rheumatic diseases. Current evidence strongly supports that smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, knee injury, and work activities are associated with risk for at least one rheumatic disease.
Protective effects of 2,3,5,4‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐o‐β‐D‐glucoside against osteoporosis: Current knowledge and proposed mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jinkang , Li Songlin , Wei Linlan , Peng Ye , Zheng Ziyang , Xue Jing , Cao Yukun , Wang Bin , Du Junjie
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying the protective effects of 2,3,5,4‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐o‐β‐D‐glucoside (TSG) against osteoporosis.

Method

MC3T3‐E1 mouse osteoblast precursor cells were used to analyze the protective effects of TSG on osteoblast apoptosis and differential inhibition induced by oxidative stress to determine the gene expression of forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1 (FoxO3a), T cell factors (TCFs), and downstream genes. A mouse model was used to assess the protective effects of TSG on ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis as well as on Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK) gene expression, including that of FoxO3a. The mechanism underlying the protective effects of TSG against osteoporosis was further explored using high‐throughput sequencing data.

Results

A CCK‐8 assay in MC3T3‐E1 cells and hematoxylin and eosin staining in mouse tissue indicated that cell viability and bone tissue development were inhibited by oxidative stress and ovariectomy and that TSG neutralized or attenuated this effect. The expression levels of FoxO3a, TCF, and downstream genes and the indices of oxidative stress were the same in MC3T3‐E1 cells and the bone tissues of the mouse model. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the cardiac muscle contraction and chemokine signaling pathway were disturbed in MC3T3‐E1 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. Gene ontology‐biological process analysis revealed the influence of TSG treatment.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis and cardiac diseases appear to share a common mechanism. In addition to Wnt/FoxO3a signaling, the immune system and the chemokine signaling pathway may contribute to the protective mechanism of TSG.
Microarray expression profile of long non‐coding RNAs in human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Zhiyi , Li Hongli , Wang Zhaoyan , Yang Yuling , Niu Jie , Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Zhiliang , Yin Chonggao
Published: August 2018

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in many biological dynamics and play significant roles in gene regulation. LncRNA expression is altered in many cancers; however, the expressions and functions of lncRNA genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) remain unknown.

Methods

LncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in LAD without lymphatic metastasis versus paired adjacent non‐tumor (ANT) lung tissues and LAD with versus without lymphatic metastasis were analyzed using Human LncRNA Arraystar V3.0. The expression levels of four downregulated and four upregulated lncRNAs were verified using quantitative real‐time PCR in cells and tissue specimens.

Results

In this study, 949 lncRNAs and 681 mRNAs had differential expression in LAD without lymphatic metastasis compared to ANT lung tissues, while 2740 lncRNAs and 1714 mRNAs were differentially expressed in LAD with lymphatic metastasis compared to LAD without lymphatic metastasis. The expression patterns of selected lncRNAs (LINC00113, AC005009.1, ARHGAP22‐IT1, AC009411.1, SRGAP3‐AS2, EGFEM1P, FAM66E, and HLA‐F‐AS1) were consistent with microarray data. Differentially expressed mRNA genes were enriched in crucial Gene Ontology terms and pathways.

Conclusion

Our results revealed differentially expressed lncRNAs in LAD, suggesting lncRNAs may be potential indicators for LAD diagnosis and therapy.
Revisiting niche fundamentals with Tukey depth
Authors: Cerdeira Jorge Orestes , Monteiro‐Henriques Tiago , Martins Maria João , Silva Pedro C. , Alagador Diogo , Franco Aldina M. A. , Campagnolo Manuel L. , Arsénio Pedro , Aguiar Francisca C. , Cabeza Mar
Published: August 2018

The first attempts to describe species ecological niches were simple geometric procedures that depict the niche boundaries directly from environmental data. The convex hull was one of such procedures, popular for its simplicity, clear ecological rational and precise definition of the niche. However, it lacked the ability to differentiate areas of the niche with different probabilities of occurrence according to environmental suitability.

