bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging in dengue:CTandMRIfeatures
Authors: Md Noh Mohamad Syafeeq Faeez , Abdul Rashid Anna Misyail , Wan Zaidi Wan Asyraf , Khoo Ching Soong , Rajadurai Naveen , Muda Ahmad Sobri
Published: August 2018

Neurological manifestations of dengue are increasingly seen, especially in endemic regions. The wide availability of cross sectional imaging has allowed radiological depiction ofCNSinvolvement in symptomatic patients. Classically, dengue was thought to be a nonneurotropic virus; however, increasing evidence is suggesting central nervous system involvement. A number of pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed to explain the development of the neurological symptoms seen. Although there is no specific neuroimaging feature at present, knowledge of its variable appearance may aid in treatment, prognostication, and follow up. In this article, we attempt to review, comprehensively, the spectrum of neuroimaging findings in dengue, viaCTandMRI. We also discuss some common pitfalls associated with this disease entity.
Virulence‐ and signaling‐associated genes display a preference for long 3′UTRs during rice infection and metabolic stress in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Rodríguez‐Romero Julio , Marconi Marco , Ortega‐Campayo Víctor , Demuez Marie , Wilkinson Mark D. , Sesma Ane
Published: August 2018

Generation of mRNA isoforms by alternative polyadenylation (APA) and their involvement in regulation of fungal cellular processes, including virulence, remains elusive. Here, we investigated genome‐wide polyadenylation site (PAS) selection in the rice blast fungus to understand how APA regulates pathogenicity.

More than half of Magnaporthe oryzae transcripts undergo APA and show novel motifs in their PAS region. Transcripts with shorter 3′UTRs are more stable and abundant in polysomal fractions, suggesting they are being translated more efficiently. Importantly, rice colonization increases the use of distal PASs of pathogenicity genes, especially those participating in signalling pathways like 14‐3‐3B, whose long 3′UTR is required for infection.

Cleavage factor I (CFI) Rbp35 regulates expression and distal PAS selection of virulence and signalling‐associated genes, tRNAs and transposable elements, pointing its potential to drive genomic rearrangements and pathogen evolution. We propose a noncanonical PAS selection mechanism for Rbp35 that recognizes UGUAH, unlike humans, without CFI25.

Our results showed that APA controls turnover and translation of transcripts involved in fungal growth and environmental adaptation. Furthermore, these data provide useful information for enhancing genome annotations and for cross‐species comparisons of PASs and PAS usage within the fungal kingdom and the tree of life.
From an “Absent to a Silent Presence”—New Zealand at the International Geographical Congress 1875 to 1952
Authors: Roche Michael
Published: August 2018

As a prequel to the centenary of the International Geographical Union in 2022, this paper discusses connections between New Zealand and the International Geographical Congresses as a site of knowledge creation from the 1870s up to the mid‐20th century. New Zealand featured initially as an example in the work of others at early International Geographical Union Congresses. There was fleeting New Zealand attendance before the country was represented by proxy as part of the British Empire delegation prior to the first direct university geographer attendance.
Discovery and preclinical validation of proteomic biomarkers in saliva for early detection of oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Shan Jing , Sun Zhida , Yang Jingjing , Xu Juanyong , Shi Wei , Wu You , Fan Yuan , Li Huaiqi
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Our aim was to identify and prevalidate a set of salivary proteins that can distinguish oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) patients from healthy individuals and patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).

Subjects and methods

Proteomes of 60 saliva samples from healthy individuals, OPMD patients, and OSCC patients were assayed using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to prevalidate the candidate biomarkers in an independent sample set (n = 90).

Results

In total, 246 differentially expressed proteins were identified by comparing each two groups, and 21 proteins were differentially expressed when OSCC was compared with both OPMD and Control. Three proteins, namely, solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), S100 calcium‐binding protein A2 (S100A2), and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist protein (IL1RN), were selected as candidate biomarkers. Comparing the OSCC group with the healthy group, the area under curve (AUC) of the three combined biomarkers was 0.89, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and a specificity of 83.33%. Comparing the OSCC group with the OPMD group, the AUC value was 0.87, with a sensitivity of 93.33% and a specificity of 70.00%.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that salivary proteomics is promising for the discovery of OSCC biomarkers.
Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy as a result of metastatic breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Jamison Alice , Narwal Pavandeep , Creedon Alex
Published: August 2018

A 43 year old female attended with spontaneous onset of isolated left hypoglossal nerve palsy. The patient was undergoing concurrent treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation revealed a metastatic infiltration of the left occipital bone with encroachment upon the left hypoglossal canal. Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy is uncommon and upon presentation should be treated with a high level of suspicion.
Segmental Hailey‐Hailey disease of the vulva
Authors: García‐Morales Irene , Requena‐Caballero Luis , Happle Rudolf , Torrelo Antonio
Published: August 2018

