bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequential life cycle assessment of biogas, biofuel and biomass energy options within an arable crop rotation
Authors: Styles David , Gibbons James , Williams Arwel P. , Dauber Jens , Stichnothe Heinz , Urban Barbara , Chadwick David R. , Jones Davey L.
Published: February 2015

Feed in tariffs (FiTs) and renewable heat incentives (RHIs) are driving a rapid expansion in anaerobic digestion (AD) coupled with combined heat and power (CHP) plants in the UK. Farm models were combined with consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) to assess the net environmental balance of representative biogas, biofuel and biomass scenarios on a large arable farm, capturing crop rotation and digestate nutrient cycling effects. All bioenergy options led to avoided fossil resource depletion. Global warming potential (GWP) balances ranged from −1732 kg CO2e Mg−1 dry matter (DM) for pig slurry AD feedstock after accounting for avoided slurry storage to +2251 kg CO2e Mg−1 DM for oilseed rape biodiesel feedstock after attributing indirect land use change (iLUC) to displaced food production. Maize monoculture for AD led to net GWP increases via iLUC, but optimized integration of maize into an arable rotation resulted in negligible food crop displacement and iLUC. However, even under best‐case assumptions such as full use of heat output from AD‐CHP, crop–biogas achieved low GWP reductions per hectare compared with Miscanthus heating pellets under default estimates of iLUC. Ecosystem services (ES) assessment highlighted soil and water quality risks for maize cultivation. All bioenergy crop options led to net increases in eutrophication after displaced food production was accounted for. The environmental balance of AD is sensitive to design and management factors such as digestate storage and application techniques, which are not well regulated in the UK. Currently, FiT payments are not dependent on compliance with sustainability criteria. We conclude that CLCA and ES effects should be integrated into sustainability criteria for FiTs and RHIs, to direct public money towards resource‐efficient renewable energy options that achieve genuine climate protection without degrading soil, air or water quality.
Update on ultraviolet A and B radiation generated by the sun and artificial lamps and their effects on skin
Authors: Romanhole R. C. , Ataide J. A. , Moriel P. , Mazzola P. G.
Published: February 2015

Synopsis

Solar radiation, especially ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), can cause damage to the human body, and exposure to the radiation may vary according to the geographical location, time of year and other factors. The effects of UVA and UVB radiation on organisms range from erythema formation, through tanning and reduced synthesis of macromolecules such as collagen and elastin, to carcinogenic DNA mutations. Some studies suggest that, in addition to the radiation emitted by the sun, artificial sources of radiation, such as commercial lamps, can also generate small amounts of UVA and UVB radiation. Depending on the source intensity and on the distance from the source, this radiation can be harmful to photosensitive individuals. In healthy subjects, the evidence on the danger of this radiation is still far from conclusive.
Comparative effect of a new mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine, triclosan and zinc on volatile sulphur compounds: a randomized, crossover, double‐blind study
Authors: Mendes L , Coimbra J , Pereira AL , Resende M , Pinto MG
Published: February 2015

Aim

The aims of this study were to compare the volatile sulphur compounds (VSC)‐reducing effect of two commercial mouthrinses using a morning bad breath model and to assess the role of mechanical plaque control (MPC) when performed previously to mouthrinse use.

Patients and methods

Eleven volunteers with good oral health were enrolled in a double‐blind, randomized, six‐step crossover design study with a 7‐day washout period. Two commercial mouthrinses were tested using a saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) as a negative control: one mouthrinse contained 0.05% chlorhexidine, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.14% zinc lactate (CHX‐CPC‐Zn), while the other contained 0.05% chlorhexidine, 0.15% triclosan and 0.18% zinc pidolate (CHX‐triclosan‐Zn). A portable sulphide monitor (Halimeter®) was used for VSC quantification. Measurements were made at baseline, and 1, 3 and 5 h after rinsing. Significant differences were detected by analysis of variance.

Results

No significant differences between groups were detected at baseline. We were unable to demonstrate a significant influence of mechanical plaque control on the reduction of VSC levels when performed before mouthrinse use (P = 0.631). Both mouthrinses effectively lowered VSC levels in all test intervals (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between mouthrinses in any of the test intervals (P = 0.629, 0.069 and 0.598 at 1, 3 and 5 h).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that CHX‐CPC‐Zn and CHX‐triclosan‐Zn have significant and similar effects in reducing VSC levels, which persist for at least 5 h. Such effects were independent of previous MPC, which failed to improve on the results of mouthrinse use alone.
Preventive care delivered within Public Dental Service after caries risk assessment of young adults
Authors: Hänsel Petersson G , Ericson E , Twetman S
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To study preventive care provided to young adults in relation to their estimated risk category over a 3‐year period.

Methods

The amount and type of preventive treatment during 3 years was extracted from the digital dental records of 982 patients attending eight public dental clinics. The baseline caries risk assessment was carried out by the patient's regular team in four classes according to a predetermined model, and the team was responsible for all treatment decisions. Based on the variables ‘oral health information’, ‘additional fluoride’ and ‘professional tooth cleaning’, a cumulative score was constructed and dichotomized to ‘basic prevention’ and ‘additional prevention’.