We incorporate the Tukey depth, a mathematical tool to measure the centrality of a point within a cloud of points on a multidimensional space, in the convex hull approach to (i) propose a new procedure (CH‐Tukey) to estimate species’ environmental suitability, and (ii) estimate niche overlap coherently. In addition to a clear ecological rational and simplicity the CH‐Tukey procedure has a number of attractive features: use of presence‐only data; independence from background data; invariance to scale; robustness to outliers; and the decomposition of the niche into a finite number of iso‐suitability levels, permitting the computation of consistent overlap indices. We illustrate the use of CH‐Tukey, using occurrence data of the main Quercus species and subspecies from Western Mediterranean Europe, comparing its outputs with BIOCLIM and MaxEnt.

Results showed distinct niche geometries among the different approaches. BIOCLIM produced rectilinear niches reflecting the assumption that ecological variables are independent in their action on the species. CH‐Tukey, relaxing this assumption, adjusts niche outer boundary and the inner suitability levels to the known occurrences. MaxEnt produced unbounded niche geometries, showing abrupt shifts in the species response to the environmental variables.

The niche predictions obtained with geometric approaches, BIOCLIM and CH‐Tukey, are simpler but better aligned with Hutchinson's niche concept than those obtained with MaxEnt, this latter showing ecologically implausible relationships with the environmental variables. CH‐Tukey and the related overlap measures provide an adequate tool to explore niche properties and species–environment relationships.
Association between serum cotinine levels and electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality
Authors: Irfan Affan , Li Yabing , Bhatnagar Aruni , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: August 2018

Background

Although the harmful effect of tobacco exposure on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors are well established, the constituents of cigarette‐smoke and the pathophysiological mechanism involved are unknown. Recently, deep terminal negativity of P wave in V1 (DTNPV1) has emerged as a marker of left atrial abnormality that predicts atrial fibrillation, stroke, and death due to all‐cause or CVD. Therefore, we examined the association between serum cotinine levels with abnormal DTNPV1 using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Methods

This analysis included 4,507 participants (mean age 58 ± 13 years, 53% women, 49% non‐Hispanic white) of NHANES III, without history of CVD or major electrocardiographic abnormalities and not on heart rate modifying medications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between serum cotinine and abnormal DTNPV1—defined from automatically processed electrocardiograms as values of the amplitude of the terminal negative phase of P wave in lead V1 exceeding 100 μV.

Results

Abnormal DTNPV1 was detected in 2.3% (n = 105) of the participants. In a model adjusted for demographics and CVD risk factors, each 10 ng/ml serum cotinine was associated with 2% increased odds of abnormal DTNPV1 (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.03, p‐value < 0.001). This association was consistent in subgroups stratified by age, sex, race, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusion

Elevated serum cotinine levels are associated with an abnormal DTNPV1. This suggests that nicotine exposure can lead to left atrial abnormalities, a possible mechanism for increased risk of CVD.
Pediatric noncompaction patients with high spatial QRS‐T angles are at increased risk for ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Cortez Daniel , Sharma Nandita , Imundo Jason R.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) patients may develop sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Currently no known electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter has demonstrated predictive value for VA development. The spatial QRS‐T angle has demonstrated ability to identify VA in other cardiomyopathy populations.

Methods

A total of 39 patients with NCCM, defined by compact to non‐compact ratio of >2.3 by magnetic resonance imaging, were assessed. The first ECG taken at time of MRI was assessed utilizing the heart rate, the QRS duration (QRSd), the corrected QT interval (QTc), and the spatial QRS‐T angle (SPQRS‐T angle, three‐dimensional angle between the QRS and T‐wave vectors) were assessed.