A female infant presented with an ulcerated lesion on the right side of the vulva. Histopathology showed a suprabasal acantholytic blister with intact papillae protruding into the blister cavity and a few dyskeratotic cells. There were no signs of injury on other locations. Family history was unremarkable. Our patient may have linear Hailey‐Hailey disease of the vulva, most likely a case of type 1 mosaic.
Antibacterial Effectiveness of Rice Water (Starch)‐Capped Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated Rapidly in the Presence of Sunlight
Authors: Mathew Shiji , Raveendran Aswani , Mathew Jyothis , Radhakrishnan Edayileveettil K.
Published: August 2018

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have enormous applications. Hence, there is an increasing demand to explore diverse bioresources for AgNP fabrication to make the process more cost‐effective and rapid as possible. Due to the abundantly present hydroxyl groups of rice starch, it provides ideal sites for metal ion complexation and thereby synthesis of nanoparticles with promising activity. So the study was designed to develop rapid, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective method for green AgNP synthesis using boiled rice water starch in the presence of sunlight irradiation. The starch‐capped nanoparticles (sAgNPs) formed in the study were found to have the surface plasmon absorbance at 439 nm. The study showed optimum yield of sAgNPs when 25% rice starch was treated with aqueous 1 mM AgNO3 for 15 min in the presence of sunlight. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis provided mechanistic insight into the role of –OH groups of starch in the reduction of AgNO3 to sAgNPs. On further characterization by X‐ray diffraction analysis, the sAgNPs were identified to have FCC crystal structure. At the same time, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopic analysis showed majority of sAgNPs to have spherical morphology, and dynamic light scattering study revealed the average particle size as 36.3 nm. Further confirmation on presence of AgNPs was carried out by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Moreover, the sAgNPs exhibited promising antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus.
Vaccine‐preventable severe morbidity and mortality caused by meningococcus and pneumococcus: A population‐based study in France
Authors: Lorton Fleur , Chalumeau Martin , Assathiany Rémy , Martinot Alain , Bucchia Marie , Roué Jean‐Michel , Bourgoin Pierre , Chantreuil Julie , Boussicault Gérald , Gaillot Théophile , Saulnier Jean‐Pascal , Caillon Jocelyne , Levy Corinne , Cohen Robert , Gras‐Le Guen Christèle , Launay Elise
Published: August 2018

Background

In a context of suboptimal vaccination coverage and increasing vaccine hesitancy, we aimed to study morbidity and mortality in children related to missing or incomplete meningococcal C and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational, population‐based study from 2009 to 2014 in a French administrative area that included all children from age 1 month to 16 years who died before admission or were admitted to an intensive care unit for a community‐onset bacterial infection. Vaccine‐preventable infection was defined as an infection with an identified serotype included in the national vaccine schedule at the time of infection and occurring in a non‐ or incompletely vaccinated child. Death and severe sequelae were studied at hospital discharge. Frequencies of vaccine‐preventable morbidity and mortality caused by meningococcus and pneumococcus were calculated.

Results

Among the 124 children with serotyped meningococcal (n = 75) or pneumococcal (n = 49) severe infections included (median age 26 months), 20 (16%) died and 12 (10%) had severe sequelae. Vaccine‐preventable infections accounted for 18/124 infections (15%, 95% CI 9, 22), 5/20 deaths (25%, 95% CI 9, 49), and 3/12 severe sequelae cases (25%, 95% CI 0, 54). The vaccine schedule for meningococcal C and pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations was incomplete for 71/116 (61%) children targeted by at least one of these two vaccination programs.

Conclusions

Mortality and morbidity rates related to vaccine‐preventable meningococcal or pneumococcal infection could be reduced by one quarter with better implementation of immunisation programs. Such information could help enhance the perception of vaccine benefits and fight vaccine hesitancy.
White House Staff Turnover in Year One of the Trump Administration: Context, Consequences, and Implications for Governing1
Authors: Tenpas Kathryn Dunn
Published: August 2018

Comparing staff turnover in the first year of the Trump White House to that of the five immediate predecessors, I find Trump's turnover is record setting, more than triple that of Obama's and double that of Reagan's. I argue that Trump has experienced such high turnover because he has valued loyalty over qualifications and suffered from a White House that has functioned in a chaotic manner. Both features have made it difficult to retain top‐level staff and contributed to the governance difficulties he has encountered. If history is any guide, staff recruitment and retention during Trump's second year could prove challenging as well.
Sperm DNA integrity in Landrace and Duroc boar semen and its relationship to litter size
Authors: Myromslien Frøydis D. , Tremoen Nina H. , Andersen‐Ranberg Ina , Fransplass Ragnhild , Stenseth Else‐Berit , Zeremichael Teklu T. , van Son Maren , Grindflek Eli , Gaustad Ann Helen
Published: August 2018