Results

More additional preventive care was provided to the patients in the ‘low‐risk’ and ‘some risk’ categories than to those classified as ‘high’ or ‘very high’ risk (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–3.0; P < 0.05). Professional tooth cleaning and additional fluorides were most frequently employed in the ‘low‐risk’ and ‘some risk’ categories, respectively. Around 15% of the patients in the high‐risk categories did not receive additional preventive measures over the 3‐year period. There was an insignificant tendency that patients with additional prevention developed less caries than those that received basic prevention in all risk categories except for the ‘very high‐risk’ group.

Conclusion

The caries risk assessment process was not accompanied by a corresponding targeted individual preventive care in a cohort of young adults attending public dental service. Further research is needed how to reach those with the greatest need of primary and secondary prevention.
Oral administration of dextran sodium sulphate induces a caecum‐localized colitis in rabbits
Authors: Leonardi Irina , Nicholls Flora , Atrott Kirstin , Cee Alexandra , Tewes Bernhard , Greinwald Roland , Rogler Gerhard , Frey‐Wagner Isabelle
Published: February 2015

Trichuris suis ova (TSO) have shown promising results in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but the mechanisms which underlies this therapeutic effect cannot be studied in mice and rats as T. suis fails to colonize the rodent intestine, whilst hatching in humans and rabbits. As a suitable rabbit IBD model is currently not available, we developed a rabbit colitis model by administration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). White Himalayan rabbits (n = 12) received 0.1% DSS in the daily water supply for five days. Clinical symptoms were monitored daily, and rabbits were sacrificed at different time points. A genomewide expression analysis was performed with RNA isolated from caecal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) and intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). The disease activity index of DSS rabbits increased up to 2.1 ± 0.4 (n = 6) at day 10 (controls <0.5). DSS induced a caecum‐localized pathology with crypt architectural distortion, stunted villous surface and inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria. The histopathology score reached a peak of 14.2 ± 4.9 (n = 4) at day 10 (controls 7.7 ± 0.9, n = 5). Expression profiling revealed an enrichment of IBD‐related genes in both LPMC and IEC. Innate inflammatory response, Th17 signalling and chemotaxis were among the pathways affected significantly. We describe a reproducible and reliable rabbit model of DSS colitis. Localization of the inflammation in the caecum and its similarities to IBD make this model particularly suitable to study TSO therapy in vivo.
Ceramic Enamels as New Back Contacts for Cu (In, Ga) Se2‐Based Photovoltaic Tile
Authors: Fraga Diego , Lyubenova Teodora Stoyanova , Rey Aitor , Calvet Ivan , Martí Rafael , Carda Juan B.
Published: February 2015

In this work, we investigated the properties of silver and gold enamels as potential back contacts for Cu (In, Ga) Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. The enamels were deposited on ceramic tiles by nonvacuum printing techniques. Thus, we are proposing a development of integrated photovoltaic tile for the first time. We also explained the CIGS synthesis procedure using coprecipitation of selenite precursors. To deposit the precursor powders on the substrate, a doctor blade method is applied. The interface morphology between ceramic tile, back contact, and CIGS absorber was studied as a critical factor for the final solar cell performance. The thermal treatment effect on the back contact properties was also reported. Excellent compatibility between CIGS and gold layer was observed, keeping thickness and chemical composition adequate for photovoltaic applications. The band gap energy confirms assembly effectiveness. Unsatisfied results of silver diffusion toward CIGS absorber were obtained when silver enamels were used.
Extra‐thymically induced T regulatory cell subsets: the optimal target for antigen‐specific immunotherapy
Authors: Verhagen Johan , Wegner Anja , Wraith David C.
Published: February 2015

Antigen‐specific immunotherapy aims to selectively restore tolerance to innocuous antigens in cases of autoimmune or allergic disease, without the need for general immune suppression. Although the principle of antigen‐specific immunotherapy was discovered more than a century ago, its clinical application to date is limited, particularly in the control of autoimmunity. This has resulted mainly from a lack of in‐depth understanding of the underlying mechanism. More recently, the differentiation of extra‐thymically induced T regulatory (Treg) cell subsets has been shown to be instrumental in peripheral tolerance induction. Two main types of inducible Treg cells, interleukin‐10‐secreting or Foxp3+, have now been described, each with distinct characteristics and methods of therapeutic induction. It is crucial, therefore, to identify the suitability of either subset in the control of specific immune disorders. This review explores their natural function, the known mechanisms of therapeutic differentiation of either subset as well as their in vivo functionality and discusses new developments that may aid their use in antigen‐specific immunotherapy, with a focus on autoimmune disease.
Assessment of vacuum‐assisted closure therapy on the wound healing process in cardiac surgery
Authors: Pericleous Agamemnon , Dimitrakakis Georgios , Photiades Renos , von Oppell Ulrich O
Published: February 2015

