bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superficial Radial Nerve Transection Improves Sensory Outcomes in First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flaps
Authors: Feng Shi-Ming , Sun Qing-Qing , Cheng Jian , Wang Ai-Guo , Li Cheng-Kun
Published: August 2017

Background:

This article reports the operative technique and clinical effect of repairing thumb pulp defects using a modified first dorsal metacarpal artery flap method. In this method, the dorsal branches of the radial and ulnar proper digital nerves of the index finger were preserved but the superficial branches of the radial nerve were transected.

Methods:

Data obtained from 121 patients with thumb pulp defects who were admitted to the authors’ hospital from June of 2011 to December of 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether the superficial branches of the radial nerve were transected. The dorsal branches of the radial and ulnar proper digital nerves of the index finger and the proper digital nerves in the wound were coapted using the end-to-end style. Static two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores, pain, cold intolerance of the reconstructed finger, allachesthesia, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The authors observed significant differences in static two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament flap score, pain of finger pulp, allachesthesia duration, and patient satisfaction (p < 0.05). The transection group presented slightly better discriminatory sensation in the flap and higher patient satisfaction. In addition, the duration of allachesthesia in the transection group was significantly shorter than that in the preservation group.

Conclusion:

In the repair of thumb pulp defects using a modified first dorsal metacarpal artery flap carrying the dorsal branches of the radial and ulnar proper digital nerves of the index finger, transecting the superficial branches of the radial nerve achieved better clinical outcome compared with preserving them.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Analysis of Craniofacial Remodeling in the Aging Midface Using Reconstructed Three-Dimensional Models in Paired Individuals
Authors: Karunanayake Mihiran , To, M.D. Frederick , Efanov Johnny I. , Doumit Gaby
Published: August 2017

Background:

Aging leads to a panoply of changes of facial morphology. The present study was conducted to analyze modifications of the facial skeleton with aging, using high-resolution imaging and comparing the same individuals at two time points.

Methods:

The electronic medical record system was reviewed since its inception in 2001 for patients for whom two computed tomographic scans of the midface were obtained at least 9 years apart. The computed tomographic scans were converted into three-dimensional craniofacial models for each patient, using the initial and the follow-up computed tomographic scan data. The models were used to highlight areas of bone growth and bone resorption using a color scale and to perform a cephalometric analysis.

Results:

Seven patients with a mean age of 61 years and computed tomographic scans on average 10.3 years apart were included. Bone resorption was consistently present (100 percent) at the pyriform aperture and the anterior wall of the maxilla. Resorption was noted at the superocentral (71 percent), inferolateral (57 percent), and superomedial (57 percent) aspects of the orbital rim. Resorption occurred earlier at the inferolateral orbital rim followed by the superomedial orbital rim in later decades of life. Paired-analysis of change in the orbital rim height and width demonstrated a mean decrease over time but was not significant.

Conclusion:

Bone remodeling in the same individual, over a period of 10 years, was characterized by resorption at the pyriform aperture; anterior wall of the maxilla; and superocentral, superomedial, and inferolateral aspects of the orbital rims.
Disclosure of Financial Conflicts of Interest in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Luce Edward A. , Jackman Carye A.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Recent articles in the scientific literature have expressed concerns about financial conflicts of interest in the profession of medicine in general and the specialty of plastic surgery in particular. Disclosure of financial ties to industry has been regarded as an address of a possible bias. The policies of medical journals places responsibility on authors for self-reporting of financial conflicts of interest, yet underreporting of conflicts of interest has occurred. The investigative hypothesis was that authors in the plastic surgery literature, in particular, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, underreported financial conflicts of interest.

Methods:

A review of articles published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from July of 2015 through April of 2016 for author disclosures was accomplished. The disclosure statements were compared to the information available in the Open Payments database for 2015. The lack of disclosure on the part of an author, when present, was individually examined for relevance of the corporate conflicts of interest to the subject matter of the involved article.

Results:

A total of 302 articles authored by 1262 individuals were reviewed. One hundred thirty-nine (45.5 percent) had neither a disclosed nor an actual conflict of interest. In 61 articles (20.2 percent), one or more authors disclosed; 105 articles (34.8 percent) did not provide disclosure of a financial conflict of interest. In assessment of relevance, 10 undisclosed conflicts of interest (9.5 percent) were determined relevant, and one-third of that total were non–plastic surgeons.

Conclusion:

Nondisclosure of financial conflicts of interest is common, but only a small minority pose a potential for harm from bias.
Dedifferentiated Adipocytes Promote Adipose Tissue Generation within an External Suspension Device
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Yao Yao , Wang Jing , Dong Ziqing , Zhou Tao , Lu Feng , Liao Yunjun , Gao Jianhua
Published: August 2017

Background:

Mature adipocytes can dedifferentiate into fibroblast-like cells in vitro and acquire proliferation and redifferentiation/transdifferentiation abilities. A soft-tissue expander can induce adipocyte dedifferentiation in vivo. This study combined a tissue expander and an external suspension device to generate a large volume of adipose tissue.