Contents

The sperm chromatin structure assay is a method for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation, a parameter reported to be negatively related to field fertility in several mammal species. This method calculates a DNA fragmentation index (DFI) whose high values indicate abnormal chromatin structure. In this study, running from March 2010 until June 2017, the aim was to assess sperm DFI in stored liquid extended semen from two different pig breeds, Norwegian Landrace (NL; n = 693) and Norwegian Duroc (ND; n = 655), and to evaluate the influence on total number of piglets born (TNB). There was a significantly higher median DFI (p < 0.0001) in ejaculates from the 478 ND boars compared to the 452 NL boars. Data from 19,496 NL litters and 3,877 ND litters of the same boars were retrieved. For either breed, sow herd (p < 0.0001), parity (p < 0.05) and DFI (p < 0.05) showed significant effects on TNB. The DFI was negatively correlated to TNB in both breeds. The boars with the 5% lowest TNB had a least square means DFI of 3.05% and 2.24% in NL and ND, respectively, compared to 1.67% and 1.23% for the boars with the 5% highest TNB (p < 0.01). The DFI and the motility of the same semen samples were negatively correlated (p < 0.0001), and the high and low TNB groups showed significant differences in motility. However, this difference could not be used for practical prediction of TNB group (92.1% vs. 89.7%; p = 0.0038 and 92.3% vs. 89.5%; p = 0.018; NL and ND, respectively). In conclusion, our results indicate that sperm DNA integrity in semen with good motility and morphology may be an additional prediction parameter for fertility in pigs.
Kisspeptin in the early post–partum of the dairy cow
Authors: Rizzo Annalisa , Ceci Edmondo , Guaricci Antonio Ciro , Sciorsci Raffaele Luigi
Published: August 2018

Contents

Recently, a new molecule, kisspeptin (Kp), and in particular Kisspeptin 10 (Kp10), was implicated in stimulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating Kp10 levels in the early post–partum period of the dairy cow. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows, at 10 (T10), 12 (T12), 14 (T14) and 16 (T16) days after calving. Progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated using ELISA, and levels of oestrogens (E2) and Kp were evaluated using a radio‐immunologic method. After an initial plateau, Kp10 significantly increased at T14 and decreased at T16. The P4 and E2 mean serum values remained in the physiological range. It is likely that Kp10 enhanced hypothalamic GnRH release as well as pituitary gonadotropin secretion, thus promoting follicular growth and the increase in E2 levels, which might have further enhanced Kp10 release through a positive feedback loop. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the range of Kp10 blood concentration during the early post–partum period in the dairy cow. The results of our study will increase our current understanding of the complex neuro‐endocrine crosstalk underlying the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in the dairy cow.
From the blood of the martyrs to the baptism of the spirit inElSalvador
Authors: Wadkins Timothy H.
Published: August 2018

This article discusses the rise and proliferation of individual, emotion and miracle‐centered Pentecostal, or Spirit‐filled Christianity in El Salvador. Over the past half century, Roman Catholic allegiance has declined to 50 percent of the population, and less than half of those are non‐practicing. Meanwhile, Evangelical and Pentecostal varieties of Christianity have grown to about 40 percent of the population with high levels of practice. This Spirit‐filled movement is most visible in two mega churches, Tabernáculo Biblico Bauptista and Misión Cristiana Elim, each of which have memberships of over 80,000. However, this movement is also conspicuous in the thousands of small make‐shift churches, and the rapidly growing Catholic Charismatic Movement. Overall, this movement is directly connected to the social and political turmoil associated with the Civil War (1980–1992), and especially post‐war efforts to modernize and democratize the country.
Change in Public Concern and Responsive Behaviors Toward Air Pollution Under the Dome
Authors: Qin Chuanshen , Xu Jianhua , Wong‐Parodi Gabrielle , Xue Lan
Published: August 2018

This study evaluates the effect of the documentary Under the Dome on the concern and responsive behaviors of the public regarding air pollution in China, with two surveys conducted before and after watching the documentary. Employing difference‐in‐differences regression, this study answers two research questions: (1) Does Under the Dome change public concern about air pollution? (2) Does Under the Dome change public behaviors in response to air pollution, including protective behaviors (i.e., wearing face masks) and mitigation behaviors (i.e., reducing car driving)? We find that the information campaign (1) protects against the decline of public concern about air pollution in Beijing and (2) moderates the degree to which people's perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and sense of self‐efficacy influence protective behaviors and moderates the degree to which people's belief in the cooperative behaviors by others influences mitigation behaviors. This study provides evidence that information campaigns of the Under the Dome type are effective in raising public awareness; however, the information campaign did not directly influence public protective and mitigation behaviors.
Radical right politics in East and West: Distinctive yet equivalent
Authors: Pytlas Bartek
Published: August 2018

Particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, but also in “the West,” radical right politics established itself in the mainstream and continues to challenge liberal democracy from within. While there is broad consensus that radical right politics in both regions constitute an exclusionary, anti‐pluralist counter‐reaction against societal modernization, the discussion continues whether the radical right in the East remains a contextually distinctive phenomenon sui generis, or rather becomes increasingly similar and “functionally equivalent” to the West.

This review synthesizes extant findings on radical right politics from a comparative East–West perspective. Pursuing a “middle path” approach based on the framing perspective, it discusses conceptual synergies behind contextually distinctive and functionally equivalent aspects of radical right politics, expanding these comparative observations towards narrative strategies, mainstreaming mechanisms, and its impact on societies, party systems, policies, and liberal democracy as such.