Postoperative deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a serious complication in cardiac surgery (1–5% of patients) with high mortality and morbidity rates. Vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) therapy has shown promising results in terms of wound healing process, postoperative hospital length of stay and lower in‐hospital costs. The aim of our retrospective study is to report the outcome of patients with DSWI treated with VAC therapy and to assess the effect of contributory risk factors. Data of 52 patients who have been treated with VAC therapy in a single institution (study period: September 2003–March 2012) were collected electronically through PAtient Tracking System PATS and statistically analysed using SPSS version 20. Of the 52 patients (35 M: 17 F), 88·5% (n = 46) were solely treated with VAC therapy and 11·5% (n = 6) had additional plastic surgical intervention. Follow‐up was complete (mean 33·8 months) with an overall mortality rate of 26·9% (n = 14) of whom 50% (n = 7) died in hospital. No death was related to VAC complications. Patient outcomes were affected by pre‐operative, intra‐operative and postoperative risk factors. Logistic EUROscore, postoperative hospital length of stay, advanced age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and long‐term corticosteroid treatment appear to be significant contributing factors in the long‐term survival of patients treated with VAC therapy.
Vascular Function, Cerebral Cortical Thickness, and Cognitive Performance in Middle‐Aged Hispanic and Non‐Hispanic Caucasian Adults
Authors: Pasha Evan P. , Kaur Sonya S. , Gonzales Mitzi M. , Machin Daniel R. , Kasischke Kennon , Tanaka Hirofumi , Haley Andreana P.
Published: February 2015

Hispanics are at increased risk for acquiring cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to cognitive dysfunction. To compare indices of vascular health with measures of cerebral gray matter integrity, 60 middle‐aged Hispanic and non‐Hispanic Caucasian participants were matched across age, sex, years of education, and mental status. Arterial stiffness was characterized by β‐stiffness index and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, and magnetic resonance imaging estimated cortical thickness in a priori regions of interest known to be susceptible to vascular risk factors. Measures of arterial stiffness were significantly higher in Hispanics than in non‐Hispanic Caucasians. Hispanics exhibited thinner left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) cortical thickness (P=.04) with concurrently lower language (P=.02), memory (P=.03), and attention‐executive functioning (P=.02). These results suggest that compromised vascular health may occur simultaneously with cortical thinning of the LIFG as an early neuropathological alteration in Hispanics.
Social cognition dysfunction in adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome): relationship with executive functioning and social competence/functioning
Authors: Campbell L. E. , McCabe K. L. , Melville J. L. , Strutt P. A. , Schall U.
Published: February 2015

Background

Social difficulties are often noted among people with intellectual disabilities. Children and adults with 22q.11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) often have poorer social competence as well as poorer performance on measures of executive and social‐cognitive skills compared with typically developing young people. However, the relationship between social functioning and more basic processes of social cognition and executive functioning are not well understood in 22q11DS. The present study examined the relationship between social‐cognitive measures of emotion attribution and theory of mind with executive functioning and their contribution to social competence in 22q11DS.

Method

The present cross‐sectional study measured social cognition and executive performance of 24 adolescents with 22q11DS compared with 27 age‐matched typically developing controls. Social cognition was tested using the emotion attribution task (EAT) and a picture sequencing task (PST), which tested mentalising (false‐belief), sequencing, cause and effect, and inhibition. Executive functioning was assessed using computerised versions of the Tower of London task and working memory measures of spatial and non‐spatial ability. Social competence was also assessed using the parent‐reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results

Adolescents with 22q11DS showed impaired false‐belief, emotion attribution and executive functioning compared with typically developing control participants. Poorer performance was reported on all story types in the PST, although, patterns of errors and response times across story types were similar in both groups. General sequencing ability was the strongest predictor of false‐belief, and performance on the false‐belief task predicted emotion attribution accuracy. Intellectual functioning, rather than theory of mind or executive functioning, predicted social competence in 22q11DS.

Conclusions

Performance on social‐cognitive tasks of theory of mind indicate evidence of a general underlying dysfunction in 22q11DS that includes executive ability to understand cause and effect, to logically reason about social scenarios and also to inhibit responses to salient, but misleading cues. However, general intellectual ability is closely related to actual social competence suggesting that a generalised intellectual deficit coupled with more specific executive impairments may best explain poor social cognition in 22q11DS.
Exploring initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters among hospitalised older patients in Taiwan
Authors: Hu Fang‐Wen , Chang Chia‐Ming , Tsai Chuan‐Hsiu , Chen Ching‐Huey
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore the incidence, associated factors and adverse outcomes for initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters in hospitalised older patients.

Background

Urinary catheters can lead to substantial complications. The related factors and adverse outcomes associated with initial inappropriate urinary catheter use among hospitalised older patients have not been studied.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 321 older patients admitted to the hospital in southern Taiwan having urinary catheters placed within 24 hours of admission were recruited. Demographic factors, voiding function history, health conditions and care conditions of catheter placement were collected through a review of medical records, interviewing participants or their primary caregivers. Catheter‐associated urinary tract infection during hospitalisation, transfer to a nursing home, length of hospital stay and change in activities of daily living determined as outcomes. Criteria for urinary catheter placement were developed to identify inappropriate use.

