bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus crispatus strain SJ‐3C‐US induces human dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and confers an anti‐inflammatory phenotype to DCs
Authors: Eslami Solat , Hadjati Jamshid , Motevaseli Elahe , Mirzaei Reza , Farashi Bonab Samad , Ansaripour Bita , Khoramizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2016

Lactobacillus crispatus is one of the most predominant species in the healthy vagina microbiota. Nevertheless, the interactions between this commensal bacterium and the immune system are largely unknown. Given the importance of the dendritic cells (DCs) in the regulation of the immunity, this study was performed to elucidate the influence of vaginal isolated L. crispatus SJ‐3C‐US from healthy Iranian women on DCs, either directly by exposure of DCs to ultraviolet‐inactivated (UVI) and heat‐killed (HK) L. crispatus SJ‐3C‐US or indirectly to its cell‐free supernatant (CFS), and the outcomes of immune response. In this work we showed that L. crispatus SJ‐3C‐US induced strong dose‐dependent activation of dendritic cells and production of high levels of IL‐10, whereas IL‐12p70 production was induced at low level in an inverse dose‐dependent manner. This stimulation skewed T cells polarization toward CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Treg cells and production of IL‐10 in a dose‐dependent manner in mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) test. The mode of bacterial inactivation did not affect the DCs activation pattern, upon encounter with L. crispatus SJ‐3C‐US. Moreover, while DCs stimulated with CFS showed moderate phenotypic maturation and IL‐10 production, it failed to skew T cells polarization toward CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and production of IL‐10. This study showed that L. crispatus SJ‐3C‐US confers an anti‐inflammatory phenotype to DCs through up‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory/regulatory IL‐10 cytokine production and induction of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T cells at optimal dosage. Our findings suggest that L. crispatus SJ‐3C‐US could be a potent candidate as protective probiotic against human immune‐mediated pathologies, such as chronic inflammation, vaginitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for a patient with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Kameyama Hitoshi , Shioi Ikuma , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Hatakeyama Satoru , Maruta Tomoaki , Tsukahara Akihiro , Tanaka Norio , Shimoda Satoshi , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: June 2016

A 62‐year‐old man with abdominal pain and lumbago was admitted to our hospital. Blood examination revealed renal insufficiency, and CT revealed retroperitoneal fibrosis causing bilateral hydrocele and ureteral compression. A colonoscopy was performed to rule out secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis due to malignancies, and this imaging revealed an ascending colon cancer. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with lymphadenectomy and retroperitoneal biopsy were performed. The retroperitoneum was filled with hard, white fibrous tissue, which made it difficult to mobilize the right mesocolon from the retroperitoneum. Devascularization performed before mobilization allowed for a safe and oncologically feasible procedure. Histologically, there were no malignant cells in the retroperitoneal tissue. The patient has been without colon cancer reoccurrence for 4 years. When the surgical challenges that distinguish these patients from ordinary cases are recognized preoperatively, laparoscopic colectomy may be a feasible option for patients with colorectal cancer with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.
New perspectives on the use of mTOR inhibitors in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Lutz Mathias , Mielke Stephan
Published: June 2016

Inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been exploited largely both in solid tumour oncology and solid organ transplantation. More recently mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus and everolimus have been introduced to the field of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation where their unique combination of immunosuppressive purposes offering reduced nephrotoxicity and potential antimalignant effects reflect a unique drug profile that has led to their widespread use in both prophylaxis and therapy of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). On the other hand haematological insufficiency, infectious complications as well as vasculopathies, have been frequently reported as limiting toxicities. Here, we review both the retrospective and prospective experience available to date and stress the need for prospective registration trials to reduce off label use and improve patient safety by optimizing dosing and enhancing pharmacovigilance. Furthermore, we speculate on the future role of mTOR inhibitors in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
MicroRNAs in a hypertrophic heart: from foetal life to adulthood
Authors: Sadiq Shahzad , Crowley Tamsyn M. , Charchar Fadi J. , Sanigorski Andrew , Lewandowski Paul A.
Published: June 2016

The heart is the first organ to form and undergoes adaptive remodelling with age. Ventricular hypertrophy is one such adaptation, which allows the heart to cope with an increase in cardiac demand. This adaptation is necessary as part of natural growth from foetal life to adulthood. It may also occur in response to resistance in blood flow due to various insults on the heart and vessels that accumulate with age. The heart can only compensate to this increase in workload to a certain extent without losing its functional architecture, ultimately resulting in heart failure. Many genes have been implicated in cardiac hypertrophy, however none have been shown conclusively to be responsible for pathological cardiac hypertrophy. MicroRNAs offer an alternative mechanism for cellular regulation by altering gene expression. Since 1993 when the function of a non‐coding DNA sequence was first discovered in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, many microRNAs have been implicated in having a central role in numerous physiological and pathological cellular processes. The level of control these antisense oligonucleotides offer can often be exploited to manipulate the expression of target genes. Moreover, altered levels of microRNAs can serve as diagnostic biomarkers, with the prospect of diagnosing a disease process as early as during foetal life. Therefore, it is vital to ascertain and investigate the function of microRNAs that are involved in heart development and subsequent ventricular remodelling. Here we present an overview of the complicated network of microRNAs and their target genes that have previously been implicated in cardiogenesis and hypertrophy. It is interesting to note that microRNAs in both of these growth processes can be of possible remedial value to counter a similar disease pathophysiology.
An Age‐Related Mechanism of Emotion Regulation: Regulating Sadness Promotes Children's Learning by Broadening Information Processing
Authors: Davis Elizabeth L.
Published: June 2016