The discussion demonstrates the potential of the framing approach for comparative East–West study of radical right politics. It further shows that not only can concepts developed for WE cases be adapted to inform studies on CEE. Concurrently, contextualized insights from Central and Eastern Europe can provide broader lessons relevant to the study of radical right politics across Europe and in “the West.”
Comparison of traditional statistical quality control using commercially available control materials and two patient‐based quality control procedures for the ADVIA 120 Hematology System
Authors: Vanyo Lourdes C. , Freeman Kathleen P. , Meléndez‐Lazo Antonio , Teles Mariana , Cuenca Rafaela , Pastor Josep
Published: August 2018

Background

Quality control procedures are an important part of the overall quality assurance for production of accurate and reliable hematologic results.

Objectives

This study aimed to validate a quality control material‐based procedure and assess two patient‐based quality control procedures (repeat patient testing [RPT] and average of normals [AoN]) with the ADVIA 120 Hematology System.

Methods

Requirements for quality control procedures were obtained with the computerized statistical and quality program, EZRules3. The procedures were evaluated comparing the probability of error detection (Ped), probability of false rejection (Pfr), and sigma metrics.

Results

All three of the quality control procedures could be applied with 1‐3s control rules, achieving the desired quality requirements. Validation of the quality control materials achieved values for Ped and Pfr of ≥90% and 0%, respectively. Patient‐based procedures obtained a ≥85% Ped and a 0% Pfr, except for platelets in the AoN procedure, which achieved a 77% Ped. The RPT achievable total errors were similar to those of the traditional quality control materials and the AoN procedures, except for platelets, which had an achievable total error of 75%.

Conclusions

Patient‐based procedures are suitable for veterinary laboratories. The RPT approach may benefit laboratories with limited budgets and low hematology caseloads. The AoN procedure may benefit laboratories with higher hematology caseloads.
The Impact of Financial Development on Economic Growth as Countries Develop Financially and Economically: WAEMU Countries Case
Authors: Coulibaly Daouda
Published: August 2018

We analyse financial development’s impact on real gross domestic product per capita in seven West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries from 1970 to 2014. We assume that income and financial development process converge to USA, France and Japan’s levels respectively. An analysis of the unit root and cointegration tests revealed non-stationary and cointegrated series. Estimates are based on the Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression method (DSUR). Our study shows that, (i) the effect of financial development on real per capita GDP improves in WAEMU countries as the latter converge financially to their respective levels in USA, France and Japan; (ii) the effect of financial development on real GDP per capita decreases in the WAEMU countries as they grow economically to reach USA, France and Japan’s income levels; (iii) the degree of the effect of financial development on real per capita GDP in the case of financial systems is stronger than that of the convergence of income.
Photothermal trap utilizing solar illumination for ice mitigation
Authors: Dash Susmita , de Ruiter Jolet , Varanasi Kripa K.
Published: August 2018

We have developed a scalable, efficient photothermal trap for deicing by localized light absorption and heat spreading at the ice-substrate interface.
Encoding canonical DNA quadruplex structure
Authors: Dvorkin Scarlett A. , Karsisiotis Andreas I. , Webba da Silva Mateus
Published: August 2018

The remarkable architectural diversity of four-stranded DNA known as G-quadruplexes can be rationally designed.
Palliative care is effective: but hospital symptom outcomes superior
Authors: Eagar Kathy , Clapham Sabina Petranella , Allingham Samuel Frederic
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To explore differences in severe symptom outcomes for palliative care patients receiving hospital care compared with those receiving care at home.

Methods

Change in symptom distress from the start of an episode of palliative care to just prior to death was measured for 25 679 patients who died under the care of a hospital or home-based palliative care team between January 2015 and December 2016. Logistic regression models controlled for differences between hospital and home and enabled a comparison of the number of severe symptoms just prior to death.

Results

All symptoms improved and over 85% of all patients had no severe symptoms prior to death. Pain control illustrates this with 7.4% of patients reporting severe pain distress at episode start and 2.5% just prior to death. When comparing all symptom outcomes by place of death, hospital patients are 3.7 times more likely than home patients to have no severe symptoms.

Conclusion 

Symptom outcomes are better for hospital patients. Patients at home have less improvement overall and some symptoms get worse. Reasons for the difference in outcomes by hospital and home are multifactorial and must be considered in relation to the patient’s right to choose their place of care.
Ultrasonography of the umbilical remnant in foals
Authors: Magri Massimo
Published: August 2018

Pathologies of the umbilical remnant are relatively common in equine neonates both as primary entities and as consequences of prematurity, dystocia and septicaemia. Early diagnosis is fundamental to improving the prognosis, and ultrasonography is the best method of achieving this. This article describes the normal sonographic appearance of the umbilical structures and the more common pathologies seen in practice.
Encapsulated protamine-hyaluronic acid particles for targeting carboplatin directed by radiation
Authors: Segawa T. , Harada S. , Ehara S. , Ishii K. , Sato T. , Kamiya T. , Sera K. , Goto S.
Published: August 2018