Results

The incidence of initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters among hospitalised Taiwanese older patients was 38·3%. The rationale most often reported for initial inappropriate use was ‘convenience of care’ (49·6%). Factors associated with initial inappropriate use were, chronic constipation, urinary tract infection history, medical treatment diagnosis, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms and independence in activities of daily living and, insertion of catheter during evening and night shifts and lack of nursing documentation of the rationale for catheterisation. Patients with initial inappropriate use showed greater decline in activities of daily living function between admission and discharge.

Conclusion

Older patients with greater care needs may become the victims of initial inappropriate use of urinary catheters. Inappropriate use may devastate the activities of daily living in older patients. Nurses’ awareness of indications for urinary catheters may prevent inappropriate use.

Relevance to clinical practice

A policy to strengthen nurses’ awareness of the use of urinary catheters is needed in Taiwan.
Improving self‐perception and self‐efficacy in patients with spinal cord injury: the efficacy of DVD‐based instructions
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Yu , Wu Tzu‐Jung , Lin Chiu‐Chu
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

We assessed the effects of a spinal cord injury home rehabilitation DVD on patients with spinal cord injury.

Background

Multimedia have been used widely in health care in the digital age. The provision of rehabilitation instructions is a major responsibility of the rehabilitation staff.

Design

This study adopted a quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest control group design.

Methods

We collected data from a rehabilitation nursing ward at a medical centre between October 2011–April 2012. The participants were recruited before being discharged from the hospital. The experimental group (n = 28) received multimedia DVD instructions for three months, in addition to teaching sessions conducted by the researcher, whereas the control group (n = 31) received instructions without a DVD. Both groups completed the self‐perception and self‐efficacy scales used in this study before and after the intervention.

Results

The results indicated that, after the multimedia DVD intervention, the experimental group exhibited a considerably greater improvement in self‐perception than did the control group. Although we recorded increased scores for both self‐perception and self‐efficacy for both groups, no marked differences emerged between the control and the intervention groups by using a generalised estimating equation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the home rehabilitation DVD is an effective instrument for improving self‐perception and self‐efficacy in patients with spinal cord injury. However, monitoring these patients over the long term is necessary.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our study results confirmed that the spinal cord injury home rehabilitation DVD is a practical health education tool. We plan to use the proposed DVD intervention with a larger number of hospitalised patients, and to continuously monitor their improvement.
FAMA ON BUBBLES
Authors: Engsted Tom
Published: February 2015

While Eugene Fama has repeatedly expressed his discontent with the notion of an “irrational bubble,” he has never publicly expressed his opinion on “rational bubbles.” On empirical grounds Fama rejects bubbles by referring to the lack of reliable evidence that price declines are predictable. However, this argument cannot be used to rule out rational bubbles because such bubbles do not necessarily imply return predictability, and return predictability of the kind documented by Fama does not rule out rational bubbles. On data samples that include the 1990s, there is evidence of an explosive component in stock market valuation ratios, consistent with a rational bubble.
The Little Six Personality Dimensions From Early Childhood to Early Adulthood: Mean‐Level Age and Gender Differences in Parents' Reports
Authors: Soto Christopher J.
Published: February 2015

The present research pursues three major goals. First, we develop scales to measure the Little Six youth personality dimensions: Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, and Activity. Second, we examine mean‐level age and gender differences in the Little Six from early childhood into early adulthood. Third, we examine the development of more specific nuance traits. We analyze parent reports, made using the common‐language California Child Q‐Set (CCQ), for a cross‐sectional sample of 16,000 target children ranging from 3 to 20 years old. We construct CCQ–Little Six scales that reliably measure each Little Six dimension. Using these scales, we find (a) curvilinear, U‐shaped age trends for Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness, with declines followed by subsequent inclines; (b) monotonic, negative age trends for Extraversion and Activity; (c) higher levels of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness among girls than boys, as well as higher levels of Activity among boys than girls; and (d) gender‐specific age trends for Neuroticism, with girls scoring higher than boys by mid‐adolescence. Finally, we find that several nuance traits show distinctive developmental trends that differ from their superordinate Little Six dimension. These results highlight childhood and adolescence as key periods of personality development.
Short‐wavelength enrichment of polychromatic light enhances human melatonin suppression potency
Authors: Brainard George C. , Hanifin John P. , Warfield Benjamin , Stone Marielle K. , James Mary E. , Ayers Melissa , Kubey Alan , Byrne Brenda , Rollag Mark
Published: February 2015