Methods:

A soft-tissue expander was implanted beneath the dorsal adipose flaps of rabbits. After 7 days of expansion, the expander was removed and an external suspension device was applied. Samples were collected at various time points, and morphologic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analyses were conducted. A silicone sheet was implanted as a control.

Results:

After 7 days of expansion, the adipose flap was much thinner. Hematoxylin and eosin and whole-mount staining revealed that adipocytes became smaller (p < 0.05) and some contained multilocular lipid droplets. The number of Ki67+ cells increased (p < 0.01), adipokine expression decreased (p < 0.01), and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 expression increased (p < 0.01). After the external suspension device was applied, the normalized volume of adipose flaps was much larger in the expanded group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The expanded group also exhibited more proliferating cells, a larger vascularized area, and higher adipokine expression (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dedifferentiated adipocytes in adipose flaps can participate in adipose tissue generation as seed cells and increase the volume of adipose tissue.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Weight Loss and Body Contouring Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using the BODY-Q
Authors: Poulsen Lotte , Klassen Anne , Rose Michael , Roessler Kirsten K. , Juhl Claus Bogh , Støving René Klinkby , Sørensen Jens Ahm
Published: August 2017

Background:

Health-related quality of life and satisfaction with appearance are important outcomes in bariatric and body contouring surgery. To investigate these outcomes, scientifically sound and clinically meaningful patient-reported outcome instruments are needed. The authors measured health-related quality of life and appearance in a cohort of Danish patients at different phases in the weight loss journey: before bariatric surgery, after bariatric surgery, before body contouring surgery, and after body contouring surgery.

Methods:

From June of 2015 to June of 2016, a cross-sectional sample of 493 bariatric and body contouring patients were recruited from four different hospital departments. Patients were asked to fill out the BODY-Q, a new patient-reported outcomes instrument designed specifically to measure health-related quality of life and appearance over the entire patient journey, from obesity to the post–body contouring surgery period. Data were collected using REDCap, and analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

For all appearance and health-related quality-of-life scales, the mean score was significantly lower in the pre–bariatric surgery group compared with the post–body contouring group. Furthermore, the correlation between body mass index and mean scores was significant for all appearance and health-related quality-of-life scales, with higher scores associated with lower body mass index. The mean score for the group reporting no excess skin compared with the group reporting a lot of excess skin was significantly higher for five of seven appearance scales and four of five health-related quality-of-life scales.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence to suggest that body contouring plays an important role in the weight loss patient’s journey and that patients need access to treatments.
Treating Breast Conservation Therapy Defects with Brava and Fat Grafting: Technique, Outcomes, and Safety Profile
Authors: Mirzabeigi Michael N. , Lanni Michael , Chang Catherine S. , Stark Ran Y. , Kovach Stephen J. , Wu Liza C. , Serletti Joseph M. , Bucky Louis P.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Fat grafting has been demonstrated as a means of reconstructing breast conservation therapy defects. However, there is continued uncertainty regarding its clinical efficacy and oncologic safety. Furthermore, the role of external preexpansion (i.e., with the Brava device) remains unclear in this setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and clinical outcomes of Brava/fat grafting following breast conservation therapy.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients undergoing fat grafting following breast conservation therapy. Complications were defined as either a clinically palpable oil cyst/area of fat necrosis or infection. The mean time of follow-up was 2.3 years.

Results:

A total of 27 fat grafting sessions were performed on 20 patients, with an overall complication rate of 25 percent. The mean interval from completion of radiation therapy to fat grafting was 7 years and was not a significant predictor for complications (p = 0.46). Among those who underwent repeated grafting, there was no difference in the complication rates between their first and second encounters (p = 0.56). There was no difference in complication rates between patients with Brava preexpansion and those without preexpansion. Patients undergoing Brava preexpansion had a significantly higher initial fill volume in comparison with those who did not (219 cc versus 51 cc; p = 0.0017). There were no cases of locoregional cancer recurrence following fat grafting.

Conclusion:

Brava preexpansion was associated with higher initial fill volume in the setting of breast conservation therapy defects.
Impact of Blood Mixing and ABO Compatibility on Platelet-Leukocyte Aggregations and Platelet P-Selectin Expression: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Huang Go-Shine , Hu Mei-Hua , Lin Tso-Chou , Tsai Yi-Ting , Lin Chih-Yuan , Ke Hung-Yen , Zheng Xu-Zhi , Lin Yi-Chang , Tsai Chien-Sung
Published: August 2017