Results

Eight patients developed VA (20.5%). Median time to event was 3 months (95% CI 1.0 to 24.0 months). There were no significant differences between baseline ejection fraction or fractional shortening. Baseline median heart rate, spatial QRS‐T angles, and indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic volumes were all significantly higher in patients with VA development (p‐value <0.05). Only heart rate and the SPQRS‐T angle had significant univariate hazard ratios (HR) for VA at 1.031/beat per minute (1.001–1.071) and at a cut‐off of 147 degrees the SPQRS‐T angle gave a hazard ratio of HR of 5.773 (95% CI 1.161 to 28.702). The multivariate hazard ratio was only significant for the SPQRS‐T angle, 1.031/degree (1.001–1.066). Survival analysis by Kaplan‐Meier yielded a significant difference at a cutoff of 147 degrees.

Conclusion

The SPQRS‐T angle identified those at risk for VA development. Future studies are warranted with larger populations of noncompaction patients.
BANK PERFORMANCE, FINANCIAL STABILITY AND MARKET CONCENTRATION: EVIDENCE FROM COOPERATIVE AND NON‐COOPERATIVE BANKS
Authors: BARRA Cristian , ZOTTI Roberto
Published: August 2018

Relying upon highly territorially disaggregated data taken at labour market areas, the paper explores the relationship between bank performances and financial stability of the banking system taking into account the role of market concentration. The z‐score is used as financial stability indicator, while the performance of financial intermediaries is measured using a parametric method recently developed (Kumbhakar et al. 2014). The empirical evidence shows a positive relationship between bank performance and financial stability and supports the ‘concentration–stability’ view for non‐cooperative banks only when concentration is measured on the whole sample of banks. Differences in the performance–stability nexus seem to depend more on the type of banks rather than different levels of market concentration. Higher market concentration of cooperative banks affects systemic stability by reducing the z‐scores of non‐cooperative banks, supporting the hypothesis that the presence of non‐profit‐maximizing entities can pull down stability of other financial institutions.
Selection and characterization of broad‐spectrum antibacterial substance‐producing Lactobacillus curvatus PA40 as a potential probiotic for feed additives
Authors: Hong Sung Wook , Kim Jong‐Hui , Bae Hyo Ju , Ham Jun‐Sang , Yoo Jae Gyu , Chung Kun Sub , Oh Mi‐Hwa
Published: August 2018

Lactic acid bacteria were screened for potential probiotics for use as feed additives. We obtained 3,000 isolates from feces of: cattle, dogs, goats, and infants; milk; yogurt; cheese; fermented sausages; Kimchi; and Cheonggukjang and tested their antibacterial activity toward indicator pathogens, including Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica Enteritidis. We further tested their tolerance to artificial gastric juice (1% [w/v] pepsin, pH 2.5) and bile acid (0.1% [w/v] oxgall, pH 6.8). Six isolates exhibited strong antibacterial activity against indicator pathogens. The PA40 isolate from Kimchi exhibited marked resistance to artificial gastric juice and bile acid. The antibacterial substances produced by PA40 were stable to heat, pH, and enzymes. Strain PA40 was identified as a Lactobacillus curvatus strain using chemical tests and 16S rDNA sequencing and produced 248.4 mmol/L lactic acid after 48 hr of fermentative growth. The L. curvatus PA40 strain was also highly tolerant of the artificial gastrointestinal model system. Our results indicate that L. curvatus PA40 could be used as a potential probiotic feed additive.
Active learners’ characterization in MOOC forums and their generated knowledge
Authors: Cohen Anat , Shimony Udi , Nachmias Rafi , Soffer Tal
Published: August 2018

This study explores and characterizes learners' participation patterns in MOOC forums, as well as the factors that correlate with learners' participation. Educational data mining and learning analytics methods were used to retrieve and analyze the learners' interpersonal interaction data, which had accumulated in the Coursera log files. The content in the forums was categorized based on Henri's criteria and converted into quantitative values that could be compared and visualized. It was found that only 20% of the learners were collaborating in the forums throughout the entire course and were responsible for 50% of the total posts. A portion of them earned the name “Super Active.” The analyses not only demonstrated the volume of activity and its pattern but also revealed the content of the discussions, which helped to highlight the needs and reasons for students' usage of the forums. The content analysis showed intensity in the “Cognitive” and “Discipline” categories. Thus, forum participants benefit from discussions not only socially but disciplinarily and cognitively as well. Furthermore, even though a strong significant correlation was found between the learners’ completion status and their activity in the forums, a group of learners, who did not complete the course, was highly active.
Gender differences in the association between melatonin secretion and diabetes in elderly: The HEIJO‐KYO cohort
Authors: Obayashi Kenji , Yamagami Yuki , Iwamoto Junko , Kurumatani Norio , Saeki Keigo
Published: August 2018