The basic goal of this research is to determine the best combination of light wavelengths for use as a lighting countermeasure for circadian and sleep disruption during space exploration, as well as for individuals living on Earth. Action spectra employing monochromatic light and selected monochromatic wavelength comparisons have shown that short‐wavelength visible light in the blue‐appearing portion of the spectrum is most potent for neuroendocrine, circadian, and neurobehavioral regulation. The studies presented here tested the hypothesis that broad spectrum, polychromatic fluorescent light enriched in the short‐wavelength portion of the visible spectrum is more potent for pineal melatonin suppression in healthy men and women. A total of 24 subjects were tested across three separate experiments. Each experiment used a within‐subjects study design that tested eight volunteers to establish the full‐range fluence–response relationship between corneal light irradiance and nocturnal plasma melatonin suppression. Each experiment tested one of the three types of fluorescent lamps that differed in their relative emission of light in the short‐wavelength end of the visible spectrum between 400 and 500 nm. A hazard analysis, based on national and international eye safety criteria, determined that all light exposures used in this study were safe. Each fluence–response curve demonstrated that increasing corneal irradiances of light evoked progressively increasing suppression of nocturnal melatonin. Comparison of these fluence–response curves supports the hypothesis that polychromatic fluorescent light is more potent for melatonin regulation when enriched in the short‐wavelength spectrum.
Recent Y chromosome divergence despite ancient origin of dioecy in poplars (Populus)
Authors: Geraldes A. , Hefer C. A. , Capron A. , Kolosova N. , Martinez‐Nuñez F. , Soolanayakanahally R. Y. , Stanton B. , Guy R. D. , Mansfield S. D. , Douglas C. J. , Cronk Q. C. B.
Published: February 2015

All species of the genus Populus (poplar, aspen) are dioecious, suggesting an ancient origin of this trait. Despite some empirical counter examples, theory suggests that nonrecombining sex‐linked regions should quickly spread, eventually becoming heteromorphic chromosomes. In contrast, we show using whole‐genome scans that the sex‐associated region in Populus trichocarpa is small and much younger than the age of the genus. This indicates that sex determination is highly labile in poplar, consistent with recent evidence of ‘turnover’ of sex‐determination regions in animals. We performed whole‐genome resequencing of 52 P. trichocarpa (black cottonwood) and 34 Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar) individuals of known sex. Genomewide association studies in these unstructured populations identified 650 SNPs significantly associated with sex. We estimate the size of the sex‐linked region to be ~100 kbp. All SNPs significantly associated with sex were in strong linkage disequilibrium despite the fact that they were mapped to six different chromosomes (plus 3 unmapped scaffolds) in version 2.2 of the reference genome. We show that this is likely due to genome misassembly. The segregation pattern of sex‐associated SNPs revealed this to be an XY sex‐determining system. Estimated divergence times of X and Y haplotype sequences (6–7 Ma) are much more recent than the divergence of P. trichocarpa (poplar) and Populus tremuloides (aspen). Consistent with this, in P. tremuloides, we found no XY haplotype divergence within the P. trichocarpa sex‐determining region. These two species therefore have a different genomic architecture of sex, suggestive of at least one turnover event in the recent past.
Fitness trade‐offs explain low levels of persister cells in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Stepanyan Kristine , Wenseleers Tom , Duéñez‐Guzmán Edgar A. , Muratori Frédéric , Van den Bergh Bram , Verstraeten Natalie , De Meester Luc , Verstrepen Kevin J. , Fauvart Maarten , Michiels Jan
Published: February 2015

Microbial populations often contain a fraction of slow‐growing persister cells that withstand antibiotics and other stress factors. Current theoretical models predict that persistence levels should reflect a stable state in which the survival advantage of persisters under adverse conditions is balanced with the direct growth cost impaired under favourable growth conditions, caused by the nonreplication of persister cells. Based on this direct growth cost alone, however, it remains challenging to explain the observed low levels of persistence (<<1%) seen in the populations of many species. Here, we present data from the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can explain this discrepancy by revealing various previously unknown costs of persistence. In particular, we show that in the absence of antibiotic stress, increased persistence is traded off against a lengthened lag phase as well as a reduced survival ability during stationary phase. We argue that these pleiotropic costs contribute to the very low proportions of persister cells observed among natural P. aeruginosa isolates (3 × 10−8–3 × 10−4) and that they can explain why strains with higher proportions of persister cells lose out very quickly in competition assays under favourable growth conditions, despite a negligible difference in maximal growth rate. We discuss how incorporating these trade‐offs could lead to models that can better explain the evolution of persistence in nature and facilitate the rational design of alternative therapeutic strategies for treating infectious diseases.
Phylogeny to function: PE/PPE protein evolution and impact on Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenicity
Authors: Fishbein S. , van Wyk N. , Warren R. M. , Sampson S. L.
Published: February 2015