Effects of blood transfusions on platelet- and leukocyte-related inflammation are unclear. We simulated transfusion using in vitro blood mixing to evaluate platelet-leukocyte aggregations (PLA) and platelet P-selectin expression, and the mechanism of PLA. Donor packed red blood cells (pRBCs) were obtained from a blood bank. Recipient whole blood samples were obtained from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood sample mixtures were divided into four groups: group M, cross-matched blood type mixing; group O, donor type O with other blood type mixing (A, B, or AB); group S, ABO type-specific uncross-matched blood mixing; and group I, ABO incompatibility mixing. Donor pRBCs were added to recipient blood to reach 1%, 5%, and 10% (vol/vol) concentrations. Blood sample mixtures were analyzed to determine the PLA; P-selectin expression; and leukocyte CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 subunits of integrin expression. Analysis of variance tests were used to analyze differences. PLA significantly increased only in groups O and I (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001). Subpopulations of leukocytes significantly increased in all groups. There were no significant differences among the four groups (P = 0.578) in PLA increase. Although there was no significant effect on P-selectin expression (P = 1.000) and leukocyte CD11a and CD18 expression (P = 0.999, P = 0.422) within and between the groups, there was an increase in CD11b expression (P = 0.018). Blood mixing can increase PLA, especially in platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte aggregations, possibly through nonhemolytic reactions. The CD11b integrin with CD18 may play a role in the formation of PLA.
Effects of Prior Psychosocial Trauma on Subsequent Immune Response After Experimental Thorax Trauma
Authors: Langgartner Dominik , Palmer Annette , Rittlinger Anne , Reber Stefan O. , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: August 2017

Overshooting inflammation during the early phase after blunt thorax trauma promotes the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, and subsequent mortality. Given that individuals diagnosed with stress-related disorders are characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, we hypothesize that “psychosocial traumatic preload” poses a risk factor for the abovementioned complications after thorax trauma.

Here, we used the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) paradigm to induce “psychosocial traumatic preload” and systemic low-grade immune activation in male mice, indicated by elevated plasma concentrations of different inflammatory mediators. Subsequent thorax trauma was induced in anaesthetized mice by a single blast wave centered on the thorax; SHAM animals were exposed to anesthesia only. Mice were killed 2, 6, and 24 h after thorax trauma or SHAM treatment.

Independent of thorax trauma, CSC caused an increase in adrenal weight, and a decrease in thymus weight, indicating that the stress paradigm worked reliably. Moreover, although lung histology was not affected by prior stress, CSC exposure aggravated the early immune response after thorax trauma, indicated by elevated myeloperoxidase lung concentrations in thorax trauma-exposed CSC versus respective single-housed control (SHC) mice (2 h). Furthermore, thorax trauma caused an increase in total bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) protein (24 h), BAL C5a (2 h), BAL cell counts (24 h), and BAL keratinocyte chemoattractant (6 h and 24 h) in CSC but not SHC mice.

Our data indicate that repeated psychosocial traumatization during adulthood moderately aggravates the local immune response toward thorax trauma, but overall may be considered as a rather minor risk factor in terms of thorax trauma-associated complications.
Slot-like capacity and resource-like coding in a neural model of multiple-item working memory
Authors: Standage Dominic , Paré Martin
Published: August 2017

For the past decade, research on the storage limitations of working memory has been dominated by two fundamentally different hypotheses. On the one hand, the contents of working memory may be stored in a limited number of ‘slots’, each with a fixed resolution. On the other hand, any number of items may be stored, but with decreasing resolution. These two hypotheses have been invaluable in characterizing the computational structure of working memory, but neither provides a complete account of the available experimental data, nor speaks to the neural basis of the limitations it characterizes. To address these shortcomings, we simulated a multiple-item working memory task with a cortical network model, the cellular resolution of which allowed us to quantify the coding fidelity of memoranda as a function of memory load, as measured by the discriminability, regularity and reliability of simulated neural spiking. Our simulations account for a wealth of neural and behavioural data from human and non-human primate studies, and they demonstrate that feedback inhibition not only lowers capacity, but also lowers coding fidelity by all three measures. Because the strength of inhibition scales with the number of items stored by the network, increasing this number progressively lowers fidelity until capacity is reached. As such, the model provides a mechanistic explanation for experimental data showing that working memory precision decreases with increasing memory load before levelling off at capacity. Crucially, the model makes specific, testable predictions for neural activity on multiple-item working memory tasks.
A probabilistic model-based bi-clustering method for single-cell transcriptomic data analysis
Authors: Cao Sha , Sheng Tao , Chen Xin , Ma Qin , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2017

We present here novel computational techniques for tackling four problems related to analyses of single-cell RNA-Seq data: (1) a mixture model for coping with multiple cell types in a cell population; (2) a truncated model for handling the unquantifiable errors caused by large numbers of zeros or low-expression values; (3) a bi-clustering technique for detection of sub-populations of cells sharing common expression patterns among subsets of genes; and (4) detection of small cell sub-populations with distinct expression patterns. Through case studies, we demonstrated that these techniques can derive high-resolution information from single-cell data that are not feasible using existing techniques.
Trophic consequences of introduced species: Comparative impacts of increased interspecific versus intraspecific competitive interactions
Authors: Britton J. Robert , Ruiz‐Navarro Ana , Verreycken Hugo , Amat‐Trigo Fatima
Published: August 2017

Invasive species can cause substantial ecological impacts on native biodiversity. While ecological theory attempts to explain the processes involved in the trophic integration of invaders into native food webs and their competitive impacts on resident species, results are equivocal. In addition, quantifying the relative strength of impacts from non‐native species (interspecific competition) versus the release of native conspecifics (intraspecific competition) is important but rarely completed.