Objective

Reportedly, melatonin protects the pancreatic islets and decreases insulin resistance; thus, it may contribute to preventing diabetes. Epidemiological data suggested that lower melatonin secretion is associated with higher incidence of diabetes in female nurses. Such associations are unknown in the general population. We evaluated the association between melatonin secretion and diabetes in a general population, including both genders.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Participants

A total of 1096 community‐based elderly males (n = 519) and females (n = 577) (mean age, 71.8 years) were enrolled.

Measurements

Overnight urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin excretion (UME) and diabetes prevalence were measured.

Results

The median UME was 6.7 μg (interquartile range, 4.0‐10.5); the prevalence of diabetes was 17.5% in males and 10.7% in females. The prevalence of diabetes decreased with increasing UME quartiles among males (P for trend = 0.009) but not among females (P for trend = 0.96). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding factors, such as age, smoking and drinking habits, economic status, caloric intake, and physical activity, the odds ratio (OR) for diabetes was significantly lower in the highest UME quartile group compared with the lowest quartile group among males (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17‐0.70; P = 0.003) but not females (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.45‐1.95; P = 0.87). Consistent results were observed in the analysis after adjusting for clinical parameters or using continuous UME data.

Conclusions

Melatonin secretion was significantly and inversely associated with diabetes in males but not in females. This association was independent of several important confounding factors.
Denoising Deep Monte Carlo Renderings
Authors: Vicini D. , Adler D. , Novák J. , Rousselle F. , Burley B.
Published: August 2018

We present a novel algorithm to denoise deep Monte Carlo renderings, in which pixels contain multiple colour values, each for a different range of depths. Deep images are a more expressive representation of the scene than conventional flat images. However, since each depth bin receives only a fraction of the flat pixel's samples, denoising the bins is harder due to the less accurate mean and variance estimates. Furthermore, deep images lack a regular structure in depth—the number of depth bins and their depth ranges vary across pixels. This prevents a straightforward application of patch‐based distance metrics frequently used to improve the robustness of existing denoising filters. We address these constraints by combining a flat image‐space non‐local means filter operating on pixel colours with a deep cross‐bilateral filter operating on auxiliary features (albedo, normal, etc.). Our approach significantly reduces noise in deep images while preserving their structure. To our best knowledge, our algorithm is the first to enable efficient deep‐compositing workflows with denoised Monte Carlo renderings. We demonstrate the performance of our filter on a range of scenes highlighting the challenges and advantages of denoising deep images.
Privacy Preserving Visualization: A Study on Event Sequence Data
Authors: Chou Jia‐Kai , Wang Yang , Ma Kwan‐Liu
Published: August 2018

The inconceivable ability and common practice to collect personal data as well as the power of data‐driven approaches to businesses, services and security nowadays also introduce significant privacy issues. There have been extensive studies on addressing privacy preserving problems in the data mining community but relatively few have provided supervised control over the anonymization process. Preserving both the value and privacy of the data is largely a non‐trivial task. We present the design and evaluation of a visual interface that assists users in employing commonly used data anonymization techniques for making privacy preserving visualizations. Specifically, we focus on event sequence data due to its vulnerability to privacy concerns. Our interface is designed for data owners to examine potential privacy issues, obfuscate information as suggested by the algorithm and fine‐tune the results per their discretion. Multiple use case scenarios demonstrate the utility of our design. A user study similarly investigates the effectiveness of the privacy preserving strategies. Our results show that using a visual‐based interface is effective for identifying potential privacy issues, for revealing underlying anonymization processes, and for allowing users to balance between data utility and privacy.
Transplantation experience as a predictor for quality of life during the first 6 months after lung transplantation
Authors: Goetzmann Lutz , Seiler Annina , Benden Christian , Boehler Annette , Büchi Stefan , Jenewein Josef , Ruettner Barbara , Mueller‐Alcazar Anett , Weierstall Roland
Published: August 2018

Objective

Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial goal of post‐transplant care. This study investigated predictors of QoL within the first 6 months after transplantation.