The pe/ppe genes represent one of the most intriguing aspects of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. These genes are especially abundant in pathogenic mycobacteria, with more than 160 members in M. tuberculosis. Despite being discovered over 15 years ago, their function remains unclear, although various lines of evidence implicate selected family members in mycobacterial virulence. In this review, we use PE/PPE phylogeny as a framework within which we examine the diversity and putative functions of these proteins. We report on the evolution and diversity of the respective gene families, as well as the implications thereof for function and host immune recognition. We summarize recent findings on pe/ppe gene regulation, also placing this in the context of PE/PPE phylogeny. We collate data from several large proteomics datasets, providing an overview of PE/PPE localization, and discuss the implications this may have for host responses. Assessment of the current knowledge of PE/PPE diversity suggests that these proteins are not variable antigens as has been so widely speculated; however, they do clearly play important roles in virulence. Viewing the growing body of pe/ppe literature through the lens of phylogeny reveals trends in features and function that may be associated with the evolution of mycobacterial pathogenicity.
Effect of acute kidney injury on mortality and hospital stay in patient with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhou Jiaojiao , Li Yi , Tang Yi , Liu Fang , Yu Shaobin , Zhang Ling , Zeng Xiaoxi , Zhao Yuliang , Fu Ping
Published: February 2015

Aim

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is believed to be a major risk factor leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) among critically ill patients, but little is known about SAP‐induced AKI. We study the incidence of AKI defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria and the risk factors associated with outcomes among SAP‐induced AKI patients.

Method

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of critically ill SAP‐induced AKI patients during the period August 2009 to June 2013. Data on enrolled patients were retrieved from electronic records. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

Among a total of 414 SAP patients admitted to intensive care units(ICU), 287 (69.3%) developed AKI during their ICU stay, with 16.7%, 18.4%, and 34.3% classified as AKI stage I,II, and III, respectively. SAP‐induced AKI patients experienced a significantly higher ICU mortality than those without AKI. The risk factors associated with ICU mortality among SAP‐induced AKI patients included ACS (odds ratio (OR) 10.58), RRT (OR 3.31), sepsis (OR 2.46), CTSI (OR 3.01), APACHE II score (OR 1.82), AKI III (OR 1.38), ICU‐length‐of‐stay (OR 1.04), and multi‐organ failure.

Conclusions

The paper represents the first attempt to investigate the etiology and epidemiology of AKI following SAP under the AKIN criteria among critically ill patients. Several independent risk factors were found to be associated with ICU mortality for AKI patients. The findings may pinpoint crucial therapeutic measures for preventing AKI among a vulnerable population and for more effective management of SAP‐induced AKI to improve the quality of intensive care.
Twelve new native Taraxacum species from the Nordic countries
Authors: Øllgaard Hans
Published: February 2015

Eleven native Taraxacum species from Norden are described as new: T. acutilimbatum, T. frondatum, T. latulum, T. thorvaldii, T. wendtii and T. wessbergii (all in T. sect. Erythrosperma), T. danicum (sect. Palustria), T. conspersum and T. lentiginosum (sect. Naevosa), T. pietii‐oosterveldii (sect. Celtica) and T. ovillum (sect. Spectabilia). They are compared with morphologically similar species, and their ecological preferences are outlined. Known distribution areas and lists of paratypes are given. Taraxacum polyschistum Dahlst. forma oelandicum G. E. Haglund (sect. Erythrosperma) is given status of species.
Blue‐light dependent reactive oxygen species formation by Arabidopsis cryptochrome may define a novel evolutionarily conserved signaling mechanism
Authors: Consentino Laurent , Lambert Stefan , Martino Carlos , Jourdan Nathalie , Bouchet Pierre‐Etienne , Witczak Jacques , Castello Pablo , El‐Esawi Mohamed , Corbineau Francoise , d'Harlingue Alain , Ahmad Margaret
Published: February 2015

Cryptochromes are widespread blue‐light absorbing flavoproteins with important signaling roles. In plants they mediate de‐etiolation, developmental and stress responses resulting from interaction with downstream signaling partners such as transcription factors and components of the proteasome. Recently, it has been shown that Arabidopsis cry1 activation by blue light also results in direct enzymatic conversion of molecular oxygen (O2) to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro. Here we explored whether direct enzymatic synthesis of ROS by Arabidopsis cry1 can play a physiological role in vivo.

ROS formation resulting from cry1 expression was measured by fluorescence assay in insect cell cultures and in Arabidopsis protoplasts from cryptochrome mutant seedlings. Cell death was determined by colorimetric assay.

We found that ROS formation results from cry1 activation and induces cell death in insect cell cultures. In plant protoplasts, cryptochrome activation results in rapid increase in ROS formation and cell death.

We conclude that ROS formation by cryptochromes may indeed be of physiological relevance and could represent a novel paradigm for cryptochrome signaling.
Contribution of B‐1a cells to systemic lupus erythematosus in the NZM2410 mouse model
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Morel Laurence
Published: February 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of complex etiology in which B cells play a central role. An expanded number of B‐1a cells have been consistently associated with murine lupus, and more recently with human SLE. We have identified Cdkn2c, a gene that controls cell cycle progression, as a key regulator of B‐1a cell numbers and have associated Cdkn2c deficiency with autoimmune pathology, including the production of autoantibodies and the skewing of CD4+ T cells toward inflammatory effector functions. We review the genetic studies that have led to these findings, as well as the possible mechanisms by which B‐1a cell expansion and Cdkn2c deficiency are related to SLE pathogenesis.
The first wave of B lymphopoiesis develops independently of stem cells in the murine embryo
Authors: Yoshimoto Momoko
Published: February 2015