Two model non‐native fishes, the globally invasive Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus, and the model native fish Tinca tinca, were used in a pond experiment to test how increased intra‐ and interspecific competition influenced trophic niches and somatic growth rates. This was complemented by samples collected from three natural fish communities where the model fishes were present. The isotopic niche, calculated using stable isotope data, represented the trophic niche.

The pond experiment used additive and substitutive treatments to quantify the trophic niche variation that resulted from intra‐ and interspecific competitive interactions. Although the trophic niche sizes of the model species were not significantly altered by any competitive treatment, they all resulted in patterns of interspecific niche divergence. Increased interspecific competition caused the trophic niche of T. tinca to shift to a significantly higher trophic position, whereas intraspecific competition caused its position to shift towards elevated δ13C. These patterns were independent of impacts on fish growth rates, which were only significantly altered when interspecific competition was elevated.

In the natural fish communities, patterns of trophic niche partitioning between the model fishes was evident, with no niche sharing. Comparison of these results with those of the experiment revealed the most similar results between the two approaches were for the niche partitioning between sympatric T. tinca and C. carpio.

These results indicate that trophic niche divergence facilitates the integration of introduced species into food webs, but there are differences in how this manifests between introductions that increase inter‐ and intraspecific competition. In entirety, these results suggest that the initial ecological response to an introduction appears to be a trophic re‐organisation of the food web that minimises the trophic interactions between competing species.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Modeling Summer Month Hydrological Drought Probabilities in the United States Using Antecedent Flow Conditions
Authors: Austin Samuel H. , Nelms David L.
Published: August 2017

Climate change raises concern that risks of hydrological drought may be increasing. We estimate hydrological drought probabilities for rivers and streams in the United States (U.S.) using maximum likelihood logistic regression (MLLR). Streamflow data from winter months are used to estimate the chance of hydrological drought during summer months. Daily streamflow data collected from 9,144 stream gages from January 1, 1884 through January 9, 2014 provide hydrological drought streamflow probabilities for July, August, and September as functions of streamflows during October, November, December, January, and February, estimating outcomes 5‐11 months ahead of their occurrence. Few drought prediction methods exploit temporal links among streamflows. We find MLLR modeling of drought streamflow probabilities exploits the explanatory power of temporally linked water flows. MLLR models with strong correct classification rates were produced for streams throughout the U.S. One ad hoc test of correct prediction rates of September 2013 hydrological droughts exceeded 90% correct classification. Some of the best‐performing models coincide with areas of high concern including the West, the Midwest, Texas, the Southeast, and the Mid‐Atlantic. Using hydrological drought MLLR probability estimates in a water management context can inform understanding of drought streamflow conditions, provide warning of future drought conditions, and aid water management decision making.
Impact of Length of Dataset on Streamflow Calibration Parameters and Performance of APEX Model
Authors: Nelson Amanda M. , Moriasi Daniel N. , Talebizadeh Mansour , Steiner Jean L. , Confesor Remegio B. , Gowda Prasanna H. , Starks Patrick J. , Tadesse Haile
Published: August 2017

Due to resource constraints, long‐term monitoring data for calibration and validation of hydrologic and water quality models are rare. As a result, most models are calibrated and, if possible, validated using limited measured data. However, little research has been done to determine the impact of length of available calibration data on model parameterization and performance. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of length of calibration data (LCD) on parameterization and performance of the Agricultural Policy Environmental eXtender model for predicting daily, monthly, and annual streamflow. Long‐term (1984‐2015) measured daily streamflow data from Rock Creek watershed, an agricultural watershed in northern Ohio, were used for this study. Data were divided into five Short (5‐year), two Medium (15‐year), and one Long (25‐year) streamflow calibration data scenarios. All LCD scenarios were calibrated and validated at three time steps: daily, monthly, and annual. Results showed LCD affected the ability of the model to accurately capture temporal variability in simulated streamflow. However, overall average streamflow, water budgets, and crop yields were simulated reasonably well for all LCD scenarios.
Where Did the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Trades Go? Lessons from Virginia Water Quality Trading Programs
Authors: Stephenson Kurt , Shabman Leonard
Published: August 2017

Governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and agricultural organizations promote water quality trading programs as an innovative policy to engage agricultural producers in conservation activities. Cost analyses suggest regulated sources can reduce compliance costs by purchasing agricultural nonpoint source credits. Yet, such “point‐nonpoint” trades are rare. This article assesses the demand for agricultural nonpoint sources in well‐developed nutrient trading programs in Virginia for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants, municipal stormwater programs, and land developers. Evidence suggests nutrient trading programs in Virginia will not stimulate investments in pollutant reduction practices on working agricultural lands. The lack of demand for agricultural nonpoint source credits can be attributed to a substantial degree to the design features and incentives present in multiple overlapping regulatory programs. The legal setting that dampens regulated source demand for nonpoint source credits in Virginia is broadly representative of conditions found elsewhere in the United States.
Nivolumab infusion reaction manifesting as plantar erythema and pulmonary infiltrate in a lung cancer patient
Authors: Ogawara Daiki , Soda Hiroshi , Ikehara Susumu , Sumiyoshi Makoto , Iwasaki Keisuke , Okuno Daisuke , Dohtsu Yosuke , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Harada Tatsuhiko , Fukuda Yuichi , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Infusion reaction is an adverse event of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Nivolumab, an anti‐programmed death‐1 antibody, directly activates T cells, which could probably interact with endothelial cells. The etiology of infusion reaction induced by nivolumab may differ from that of other antibodies; however, the detailed clinical features are unknown. We report a case of lung cancer treated with nivolumab, in which the infusion reaction manifested as plantar erythema, followed by a transient local pulmonary infiltrate around the tumor. Physicians should be aware that an infusion reaction induced by anti‐programmed death‐1 antibodies could appear as local cutaneous and pulmonary adverse events.
A non‐invasive method for sampling the body odour of mammals
Authors: Weiß Brigitte M. , Marcillo Andrea , Manser Marta , Holland Ruben , Birkemeyer Claudia , Widdig Anja
Published: August 2017

Olfaction is a central aspect of mammalian communication, providing information about individual attributes such as identity, sex, group membership or genetic quality. Yet, the chemical underpinnings of olfactory cues remain little understood, one of the reasons being the difficulty in obtaining high quality samples for chemical analysis.

In this study, we adjusted and evaluated the use of thermal desorption (TD) tubes, commonly used in plant metabolomic and environmental studies, for non‐invasive sampling of mammalian body odour. We obtained chemical profiles of meerkat (Suricata suricatta) body odour samples, using TD tubes analysed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

TD tubes captured a wide range of volatile and semi‐volatile organic compounds, including compounds likely originating from the target animals. Adjustment of sampling parameters (distance, volume, flow rate, interruption of sampling) to increase the feasibility for a non‐invasive application yielded samples of adequate quality. However, to minimize the variability between samples, sampling parameters should be kept constant and samples should be collected when no conspecifics are close‐by.

The method was sensitive enough to pick up population differences in the chemical profiles of two captive groups of meerkats, demonstrating its applicability to biological questions. With sufficiently habituated animals, the method is applicable non‐invasively, allowing short‐ and long‐term studies on a wide range of questions, including e.g. chemical signatures of kinship, diet, individual health or reproductive state.
Increased illness burden in women with comorbid bipolar and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: data from 1 099 women from STEP‐BD study
Authors: Slyepchenko A. , Frey B. N. , Lafer B. , Nierenberg A. A. , Sachs G. S. , Dias R. S.
Published: August 2017

Background

The impact of comorbid premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women with bipolar disorder (BD) is largely unknown.

Aims

We compared illness characteristics and female‐specific mental health problems between women with BD with and without PMDD.

Materials & Methods

A total of 1 099 women with BD who participated in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP‐BD) were studied. Psychiatric diagnoses and illness characteristics were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Female‐specific mental health was assessed using a self‐report questionnaire developed for STEP‐BD. PMDD diagnosis was based on DSM‐5 criteria.

Results

Women with comorbid BD and PMDD had an earlier onset of bipolar illness (P < 0.001) and higher rates of rapid cycling (P = 0.039), and increased number of past‐year hypo/manic (P = 0.003), and lifetime/past‐year depressive episodes (P < 0.05). Comorbid PMDD was also associated with higher proportion of panic disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bulimia nervosa, substance abuse, and adult attention deficit disorder (all P < 0.05). There was a closer gap between BD onset and age of menarche in women with comorbid PMDD (P = 0.003). Women with comorbid PMDD reported more severe mood symptoms during the perinatal period and while taking oral contraceptives (P < 0.001).

Discussion

The results from this study is consistent with research suggesting that sensitivity to endogenous hormones may impact the onset and the clinical course of BD.

Conclusions

The comorbidity between PMDD and BD is associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased illness burden.
Trajectories of posttraumatic growth among US military veterans: a 4‐year nationally representative, prospective cohort study
Authors: Tsai J. , Pietrzak R. H.
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study examined the nature and determinants of predominant trajectories of posttraumatic growth (PTG) over time.

Method

Using data from a prospective, nationally representative survey of 2718 US veterans assessed in 2011, 2013, and 2015, we used latent growth mixture modeling to identify PTG trajectories, and to examine key determinants of PTG trajectories from a comprehensive set of sociodemographic, military, health, and psychosocial variables.

Results

Three PTG trajectories were identified, labeled as Low and Decreasing PTG (74.0%), Consistently Moderate PTG (12.0%), and High and Increasing PTG (14.0%). Greater severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, specifically re‐experiencing and avoidance symptoms, at baseline predicted Consistently Moderate and High and Increasing PTG trajectories. Compared to the Low and Decreasing PTG trajectory, the High and Increasing PTG trajectory scored higher on baseline measures of gratitude, purpose in life, Spirituality, and social support.