Methods

Forty patients were assessed 2 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months post‐transplant (T3). In the quantitative part, the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ‐5D) and visualization methods (Prism) were applied. In the qualitative part, interviews were analyzed. Regression analyses were used to investigate the impact of the pictorial ratings at T1 on QoL at T2 and T3. The pictorial variables were related to the interviews for an in‐depth analysis.

Results

There was an increase in QoL between T1 and T2 that remained stable from T2 to T3. Smaller distances in the variable Prism_Lung (acceptance of the lung) and larger distances in the variable Prism_Transplantation (distance to the transplantation experience) were related to the increase in QoL between T1 and T2 and to an higher QoL at T2. High‐QoL patients were able to create an equilibrium of defense and acceptance.

Conclusion

Psychological processes early after transplant are of significance for the development of QoL within the 6 months following the surgery. These insights demonstrate that a mixed methodological approach provides a helpful understanding of post‐transplant processing.
A patient‐centered research agenda for cerebral palsy: an important tool for the future
Authors: Samson‐Fang Lisa
Published: August 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Gross et al. on pages 1278–1284 of this issue.
The use of Dodd's Model for Differential Diagnosis to classify childhood speech sound disorders
Authors: Geytenbeek Johanna
Published: August 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Ttofari Eecen et al. on pages 689–696 of this issue.
Ecosystem context illuminates conflicting roles of plant diversity in carbon storage
Authors: Carol Adair E. , Hooper David U. , Paquette Alain , Hungate Bruce A.
Published: August 2018

Plant diversity can increase biomass production in plot‐scale studies, but applying these results to ecosystem carbon (C) storage at larger spatial and temporal scales remains problematic. Other ecosystem controls interact with diversity and plant production, and may influence soil pools differently from plant pools. We integrated diversity with the state‐factor framework, which identifies key controls, or ‘state factors’, over ecosystem properties and services such as C storage. We used this framework to assess the effects of diversity, plant traits and state factors (climate, topography, time) on live tree, standing dead, organic horizon and total C in Québec forests. Four patterns emerged: (1) while state factors were usually the most important model predictors, models with both state and biotic factors (mean plant traits and diversity) better predicted C pools; (2) mean plant traits were better predictors than diversity; (3) diversity increased live tree C but reduced organic horizon C; (4) different C pools responded to different traits and diversity metrics. These results suggest that, where ecosystem properties result from multiple processes, no simple relationship may exist with any one organismal factor. Integrating biodiversity into ecosystem ecology and assessing both traits and diversity improves our mechanistic understanding of biotic effects on ecosystems.
Dodging sexual conflict?—Sub‐adult females of a web‐building spider stay cryptic to mate‐seeking adult males
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Lee Yerin , Stewart Jordan , Gries Gerhard
Published: August 2018

Adult males of web‐building spiders often cohabit the webs of sessile sub‐adult (i.e. penultimate instar) females and mate with them as they moult to adults. Often, males accrue benefits from this cohabitation (kleptoparasitism, avoidance of cannibalism, potential polygamy), whereas sub‐adult females may either accrue benefits or incur costs such as curtailed opportunity for mate choice or mate cannibalism. Working with the false black widow spider, Steatoda grossa, we tested the hypothesis that webs of sub‐adult females, unlike those of virgin adult females, lack sex attractant pheromone that mate‐seeking males could detect and exploit for mate location. We tested our hypothesis in laboratory experiments by presenting adult males with binary choices between different types of webs (e.g., webs of adult virgin females, sub‐adult females or sub‐adult males), and methanol extracts of these webs. Males spent more time on webs, or web extracts, of adult virgin females than on webs or web extracts of any other type. Most males (95%) also displayed courtship only on webs, or web extracts, of adult virgin females. Our data demonstrate apparent semiochemical crypsis of sub‐adult females or their webs to mate‐seeking adult males that seem to find sub‐adult females by chance encounter. This crypsis is likely adaptive to sub‐adult females that are in sexual conflict with adult males cohabiting their webs.
Orthopaedic case management: A balancing act
Authors: Lescun T. B.
Published: August 2018