Encapsulated protamine-hyaluronic acid particles containing carboplatin were prepared and their ability to release carboplatin was tested in vivo. Protamine–hyaluronic acid particles containing carboplatin were prepared by mixing protamine (1.6 mg) and hyaluronic acid (1.28 mg) into a 5 mg/mL carboplatin solution for 30 min at room temperature. A 1 mL solution of protamine–hyaluronic acid particles was poured into an ampule of COATSOME[Formula: see text] EL-010 (Nichiyu, Tokyo, Japan), shaken three times by hand, and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 15 min. Following that, 10 or 20 Gy of 100 kiloelectronvolt (KeV) soft X-ray was applied. The release of carboplatin was imaged using a microparticle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) camera. The amount of carboplatin released was expressed as the amount of platinum released and measured via quantitative micro-PIXE analysis. The diameter of the generated encapsulated particles measured [Formula: see text] nm (mean ± standard error).

The release of carboplatin from the encapsulated protamine–hyaluronic acid particles was observed under a micro-PIXE camera. The amount of carboplatin released was [Formula: see text] under 10 Gy of radiation, and [Formula: see text] under 20 Gy of radiation, which was a sufficient dose for cancer treatment. However, 10 or 20 Gy of radiation is much greater than the dose used for clinical cancer treatment (2 Gy). Further research to reduce the radiation dose to 2 Gy in order to release sufficient carboplatin for cancer treatment is required.
Remarks on dark matter constituents with many solar masses
Authors: Corianò Claudio , Frampton Paul H.
Published: August 2018

Dark matter constituents of many solar masses will accrete normal matter which emit X-rays that can be downgraded to microwaves which may distort the precisely-measured black-body spectrum of the Cosmic Microwave Background. However, it is known from elsewhere that spherical models of accretion vastly overestimate the amount accreted and consequently the emitted X-rays. Therefore, exclusion plots based on spherical accretion for the allowed fraction of the dark matter versus the MACHO mass give upper limits on intermediate-mass MACHOs which are too severe, sometimes by orders of magnitude.
Duality for dyadic intervals
Authors: Matczak K. , Mućka A. , Romanowska A. B.
Published: August 2018

In an earlier paper, Romanowska, Ślusarski and Smith described a duality between the category of (real) polytopes (finitely generated real convex sets considered as barycentric algebras) and a certain category of intersections of hypercubes, considered as barycentric algebras with additional constant operations. This paper is a first step in finding a duality for dyadic polytopes, analogues of real convex polytopes, but defined over the ring [Formula: see text] of dyadic rational numbers instead of the ring of reals. A dyadic [Formula: see text]-dimensional polytope is the intersection with the dyadic space [Formula: see text] of an [Formula: see text]-dimensional real polytope whose vertices lie in the dyadic space. The one-dimensional analogues are dyadic intervals. Algebraically, dyadic polytopes carry the structure of a commutative, entropic and idempotent groupoid under the operation of arithmetic mean. Such dyadic polytopes do not preserve all properties of real polytopes. In particular, there are infinitely many (pairwise non-isomorphic) dyadic intervals. We first show that finitely generated subgroupoids of the groupoid [Formula: see text] are all isomorphic to dyadic intervals. Then, we describe a duality for the class of dyadic intervals. The duality is given by an infinite dualizing (schizophrenic) object, the dyadic unit interval. The dual spaces are certain subgroupoids of the square of the dyadic unit interval with additional constant operations. A second paper deals with a duality for dyadic triangles.
Towards testing gravity with cosmic voids
Authors: Cai Yan-Chuan
Published: August 2018

Cosmic void as a cosmological probe is reviewed. We introduce the theoretical background and recent development in observations of cosmic voids, focusing on its potential to test theorists of gravity. Four observables about cosmic voids are introduced: void number counts, weak gravitational lensing, redshift-space distortions and ISW around voids. We discuss opportunities on their application to current and future galaxy surveys and highlight challenges for this subject.
BANK PANICS AND FIRE SALES, INSOLVENCY AND ILLIQUIDITY
Authors: HURD T. R.
Published: August 2018

Banking system crises are complex events that in a short span of time can inflict extensive damage to banks themselves and to the external economy. The crisis literature has so far identified a number of distinct effects or channels that can propagate distress contagiously both directly within the banking network itself and indirectly, between the network and the external economy. These contagious effects, and the potential events that trigger these effects, can explain most aspects of past crises, and are thought to be likely to dominate future financial crises. Since the current international financial regulatory regime based on the Basel III Accord does a good job of ensuring that banks are resilient to such contagion effects taken one at a time, systemic risk theorists increasingly understand that future crises are likely to be dominated by the spillovers between distinct contagion channels. The present paper aims to provide a model for systemic risk that is comprehensive enough to include the important contagion channels identified in the literature. In such a model one can hope to understand the dangerous spillover effects that are expected to dominate future crises. To rein in the number and complexity of the modelling assumptions, two requirements are imposed, neither of which is yet well-known or established in the main stream of systemic risk research. The first, called stock-flow consistency, demands that the financial system follows a rigorous set of rules based on accounting principles. The second requirement, called asset-liability symmetry, implies that every proposed contagion channel has a dual channel obtained by interchanging assets and liabilities, and that these dual channel pairs have a symmetric mathematical representation.
In situ
measurements of near-surface hydraulic conductivity in engineered clay slopes
Authors: Dixon N. , Crosby C. J. , Stirling R. , Hughes P. N. , Smethurst J. , Briggs K. , Hughes D. , Gunn D. , Hobbs P. , Loveridge F. , Glendinning S. , Dijkstra T. , Hudson A.
Published: August 2018