In the developing mouse embryo, there are several waves of hematopoiesis. Primitive and definitive erythromyeloid lineages appear prior to hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) emergence, and these waves are considered to be transient and support embryonic homeostasis until HSC‐derived hematopoiesis is established. However, recent evidence strongly suggests that HSC‐independent immune cells, such as tissue macrophages and some innate lymphoid cells, develop in the mouse embryo and persist into postnatal life. Innate type B‐1 cells have also been reported to emerge from hemogenic endothelial cells in the extraembryonic yolk sac and para‐aortic splanchnopleura, and continue to develop in the fetal liver, even in HSC‐deficient mouse embryos. Here, this review discusses B‐1 cell development in the context of the layered immune system hypothesis of B lymphopoiesis and the emergence of B‐1 cells independent of HSCs.
Validity of the Japanese version of the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) Screening Questionnaire for detecting probable RBD in the general population
Authors: Nomura Takashi , Inoue Yuichi , Kagimura Tatsuo , Kusumi Masayoshi , Nakashima Kenji
Published: February 2015

Aims

In order to evaluate the validity of the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) as a screening tool for RBD in a general population setting, we conducted a validation study using residents of a rural community.

Methods

We sent questionnaires that included the RBDSQ to 2631 eligible adult residents in the town of Daisen, Japan.

Results

Of those residents, 1572 participants (59.7%) gave complete answers to the RBDSQ. Among them, 179 participants (11.4%) scored ≥5 points on the questionnaire; an additional 149 participants scoring ≤4 points were randomly selected for further telephone interview. Based on obtained results, nine participants (0.57%) were judged as having probable RBD. Receiver–operator curve analysis revealed that a total score of 6 points on the RBDSQ represented the best cut‐off value for detecting probable RBD (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 73.0%). Analysis based on the item response theory revealed that items 1, 4, 6‐1, 7, and 8 had lower difficulty than the remaining items, suggesting that these items are more essential in the screening for probable RBD.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that a score of 6 points on the RBDSQ could be used as a cut‐off value for the screening of probable RBD in the general population. Evaluation of the distribution of positive items might be helpful for identifying the intensity of a person's RBD symptoms.
Subcutaneous Panniculitis‐Like T‐Cell Lymphoma in Children: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hu Zhi Li , Sang Hong , Deng Lin , Li ZongHui
Published: February 2015

Subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a type of skin lymphoma. Pleomorphic T‐cells infiltrate the subcutaneous tissue and mimic lobular panniculitis. We report a case occurring in a 12‐year‐old Chinese boy who presented with multiple indolent erythematous subcutaneous nodules on both extremities without systemic symptoms. He had a protracted course of multiple erythematous subcutaneous nodules for 1 year and underwent biopsy of lesional skin for histology and T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene analysis. Histopathology showed infiltration of medium to large atypical pleomorphic cells involving the subcutis with characteristic rimming of fat spaces. TCR gene rearrangement shows monoclonal rearrangements of the TCR β and γ chains. Immunophenotypic studies showed that CD3, CD4, and CD8 were strongly and diffusely positive in lesional cells and that CD56 was focally positive. In contrast, these cells were negative for CD20, CD30, and CD68. The combined morphology, characteristic histologic features, and positive T‐CR gene rearrangement supported a diagnosis of SPTCL. He is being treated with combination chemotherapy of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone.
A Review and Proposed Approach to the Neutrophilic Dermatoses of Childhood
Authors: Webb Kate , Hlela Carol , Jordaan H. Francois , Suliman Sara , Scriba Thomas , Lipsker Dan , Scott Chris
Published: February 2015

Neutrophilic dermatoses (NDs) are inflammatory skin conditions that are not associated with infection. The classification and clinical approach to these conditions in children is poorly described. This review classifies these conditions into five nosological subtypes: Sweet's syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, aseptic pustules, neutrophilic urticarial dermatoses, and Marshall's syndrome. In addition, we review the various secondary diseases that need to be excluded in the clinical management of the NDs of childhood, with a focus on the autoinflammatory conditions that the reader may not be familiar with. We propose a practical clinical approach to these disorders.
Orange‐Brown Chromonychia and Kawasaki Disease: A Possible Novel Association?
Authors: Tessarotto Lucia , Rubin Giulia , Bonadies Luca , Valerio Enrico , Cutrone Mario
Published: February 2015

A 4‐year‐old girl with clinical and laboratory signs of Kawasaki disease (KD) was hospitalized and given intravenous immunoglobulin plus aspirin therapy, with rapid defervescence and clinical improvement, and was discharged 48 hours after admission. At the time of her follow‐up echocardiography on day 14, orange‐brown pigmentation of the nail beds was noticed and confirmed with dermoscopy. No clear association between KD and orange‐brown chromonychia has been demonstrated, although reports and case series suggest a possible link between these two entities. We suggest that this particular finding might be encompassed in late (subacute) changes of extremities as part of KD diagnostic criteria.
Lentigines in Resolving Psoriatic Plaques: Rarely Reported Sequelae in Pediatric Cases
Authors: LaRosa Caroline L. , Foulke Galen T. , Feigenbaum Dana F. , Cordoro Kelly M. , Zaenglein Andrea L.
Published: February 2015