Balancing the activities of a foal with an orthopaedic injury can be challenging. Physeal fractures also provide additional complexities to consider. This commentary examines both the juxtaposition of confinement and reduced activity, and the complex features of physeal injuries.
Plant organellar DNA polymerases paralogs exhibit dissimilar nucleotide incorporation fidelity
Authors: Ayala‐García Víctor M. , Baruch‐Torres Noe , García‐Medel Paola L. , Brieba Luis G.
Published: August 2018

The coding sequences of plant mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes present a lower mutation rate than the coding sequences of animal mitochondria. However, plant mitochondrial genomes frequently rearrange and present high mutation rates in their noncoding sequences. DNA replication in plant organelles is carried out by two DNA polymerases (DNAP) paralogs. In Arabidopsis thaliana at least one DNAP paralog (AtPolIA or AtPolIB) is necessary for plant viability, suggesting that both genes are partially redundant. To understand how AtPolIs replicate genomes that present low and high mutation rates, we measured their nucleotide incorporation for all 16‐base pair combinations in vitro. AtPolIA presents an error rate of 7.26 × 10−5, whereas AtPolIB has an error rate of 5.45 × 10−4. Thus, AtPolIA and AtPolIB are 3.5 and 26‐times less accurate than human mitochondrial DNAP γ. The 8‐fold difference in fidelity between both AtPolIs results from a higher catalytic efficiency in AtPolIA. Both AtPolIs extend from mismatches and the fidelity of AtPolIs ranks between high fidelity and lesion bypass DNAPs. The different nucleotide incorporation fidelity between AtPolIs predicts a prevalent role of AtPolIA in DNA replication and AtPolIB in DNA repair. We hypothesize that in plant organelles, DNA mismatches generated during DNA replication are repaired via recombination‐mediated or DNA mismatch repair mechanisms that selectively target the coding region and that the mismatches generated by AtPolIs may result in the frequent expansion and rearrangements present in plant mitochondrial genomes.
Economic losses to sustainable timber production by fire in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Oliveira Aline S. , Rajão Raoni G. , Soares Filho Britaldo S. , Oliveira Ubirajara , Santos Lucas R. S. , Assunção Alexandre C. , van der Hoff Richard , Rodrigues Hermann O. , Ribeiro Sónia M. C. , Merry Frank , de Lima Letícia S.
Published: August 2018

Although still the largest expanse of tropical rainforests in the world, the Amazon is suffering a declining capacity to deliver ecosystem services, to which the widespread use of fire is one of the main contributing factors. Even if fires directly affect the timber sector, most current logging practices often tend to increase rather than mitigate the problem. We argue that in order to involve the timber sector in fire mitigation policies in the Amazon it is crucial to assess the economic impact of fire on the sector. This paper describes EcoFire (Economic Cost of Fire), a spatially explicit model for valuing the economic losses to sustainable timber harvest operations in the Brazilian Amazon as a result of fire. To conduct this analysis, we have integrated a set of models that simulate the synergy between logging and fire spread and intensity. Our results show that fire affects roughly 2% of the timber production areas that would be harvested between 2012 and 2041. In burnt areas, fire causes losses on average of US$39 ± 2 ha/year (equivalent annual annuity), which represents a loss of 0.8% of expected rents. Yet losses can reach up to US$183 ± 30 ha/year in areas hit by recurrent fires that are near milling centres. The results indicate that some of the municipalities that are likely to accumulate most economic losses due to fire do not yet have local‐level fire mitigation programmes. We therefore conclude that spatially explicit valuations of the economic impact of fire can pinpoint priorities to better target fire action plans as well as to engage local actors in integrated fire management practices.
A Narrative Review of Persistent Post‐Stroke Headache – A New Entry in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition
Authors: Lai Joshua , Harrison Rebecca A. , Plecash Alyson , Field Thalia S.
Published: August 2018

Background

Persistent post‐stroke headache is a clinical entity that has recently entered the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. In contrast to acute headache attributed to stroke, the epidemiology, clinical features, potential pathophysiology, and management of persistent post‐stroke headache have not been reviewed.