In situ
measurements of near-saturated hydraulic conductivity in fine-grained soils have been made at six exemplar UK transport earthwork sites: three embankment and three cutting slopes. This paper reports 143 individual measurements and considers the factors that influence the spatial and temporal variability obtained. The test methods employed produce near-saturated conditions and flow under constant head. Full saturation is probably not achieved owing to preferential and bypass flow occurring in these desiccated soils. For an embankment, hydraulic conductivity was found to vary by five orders of magnitude in the slope near-surface (0–0.3 m depth), decreasing by four orders of magnitude between 0.3 and 1.2 m depth. This extremely high variability is in part due to seasonal temporal changes controlled by soil moisture content, which can account for up to 1.5 orders of magnitude of this variability. Measurements of hydraulic conductivity at a cutting also indicated a four orders of magnitude range of hydraulic conductivity for the near-surface, with strong depth dependence of a two orders of magnitude decrease from 0.2 to 0.6 m depth. The main factor controlling the large range is found to be spatial variability in the soil macrostructure generated by wetting–drying cycle driven desiccation and roots. The measurements of hydraulic conductivity reported in this paper were undertaken to inform and provide a benchmark for the hydraulic parameters used in numerical models of groundwater flow. This is an influential parameter in simulations incorporating the combined weather–vegetation–infiltration–soil interaction mechanisms that are required to assess the performance and deterioration of earthwork slopes in a changing climate.
Common and Founder Mutations for Monogenic Traits in Sub-Saharan African Populations
Authors: Krause Amanda , Seymour Heather , Ramsay Michèle
Published: August 2018

This review highlights molecular genetic studies of monogenic traits where common pathogenic mutations occur in black families from sub-Saharan Africa. Examples of founder mutations have been identified for oculocutaneous albinism, cystic fibrosis, Fanconi anemia, and Gaucher disease. Although there are few studies from Africa, some of the mutations traverse populations across the continent, and they are almost all different from the common mutations observed in non-African populations. Myotonic dystrophy is curiously absent among Africans, and nonsyndromic deafness does not arise from mutations in GJB2 and GJB7. Locus heterogeneity is present for Huntington disease, with two common triplet expansion loci in Africa, HTT and JPH3. These findings have important clinical consequences for diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counseling in affected families. We currently have just a glimpse of the molecular etiology of monogenic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, a proverbial “ears of the hippo” situation.
The Genetics and Genomics of Asthma
Authors: Willis-Owen Saffron A.G. , Cookson William O.C. , Moffatt Miriam F.
Published: August 2018

Asthma is a common, clinically heterogeneous disease with strong evidence of heritability. Progress in defining the genetic underpinnings of asthma, however, has been slow and hampered by issues of inconsistency. Recent advances in the tools available for analysis—assaying transcription, sequence variation, and epigenetic marks on a genome-wide scale—have substantially altered this landscape. Applications of such approaches are consistent with heterogeneity at the level of causation and specify patterns of commonality with a wide range of alternative disease traits. Looking beyond the individual as the unit of study, advances in technology have also fostered comprehensive analysis of the human microbiome and its varied roles in health and disease. In this article, we consider the implications of these technological advances for our current understanding of the genetics and genomics of asthma.
Molecular and genetic aspects of guanylyl cyclase natriuretic peptide receptor-A in regulation of blood pressure and renal function
Authors: Pandey Kailash N.
Published: August 2018

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) exert diverse effects on several biological and physiological systems, such as kidney function, neural and endocrine signaling, energy metabolism, and cardiovascular function, playing pivotal roles in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and cardiac and vascular homeostasis. NPs are collectively known as anti-hypertensive hormones and their main functions are directed toward eliciting natriuretic/diuretic, vasorelaxant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertrophic effects, thereby, regulating the fluid volume, BP, and renal and cardiovascular conditions. Interactions of NPs with their cognate receptors display a central role in all aspects of cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that govern physiology and pathophysiology of BP and cardiovascular events. Among the NPs atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) activate guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA) and initiate intracellular signaling. The genetic disruption of Npr1 (encoding GC-A/NPRA) in mice exhibits high BP and hypertensive heart disease that is seen in untreated hypertensive subjects, including high BP and heart failure. There has been a surge of interest in the NPs and their receptors and a wealth of information have emerged in the last four decades, including molecular structure, signaling mechanisms, altered phenotypic characterization of transgenic and gene-targeted animal models, and genetic analyses in humans. The major goal of the present review is to emphasize and summarize the critical findings and recent discoveries regarding the molecular and genetic regulation of NPs, physiological metabolic functions, and the signaling of receptor GC-A/NPRA with emphasis on the BP regulation and renal and cardiovascular disorders.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Relationship between Aspirin Use and Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Risk and Survival
Authors: Erickson Patricia , Gardner Lisa D. , Loffredo Christopher A. , St. George Diane Marie , Bowman Elise D. , Deepak Janaki , Mitchell Khadijah , Meaney Claire L. , Langenberg Patricia , Bernat Debra H. , Amr Sania , Ryan Bríd M.
Published: August 2018