Conclusion

Posttraumatic growth is a dynamic process with divergent trajectories. Developing interventions that target certain psychosocial factors may help trauma survivors maintain PTG over time.
“The Campesino Was Born for the Campo”: A Multispecies Approach to Territorial Peace in Colombia
Authors: Lederach Angela J.
Published: August 2017

I draw on ethnographic fieldwork with a social movement, the Peaceful Process of Reconciliation and Integration of the Alta Montaña, to explore practices of peacebuilding in rural Colombia. I use a multispecies lens to interrogate the discourse of territorial peace (paz territorial), revealing the ways in which both violence and peace intertwine human and nonhuman lives and relations in the Alta Montaña. Through analysis of the everyday assemblages forged between people, animals, forests, and crops, I demonstrate how the multispecies approach to peacebuilding found in the Alta Montaña sharpens our understanding of the mutually reinforcing processes of violent conflict and environmental degradation. As a result, I argue that multispecies anthropological analysis also enables a capacious conceptualization of peace, one that recognizes the full life‐worlds of people as they seek, in their everyday lives, to reweave—and create anew—the social and ecological fabric of their communities. [violence, displacement, multispecies, peacebuilding, Colombia]
Survivin: A novel marker and potential therapeutic target for human angiosarcoma
Authors: Tsuneki Masayuki , Kinjo Takao , Mori Taisuke , Yoshida Akihiko , Kuyama Kayo , Ohira Aoi , Miyagi Takuya , Takahashi Kenzo , Kawai Akira , Chuman Hirokazu , Yamazaki Naoya , Masuzawa Mikio , Arakawa Hirofumi
Published: August 2017

Human angiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular tumor associated with extremely poor clinical outcome and generally arising in skin of the head and neck region. However, little is known about the molecular pathogeneses and useful immunohistochemical markers of angiosarcoma. To investigate the mechanisms of angiosarcoma progression, we collected 85 cases of human angiosarcoma specimens with clinical records and analyzed ISO‐HAS‐B patient‐derived angiosarcoma cells. As control subjects, 54 cases of hemangioma and 34 of pyogenic granuloma were collected. Remarkably, consistent with our recent observations regarding the involvement of survivin expression following Hippo pathway inactivation in the neoplastic proliferation of murine hemangioendothelioma cells and human infantile hemangioma, nuclear survivin expression was observed in all cases of angiosarcoma but not in hemangiomas and pyogenic granulomas, and the Hippo pathway was inactivated in 90.3% of yes‐associated protein (YAP) ‐positive angiosarcoma cases. However, survivin expression modes and YAP localization (Hippo pathway activation modes) were not correlated with survival. In addition, we confirmed that survivin small interference RNA (siRNA) transfection and YM155, an anti‐survivin drug, elicited decreased nuclear survivin expression and cell proliferation in ISO‐HAS‐B cells which expressed survivin consistently. Conclusively, these findings support the importance of survivin as a good marker and critical regulator of cellular proliferation for human angiosarcoma and YM155 as a potential therapeutic agent.
Synergistic activity of sorafenib and betulinic acid against clonogenic activity of non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Kutkowska Justyna , Strzadala Leon , Rapak Andrzej
Published: August 2017

The highly selective multi‐targeted agent sorafenib is an inhibitor of a number of intracellular signaling kinases with anti‐proliferative, anti‐angiogenic and pro‐apoptotic effects in various types of tumors, including human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Betulin displays a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties, including anticancer and chemopreventive activity. Combination of drugs with different targets is a logical approach to overcome multilevel cross‐stimulation among key signaling pathways in NSCLC progression. NSCLC cell lines, A549, H358 and A427, with different KRAS mutations, and normal human peripheral blood lymphocyte cells, were treated with sorafenib and betulinic acid alone and in combination. We examined the effect of different combined treatments on viability (MTS test), proliferation and apoptotic susceptibility based on flow cytometry, alterations in signaling pathways by western blotting and colony‐forming ability. The combination of sorafenib with betulinic acid had a strong effect on the induction of apoptosis of different NSCLC cell lines. In addition, this combination was not toxic for human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Combination treatment changed the expression of proteins involved in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and induced apoptotic death by caspase activation. Importantly, combination treatment with low drug concentrations tremendously reduced the colony‐forming ability of A549, H358 and A427 cells, as compared to both compounds alone. In this study, we showed that combination therapy with low concentrations of sorafenib and betulinic acid had the capacity to induce high levels of cell death and abolish clonogenic activity in some NSCLC cell lines regardless of KRAS mutations.
Synthesis and in vitro investigation of halogenated 1,3‐bis(4‐nitrophenyl)triazenide salts as antitubercular compounds
Authors: Torfs Eveline , Vajs Jure , de Macedo Maíra Bidart , Cools Freya , Vanhoutte Bieke , Gorbanev Yury , Bogaerts Annemie , Verschaeve Luc , Caljon Guy , Maes Louis , Delputte Peter , Cos Paul , Košmrlj Janez , Cappoen Davie
Published: August 2017