Methods

We summarize the literature describing persistent headache attributed to stroke.

Results

Persistent headache after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke affects up to 23% of patients. These persistent headaches tend to have tension‐type features and are more frequent and severe than acute stroke‐related headaches. Risk factors include younger age, female sex, pre‐existing headache disorder, and comorbid post‐stroke fatigue or depression. Other factors including obstructive sleep apnea or musculoskeletal imbalances may contribute to headache persistence. Although more evidence is needed, it may be reasonable to treat persistent post‐stroke headache according to headache semiology.

Conclusion

Recognition of persistent post‐stroke headache as a separate clinical entity from acute stroke‐attributed headache is the first step toward better defining its natural history and most effective treatment strategies.
UNDERSTANDING PER‐CAPITA INCOME GROWTH IN PREINDUSTRIAL EUROPE
Authors: Lagerlöf Nils‐Petter
Published: August 2018

In a Malthusian environment, per‐capita incomes are stagnant, meaning they cannot exhibit sustained growth. However, they can still display volatility and persistence when hit by shocks. This article simulates a Malthusian model with realistic life‐cycle structure and stochastic and accelerating growth in land productivity. We find that differences across simulated economies are quantitatively similar to those found in recently compiled data over GDP per capita for several European countries before 1800. This speaks to the relevance of the Malthusian model for understanding preindustrial development in Europe, contrasting with contentions to the contrary in some of the existing literature.
Asymmetric contests with initial probabilities of winning
Authors: Baik Kyung Hwan , Jung Hanjoon Michael
Published: August 2018

We study contests in which each player has an initial probability of winning the prize. First, we consider a model in which the impact parameter is exogenous. We find that neither the number of active players nor their identities nor the effort levels depend on the initial probabilities of winning. We find also that the possibility that the winner is determined by the initial probabilities of winning reduces prize dissipation, and tends to make most players better off, compared to the contest without this possibility. Then, considering a model in which the impact parameter is endogenous, we find that every player may expend zero effort.
Participants’ experiences of ketamine bladder syndrome: A qualitative study
Authors: Gill Paul , Logan Karen , John Bev , Reynolds Fallon , Shaw Chris , Madden Kim
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to explore recreational ketamine users’ experiences of ketamine bladder syndrome (KBS) and related health care provision issues. KBS is an emerging condition caused by chronic, recreational ketamine use, which can result in extensive, irreparable damage to the bladder and urinary tract. However, little is yet known about how patients are personally affected by the condition, their help seeking behaviour or experiences of related health care services. A qualitative study, informed by Heideggerian hermeneutics was undertaken. Twelve participants affected by KBS were purposively recruited into the study from an National Health Service (NHS) continence service and a drug support agency in South Wales, UK. Data were collected through recorded, semi‐structured interviews and analysed using a three‐step approach. Participants were predominantly younger, poly‐drug users and typically developed KBS following prolonged, habitual ketamine use. The effects of KBS were considerable and included incontinence, haematuria, profound abdominal pain and embarrassment and were exacerbated by delays in help seeking, disjointed medical care and on‐going ketamine use, which was integral to the self‐management of KBS pain. KBS has significant impact on those affected and can result in extensive, irreversible damage to the bladder and urinary tract. The condition, and its management, is further compounded by chronic poly‐drug use, chaotic lifestyles and a range of complex, related co‐morbidities, which require a collaborative, multi‐disciplinary approach. Anderson's behavioural model of health services use provides an appropriate framework for better understanding help seeking/avoidance behaviour in this cohort, which can help inform clinical practice.
Recovery‐oriented practice: Participant observations of the interactions between patients and health professionals in mental health inpatient settings
Authors: Waldemar Anna Kristine , Esbensen Bente Appel , Korsbek Lisa , Petersen Lone , Arnfred Sidse
Published: August 2018