Background:

African Americans (AA) experience higher incidence and mortality of lung cancer as compared with European Americans (EA). Inflammation is associated with lung cancer, many aspects of which differ between AA and EA. We investigated whether use, frequency, and duration of the anti-inflammatory drug aspirin were associated with lung cancer risk and survival, separately among AA and EA populations.

Methods:

Using data from the Maryland Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Case–Control Study (1,220 cases [404 AA and 816 EA] and 1,634 controls [1,004 EA and 630 AA]), we estimated the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between aspirin use and NSCLC risk and survival, respectively.

Results:

Any aspirin use (OR: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49–0.89), daily use of ≥ 1 tablet (OR: 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50–0.90), and use for ≥ 3 years (OR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44–0.85) was associated with lower NSCLC risk only among men, even after adjustment for covariates including body mass index and global genetic ancestry. These variables were also associated with improved survival, but only among AA (HR: 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46–0.91; HR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.90; and HR: 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39–0.92, respectively). Tylenol and other NSAIDs were either associated with elevated or no NSCLC risk.

Conclusions:

Aspirin use is associated with lower risk of NSCLC among men and improved survival among AA.

Impact:

Preventive regular aspirin use could be considered among men and AA.
Lnc-C/EBPβ Negatively Regulates the Suppressive Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Gao Yunhuan , Sun Wei , Shang Wencong , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Dan , Wang Tianze , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Shiwu , Zhang Yuan , Yang Rongcun
Published: August 2018

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are regulators of immune responses in cancer. The differentiation and function of these MDSCs may be regulated through multiple factors, such as microRNAs. However, the effect of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) on the differentiation and function of MDSCs is poorly understood. We identified a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) named lnc-C/EBPβ in MDSCs, which may control suppressive functions of MDSCs. Lnc-C/EBPβ could be induced in in vitro and in vivo tumor and inflammatory environments. It regulated a set of target transcripts, such as Arg-1, NOS2, NOX2, and COX2, to control immune-suppressive function and differentiation of MDSCs. This lncRNA was also able to bind to the C/EBPβ isoform LIP to inhibit the activation of C/EBPβ. We also found that the conserved homologue lnc-C/EBPβ has a similar function to murine lnc-C/EBPβ. These findings suggest a negative feedback role for lnc-C/EBPβ in controlling the immunosuppressive functions of MDSC in the tumor environment. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1352–63. ©2018 AACR.
Ghost Infarct Core and Admission Computed Tomography Perfusion: Redefining the Role of Neuroimaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Martins Nuno , Aires Ana , Mendez Beatriz , Boned Sandra , Rubiera Marta , Tomasello Alejandro , Coscojuela Pilar , Hernandez David , Muchada Marián , Rodríguez-Luna David , Rodríguez Noelia , Juega Jesús M. , Pagola Jorge , Molina Carlos A. , Ribó Marc
Published: August 2018

Background: Determining the size of infarct extent is crucial to elect patients for reperfusion therapies. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) based on cerebral blood volume may overestimate infarct core on admission and consequently include ghost infarct core (GIC) in a definitive lesional area. Purpose: Our goal was to confirm and better characterize the GIC phenomenon using CTP cerebral blood flow (CBF) as the reference parameter to determine infarct core. Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive thrombectomies of middle cerebral or intracranial internal carotid artery occlusions considering noncontrast CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥6 in patients with pretreatment CTP. We used the RAPID® software to measure admission infarct core based on initial CBF. The final infarct was extracted from follow-up CT. GIC was defined as initial core minus final infarct > 10 mL. Results: A total of 123 patients were included. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18 (13–20), the median time from symptoms to CTP was 188 (67–288) min, and the recanalization rate (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b, 2c, or 3) was 83%. Twenty patients (16%) presented with GIC. GIC was associated with shorter time to recanalization (150 [105–291] vs. 255 [163–367] min, p = 0.05) and larger initial CBF core volume (38 [26–59] vs. 6 [0–27] mL, p < 0.001). An adjusted logistic regression model identified time to recanalization < 302 min (OR 4.598, 95% CI 1.143–18.495, p = 0.032) and initial infarct volume (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.019, p = 0.032) as independent predictors of GIC. At 24 h, clinical improvement was more frequent in patients with GIC (80 vs. 49%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: CTP CBF < 30% may overestimate infarct core volume, especially in patients imaged in the very early time window and with fast complete reperfusion. Therefore, the CTP CBF technique may exclude patients who would benefit from endovascular treatment.
A Hypoallergenic Polygalacturonase Isoform from Olive Pollen Is Implicated in Pollen-Pollen Cross-Reactivity
Authors: Oeo-Santos Carmen , Mas Salvador , Quiralte Joaquín , Colás Carlos , Blanca Miguel , Fernández Javier , Feo Brito Francisco , Villalba Mayte , Barderas Rodrigo
Published: August 2018