The diverse pharmacological properties of the diaryltriazenes have sparked the interest to investigate their potential to be repurposed as antitubercular drug candidates. In an attempt to improve the antitubercular activity of a previously constructed diaryltriazene library, eight new halogenated nitroaromatic triazenides were synthesized and underwent biological evaluation. The potency of the series was confirmed against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis lab strain H37Ra, and for the most potent derivative, we observed a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.85 μm. The potency of the triazenide derivatives against M. tuberculosis H37Ra was found to be highly dependent on the nature of the halogenated phenyl substituent and less dependent on cationic species used for the preparation of the salts. Although the inhibitory concentration against J774A.1 macrophages was observed at 3.08 μm, the cellular toxicity was not mediated by the generation of nitroxide intermediate as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, whereas no in vitro mutagenicity could be observed for the new halogenated nitroaromatic triazenides when a trifluoromethyl substituent was present on both the aryl moieties.
Bone markers in polycystic ovary syndrome: A multicentre study
Authors: Lingaiah Shilpa , Morin‐Papunen Laure , Piltonen Terhi , Puurunen Johanna , Sundström‐Poromaa Inger , Stener‐Victorin Elisabet , Bloigu Risto , Risteli Juha , Tapanainen Juha S.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinaemia and obesity, known characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may influence bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover (BTMs) can provide a noninvasive assessment of bone turnover. To this end, the serum concentrations of BTMs and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were analysed in women with PCOS, and their possible associations with metabolic parameters of PCOS were determined.

Subjects and methods

Bone formation markers procollagen type I amino‐terminal propeptide (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC), and bone resorption marker carboxy‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), along with 25OHD, were measured in 298 women with PCOS and 194 healthy controls.

Results

Serum levels of PINP (47.0 ± 20.2 vs 58.1 ± 28.6 μg/L, P < .001) and OC (18.2 ± 7.5 vs 20.6 ± 9.8 μg/L, P < .001) were decreased in women with PCOS compared with controls, whereas no significant differences were found in CTX and 25OHD levels. Age‐stratified analyses suggested that PINP (50.5 ± 21.7 vs 68.2 ± 26.6 μg/L, P < .001) and OC levels (20.4 ± 7.6 vs 25.5 ± 9.6 μg/L, P < .001) were decreased only in the younger age group (≤30 years) women with PCOS compared with controls. The formation markers and resorption marker decreased with age in both study groups.

Conclusions

Bone formation markers were decreased in younger women with PCOS when compared with healthy women, which may affect bone mass in these women.
Crop Yield Response to Climate Variables on Dryland versus Irrigated Lands
Authors: Lu Wei , Adamowicz Wiktor , Jeffrey Scott R. , Goss Greg G. , Faramarzi Monireh
Published: August 2017

Key Points

We examine the response of barley, canola, and spring wheat yields to a set of climate variables on both dryland and irrigated lands in southern Alberta, Canada.

We find that warming and increased precipitation tend to increase crop yields on dryland, increased precipitation in June and July tends to show opposite effects on crop yields on irrigated lands.

Based on regional climate change projection scenarios, we find that climate change decreases crop yields for all the three crops under dryland production. However, yields of canola and spring wheat under irrigation are slightly increased.

Few researchers have examined the impact of climate change on irrigated agriculture and crop production. This may be due to an assumption by researchers that irrigation management can offset impacts of climate change. We investigate this issue by examining the response of barley, canola, and spring wheat yields to a set of climate variables on both dryland and irrigated lands in southern Alberta, Canada, with a panel data set at the county level from 1983 to 2007. Our results suggest that warming and increased precipitation tend to increase dryland crop yields, while increased precipitation in June and July tends to show opposite effects on crop yields on irrigated lands. Based on regional projected climate change scenarios, we find that climate change decreases crop yields for all the three crops under dryland production. However, yields of canola and spring wheat under irrigation are increased slightly.

Peu de chercheurs se sont penchés sur les impacts des changements climatiques sur l'agriculture irriguée et le rendement des cultures. Il se pourrait que ce soit parce que les chercheurs supposent que les régimes d'irrigation peuvent neutralise les impacts des changements climatiques. Nous examinons cet enjeu en étudiant le rendement de l'orge, du canola et du blé de printemps en fonction de variables climatiques à la fois en sols arides et en sols irrigués au sud de l'Alberta, au Canada avec un ensemble de données de panel provenant des comtés de 1983 à 2007. Les résultats démontrent que le réchauffement et l'augmentation des précipitations semblent accroître le rendement des sols arides mais que cette dernière, lorsqu'elle survient en juin ou juillet, semble engendrer l'effet contraire sur le rendement en sols irrigués. Nous constatons, selon les scénarios hypothétiques de changements climatiques régionaux, une diminution du rendement agricole pour les trois cultures en sols arides. Par contre, le rendement des cultures de canola et de blé de printemps en sols irrigués augmenterait légèrement.
Efficiency of the Lung Flute for sputum induction in patients with presumed pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Sakashita Kentaro , Fujita Akira , Takamori Mikio , Nagai Takayuki , Matsumoto Tomoshige , Saito Takefumi , Nakagawa Taku , Ogawa Kenji , Shigeto Eriko , Nakatsumi Yasuto , Goto Hajime , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: August 2017

Introduction

High quality sputum helps increase the sensitivity of the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficiency of the acoustic device (Lung Flute; LF) in sputum induction compared with the conventional method, hypertonic saline inhalation (HSI).