Despite an increasing attention towards recovery orientation in the mental health services, the provision of recovery‐oriented practice is challenged in the inpatient wards. Moreover, the existing research within this area is modest and we currently have limited knowledge of how recovery‐oriented practice is integrated into inpatient settings. A cornerstone of recovery‐oriented practice is the collaboration, patient involvement, and choices, particularly when deciding and planning treatment options. Thus, this ethnographic study aimed to explore how recovery‐oriented practice is reflected in the interactions between patients and health professionals around treatment in two mental health inpatient wards in Denmark. Participant observations were conducted in two mental health inpatient wards from November 2014 to January 2015. The Recovery Self‐Assessment scale inspired the observation guide and the initial data analysis. Field notes were analysed deductively and inductively using qualitative content analysis. One theme with four subthemes emerged showing that interactions were characterized by an ‘as‐if collaboration’ where ‘negotiating on limited grounds’ was an important feature of interactions, in which health professionals seemed to have superiority, acting on behalf of ‘competing demands’. Patients had to navigate in a field of ‘inconsistent guidance and postponed decisions’ and faced tendencies of ‘control and condescending communication’. The results suggest that recovery oriented values such as equal collaboration, choice and patients’ personal preferences are reflected rhetorically in the interactions between patients and health professionals. However, they are negotiated within organizational logics and often overruled by competing demands.
One Size Fits All? Monetary Policy and Asymmetric Household Debt Cycles in U.S. States
Authors: ALBUQUERQUE BRUNO
Published: August 2018

I investigate the nonlinear effects of monetary policy through differences in household debt across U.S. states. After constructing a novel indicator of inflation for the states, I compute state‐specific monetary policy stances as deviations from an aggregate Taylor rule. I find that the effectiveness of monetary policy is curtailed during periods of large household debt imbalances. Moreover, a common U.S. monetary policy does not fit all; it may have asymmetric effects on the economic performance across states, particularly at times of high dispersion in the household debt imbalances, as it may have been the case around the Great Recession.
Cerebrovascular reactivity and cerebral perfusion of rats with acute liver failure: role of L‐glutamine and asymmetric dimethylarginine in L‐arginine‐induced response
Authors: Czarnecka Anna , Aleksandrowicz Marta , Jasiński Krzysztof , Jaźwiec Radosław , Kalita Katarzyna , Hilgier Wojciech , Zielińska Magdalena
Published: August 2018

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is impaired in acute liver failure (ALF), however, the complexity of the underlying mechanisms has often led to inconclusive interpretations. Regulation ofCBFdepends at least partially on variations in the local brain L‐arginine concentration and/or its metabolic rate. InALF, other factors, like an increased concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and elevated level of L‐glutamine, may contribute toCBFalteration. This study demonstrated strong differences in the reactivity of the middle cerebral arteries and their response to extravascular L‐arginine application between vessels isolated from rats with thioacetamide (TAA)‐inducedALFand control animals. Our results also showed the decrease in the cerebral perfusion inTAArats measured by arterial spin labeling perfusion magnetic resonance. Subsequently, we aimed to investigate the importance of balance between the concentration ofADMAand L‐arginine in theCBFregulation.In vivo, intraperitoneal L‐arginine administration inTAArats corrected: (i) decrease in cerebral perfusion, (ii) decrease in brain extracellular L‐arginine/ADMAratio and (iii) increase in brain L‐glutamine concentration. Our study implicates that impaired vascular tone of cerebral arteries is most likely associated with exposure to highADMAand L‐glutamine levels resulting in limited availability of L‐arginine and might be responsible for reduced cerebral perfusion observed inALF.

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