Lentigo formation has been described in adults after the resolution of psoriatic plaques treated with various standard psoriasis treatments. We describe three cases of lentigines developing in areas of resolving psoriatic plaques: two in patients treated with etanercept and one before starting etanercept. A possible pathomechanism is proposed.
Parenteral nutrition‐associated liver disease in extremely low‐birthweight infants with intestinal disease
Authors: Hirano Katsuhisa , Kubota Akio , Nakayama Masahiro , Kawahara Hisayoshi , Yoneda Akihiro , Tazuke Yuko , Tani Gakuto , Ishii Tomohiro , Goda Taro , Umeda Satoshi , Hirno Shinya , Shiraishi Jun , Kitajima Hirnoyuki
Published: February 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the development of parenteral nutrition‐associated liver disease (PNALD) and to examine the clinicopathological relationship of PNALD in extremely low‐birthweight infants (ELBWI).

Methods

The subjects were 13 ELBWI who had received PN because of intestinal perforation or functional ileus between 2000 and 2013. We measured the serum levels of biochemical parameters, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and direct bilirubin. Liver histopathology was examined in relation to outcome. The subjects were categorized into two groups on liver histopathology: F(+), development of hepatic fibrosis and necrosis with/without cholestasis; and F(−), no hepatic fibrosis.

Results

Of 13 ELBWI, five died of hepatic failure, five died of sepsis, and the other three were alive at the time of the study. Of the five infants who died of hepatic failure, two developed fulminant hepatitis without cholestasis, and the other three developed chronic cholestasis and finally hepatic failure. Postmortem histopathology in F(+) indicated not only massive hepatic necrosis, but also massive hepatic fibrosis. These histopathological findings explained the clinical presentation of portal hypertension. There were significant differences in the fasting period after intestinal disease onset between the two groups.

Conclusion

The prolonged fasting with PN is responsible for severe hepatocellular necrosis with fibrosis and consequent lethal portal hypertension.
Effects of Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein Deficiency on IL‐10‐Producing Regulatory B Cells in Humans and Mice
Authors: Du H.‐Q. , Zhang X. , An Y.‐F. , Ding Y. , Zhao X.‐D.
Published: February 2015

The Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is an important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and is required for immune cell function. WASp deficiency causes a marked reduction in major mature peripheral B cell subsets, particularly marginal zone (MZ) B cells. We hypothesized that WASp deficiency may also lead to a reduction of regulatory B cells (known as B10 cells) belonging to a novel subset of B cells. And in consideration of the key role of B10 cells play in maintaining peripheral tolerance, we conjectured that a deficit of these cells could contribute to the autoimmunity in patients with Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS). The effects of WASp deficiency on B10 cells have been reported by only one group, which used an antigen‐induced arthritis model. To add more information, we measured the percentage of B10 cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th1 cells in WASp knockout (WASp KO) mice. We also measured the percentage of B10 cells in patients with WAS by flow cytometry. Importantly, we used the non‐induced autoimmune WASp KO mouse model to investigate the association between B10 cell frequency and the Treg/Th1 balance. We found that the percentage of B10 cells was reduced in both mice (steady state and inflammatory state) and in humans and that the lower B10 population correlated with an imbalance in the Treg/Th1 ratio in old WASp KO mice with autoimmune colitis. These findings suggest that WASp plays a crucial role in B10 cell development and that WASp‐deficient B10 cells may contribute to autoimmunity in WAS.
Identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, HLA‐DRB1*12:51, in a Chinese Cord Blood Donor
Authors: Li Y. , Tang X.‐W. , Wu J.‐Y. , Huang Y.‐N. , Liao C.
Published: February 2015

HLA‐DRB1*12:51 has a single nucleotide difference to DRB1*12:02:01 at position 208, G > T.
Identification a novel HLA‐B*27:105 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: He J. , He Y.‐M. , Zhang W. , Wang W. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J.
Published: February 2015

HLA‐B*27:105 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐B*27:04:01 at nucleotide position 404 from G to A.
TAPBPR: a new player in the MHC class I presentation pathway
Authors: Hermann C. , Trowsdale J. , Boyle L. H.
Published: February 2015

In order to provide specificity for T cell responses against pathogens and tumours, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules present high‐affinity peptides at the cell surface to T cells. A key player for peptide loading is the MHC class I‐dedicated chaperone tapasin. Recently we discovered a second MHC class I‐dedicated chaperone, the tapasin‐related protein TAPBPR. Here, we review the major steps in the MHC class I pathway and the TAPBPR data. We discuss the potential function of TAPBPR in the MHC class I pathway and the involvement of this previously uncharacterised protein in human health and disease.