Methods

In this crossover study, patients with presumed pulmonary tuberculosis submitted 3 consecutive sputa: the first sputum without induction and the second and third ones using LF and HSI. We compared the efficiency of the 2 induction methods.

Results

Sixty‐four participants were eligible. Thirty‐five (54.6%) patients had negative smears on the first sputum without induction. Among those patients, 25.7% and 22.9% patients were smear‐positive after using LF and HSI, respectively (P = .001). The positive conversion rate was not significantly different between the methods. The first samples without induction yielded 65.7% positive cultures, whereas 71.4% and 77.1% of the samples from LF and HSI were positive, respectively (P = .284). Similar results were observed in the nucleic acid amplification test [no induction (60.0%), LF (72.0%) and HSI (60.0%); P = .341]. In 29 smear‐positive patients on the first sputum without induction, we observed no significant increase in smear grade, culture yield and nucleic acid amplification test positivity with either method. LF tended to induce fewer adverse events; desaturation (3.1% vs 11.1%; P = .082) and throat pain (1.5% vs 9.5%; P = .057). LF showed significantly fewer total adverse events (15.8% vs 34.9%; P = .023).

Conclusions

Our study showed LF had similar sputum induction efficiency to HSI with relatively fewer complications.
Two penetrating vessels as a novel indicator of the appropriate distal end of peroral endoscopic myotomy
Authors: Tanaka Shinwa , Kawara Fumiaki , Toyonaga Takashi , Inoue Haruhiro , Bechara Robert , Hoshi Namiko , Abe Hirohumi , Ohara Yoshiko , Ishida Tsukasa , Morita Yoshinori , Umegaki Eiji
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

One of the challenges during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is ensuring the appropriate length of myotomy on the gastric side. To determine the appropriate distal end of the gastric myotomy, we focused on the two penetrating vessels (TPVs) found in the gastric cardia during POEM. In the present study, we evaluated whether the TPVs could serve as an accurate indicator of the appropriate distal end of the gastric myotomy.

Methods

All patients who underwent POEM between March and August 2016 were included for this study. When making the submucosal tunnel in the 5 o'clock direction into the stomach, two vessels penetrating through the circular muscle along the edge of oblique muscle in the cardia can be exposed. We designated these two vessels as TPVs. The myotomy was extended until the second TPVs was exposed. The anal end of the submucosal tunnel was confirmed by the double‐scope POEM technique, and the length from the gastroesophageal junction to the anal side end of the myotomy was measured by the scale on the endoscope.

Results

Among 37 patients who underwent myotomy in the 5 o'clock position, TPVs were found in 34 patients (91.2%). Sufficient submucosal tunneling on the gastric side was confirmed by the double‐scope POEM technique in these 34 patients. Median length of the gastric myotomy was 3.0 cm (range 2–4 cm).

Conclusion

TPVs appears to be a simple and reliable indicator to determine the appropriate distal end of myotomy.
Electron microscopic observations of sooty moulds on crape myrtle leaves
Authors: Kim J. , Kim K. W.
Published: August 2017

Sooty moulds on crape myrtle leaves were investigated using light and electron microscopy. The adaxial leaf surface was distinctly covered with soot‐like masses of dark brown hyphae and conidia. The main characteristics of the sooty moulds included stauroconidia, conidial clusters, hyphal degeneration and extracellular melanin depositions. Some conidia were round, measured ~10 μm in diameter, and mostly one‐septate; others were branched and multiseptate (stauroconidia). Based on their morphology, the sooty moulds were determined to consist of several component fungal species belonging to genera such as Antennaria, Metacapnodium and Tripospermum. Enclosed in electron‐dense melanin layers, hyphae and conidial clusters had concentric bodies exhibiting electron‐transparent cores and electron‐dense shells with fibrillar sheaths. Concentric bodies are hypothesized to function as multilayer lipid‐encapsulated nanobubbles or eukaryotic gas vesicles for cytoplasmic volume control. Intrahyphal hyphae possessed electron‐dense cytoplasm and lipid globules. These results suggest that sooty moulds are equipped with melanized cell walls, multicelled resting structures, hyphal regeneration, intrahyphal growth and gas vesicles to adapt to their xeric phylloplane environment. Condensed and elongated starch granules in the chloroplasts of mesophyll tissues may indicate the acclimation of the sooty leaf regions to light reduction and temperature increase.