Background: Cross-reactivity reactions between allergenic polygalacturonases (PGs) from different biological sources, especially foods and pollens from the Oleaceae family, have been described using Salsola kali PG (Sal k 6). No PG from olive pollen has been characterized to date, hampering further knowledge about cross-reactions through PGs. Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the potential allergenicity of the PG from olive pollen and clarify its role in cross-reactivity. Methods: A cDNA-encoding olive pollen PG sequence was subcloned into the pET41b vector and used to transform BL21(DE3) Escherichia coli cells to produce a His-tag fusion recombinant protein. The allergenic properties of olive pollen PG were determined by immunoblotting and ELISA in comparison to Sal k 6. The cross-reactivity potential of the protein with other pollen sources was analyzed by inhibition immunoassays. Results: The existence of other isoforms of Ole e 14 with different allergenicity was confirmed by proteomics and a meta-analysis of the recently reported olive genome. Sal k 6 showed a higher IgE recognition than Ole e 14 regardless of patient sensitization, suggesting the existence of more allergenic Ole e 14 isoforms in olive pollen. IgG and IgE inhibition assays supported the existence of cross-reactions between them and with other PGs from Oleaceae and Poaceae plant families. Conclusions: A new allergen from olive pollen, Ole e 14, has been identified, produced as a recombinant isoform, and structurally and immunologically characterized. Its role in cross-reactivity has been confirmed and, due to its smaller IgE binding capacity, it could have an important role for therapeutic purposes.
Sexual Dysfunction Seems to Trigger Depression in Female Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Hösl Katharina M. , Deutsch Martina , Wang Ruihao , Roy Sankanika , Winder Klemens , Niklewski Günter , Lee De-Hyung , Linker Ralf A. , Hilz Max J.
Published: August 2018

Background: In women with multiple sclerosis (MS), depression and sexual dysfunction (SD) are common. Whether SD promotes depression or vice versa remains unclear despite therapeutic relevance. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether SD more likely triggers depression or vice versa. Methods: In 83 female MS patients and 21 age-matched healthy women, we assessed depression, using the Beck Depression Inventory-V (BDI-V), and SD using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). We diagnosed depression with BDI-V-scores >35 and SD with FSFI scores < 26.55. We divided patients into groups with and without SD, with and without depression. Between groups, we compared prevalence of SD and depression (Fisher’s-exact-test), age, MS-duration, MS-severity, BDI-V-, and FSFI scores (Mann-Whitney U-test; significance: p < 0.05). Results: A total of 37/83 MS patients and 1/21 controls had SD; 28/83 patients and 3/21 controls had depression; 51.4% patients with SD but only 19.6% without SD had depression (p = 0.003). SD was present in 67.9% depressed and 32.7% non-depressed patients. BDI-V-scores were higher in patients with SD than in patients without SD. FSFI scores were lower in depressed than non-depressed patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, SD was more common than depression. SD afflicted 67.9% depressed MS patients and was also more common in non-depressed MS patients than controls. SD may occur independently from depression while increased depressiveness seems linked to coexistent SD.
Polidocanol Foam Injected at High Doses with Intravenous Needle: The (Almost) Perfect Treatment of Symptomatic Internal Hemorrhoids
Authors: Fernandes Vítor , Fonseca Jorge
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims: Hemorrhoid disorders are common. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of polidocanol foam injected at high doses with intravenous needle for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids that prolapse or bleed. Methods: We evaluated 2,000 consecutive patients with prolapsed hemorrhoids (grades II/III/IV) recruited over 6 years. Foam injection was performed in one to four sessions with polidocanol 2%: 10 mL of the mixture (2 mL liquid plus air) or 20 mL (4 mL liquid plus air). The number of sessions and amount of foam injected depended on initial hemorrhoid size, compliance to receive foam, and clinical response. The mixture, prepared using a three-way tap connected to two 10/20-mL syringes, was injected immediately after preparation using an intravenous needle. The primary endpoint was self-reported satisfaction without major complications at 4 weeks. Results: Efficacy was very high, with 1,957 patients (98%) reporting satisfaction regarding blood loss control and prolapse reduction. The procedure was well tolerated: 1,838 patients (92%) presented mild/no pain. Objective reduction of prolapse volume was documented in 86% of reobserved cases. Complications were rare and usually minor: only 3 cases of clinically significant bleeding (0.15%), 2 of whom were on dual antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulation, 2 cases of rectal abscess, 8 hemorrhoid thromboses, and 1 urinary retention requiring catheter (0.7% severe complications). Conclusions: Treatment of internal hemorrhoids with polidocanol foam injected in high doses is very effective and safe for the control of blood loss and prolapse, even for patients on anticoagulation/antiplatelet treatment.