Emotion regulation predicts positive academic outcomes like learning, but little is known about why. Effective emotion regulation likely promotes learning by broadening the scope of what may be attended to after an emotional event. One hundred twenty‐six 6‐ to 13‐year‐olds' (54% boys) regulation of sadness was examined for changes in emotional experience, information processing, and memory for subsequent neutral information. Instructions to use specific strategies (distancing, positive reappraisal, rumination, or no strategy) predicted changes in sadness and happiness but did not predict information processing or memory. Effective regulation of sadness (regardless of instructions) predicted better memory through the indirect effect of broadened information processing but only for older children. Implications for emotion regulation processes in childhood are discussed.
The Influence of Social Interaction on Intuitions of Objectivity and Subjectivity
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Knobe Joshua , Strickland Brent , Keil Frank C.
Published: June 2016

We present experimental evidence that people's modes of social interaction influence their construal of truth. Participants who engaged in cooperative interactions were less inclined to agree that there was an objective truth about that topic than were those who engaged in a competitive interaction. Follow‐up experiments ruled out alternative explanations and indicated that the changes in objectivity are explained by argumentative mindsets: When people are in cooperative arguments, they see the truth as more subjective. These findings can help inform research on moral objectivism and, more broadly, on the distinctive cognitive consequences of different types of social interaction.
Information Could Reduce Consumer Demand for Exotic Pets
Authors: Moorhouse Tom P. , Balaskas Margaret , D'Cruze Neil C. , Macdonald David W.
Published: June 2016

The global wildlife trade is a growing threat to biodiversity, species conservation and animal welfare. A major driver is consumer demand for exotic pets, and there have been calls for information campaigns to combat this. We created a novel, online survey to assess whether such campaigns could be effective. Our website “matched’ individuals with an exotic pet, and asked them to rate how likely they were to purchase one. We manipulated the information shown about each pet, giving either a “control” statement, describing the species’ diet, or one of four types of “treatment” statement describing zoonotic disease, animal welfare, legal or species conservation consequences. Respondents shown disease or legality information had a 39% reduced probability of selecting higher purchase likelihoods. Information on welfare and conservation impacts did not significantly lower purchase likelihoods. Information campaigns may reduce demand for exotic pets, particularly if focused on zoonotic disease and legal consequences.
Intratumoral multinucleated giant cells are not a prognostic pathologic feature in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Srisuttiyakorn Chutika , Bulloch Kaleigh , Rodic Nemanja , Bosenberg Marcus , Ariyan Stephen , Narayan Deepak , Gould Rothberg Bonnie E. , Galan Anjela
Published: June 2016

Background

Histopathologic diagnostic features such as tumor thickness, ulceration, mitoses, microsatellitosis and nodal metastases are principal pathologic staging components of cutaneous melanomas. We chose to focus on evaluating the presence of multinucleated giant cells in microscopic sections as a putative novel prognosticating diagnostic feature of melanoma.

Methods

We assembled a retrospective cohort comprised of 562 cases of melanoma. We annotated each case for a multitude of known clinicopathologic variables to allow robust statistical evaluation of our cohort.

Results

Only 37 cases (6.6%) exhibited the multinucleated giant cells phenotype. Virtually all multinucleated giant cells were localized in the reticular dermis. Of interest, melanomas with multinucleated giant cells were roughly twice more likely to occur on head and neck sites (p = 0.04). Melanomas with multinucleated giant cells phenotype had both comparable melanoma recurrence (p = 0.12) and similar melanoma‐specific mortality when compared with melanomas without multinucleated giant cells phenotype (p = 0.26).

Conclusion

Despite prior anecdotal reports possibly linking multinucleated giant cells phenotype to more aggressive clinical course, we find that melanomas with multinucleated giant cells phenotype is not associated with shorter survival.
From both sides: Participant and facilitator perceptions of SMART Recovery groups
Authors: Kelly Peter J. , Raftery Dayle , Deane Frank P. , Baker Amanda L. , Hunt David , Shakeshaft Anthony
Published: June 2016

Introduction and Aims

The Self‐Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) program provides facilitated mutual aid for people with addictions. To date, little research has examined SMART Recovery. This paper examined participant and facilitator perceptions of the helpfulness of cognitive behaviour therapy tools in SMART Recovery groups. SMART Recovery's strengths and areas for improvement were also explored, as well as overall participant satisfaction with SMART Recovery.

Design and Methods

This exploratory study was conducted as part of the first national survey of SMART Recovery in Australia. Paper surveys were posted to all registered SMART Recovery groups for participants. SMART Recovery facilitators were emailed a link to an online survey.

Results

Overall, satisfaction with SMART Recovery was moderate to strong. Participants and facilitators perceived the cognitive behaviour therapy tools incorporated within SMART Recovery to be helpful. Participants and facilitators nominated the group experience and the SMART Recovery tools and strategies as helpful aspects of SMART Recovery. Participants and facilitators were concerned with improving public knowledge about SMART Recovery groups, updating the structure and content of SMART Recovery groups, and increasing training for facilitators.

Discussion and Conclusions

SMART Recovery displays strengths as communicated by those who utilise its services. However, there are opportunities to continue to improve SMART Recovery. Updating the training for facilitators and increasing communication between SMART Recovery Australia's head office and its facilitators may serve to improve service delivery. Future research should focus on examining the efficacy of SMART Recovery groups on participant outcomes.[Kelly PJ, Raftery D, Deane FP, Baker AL, Hunt D, Shakeshaft A. From both sides: Participant and facilitator perceptions of SMART Recovery groups. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:325–332]
Intimate partner violence among men and women who use methamphetamine: A mixed‐methods study in South Africa
Authors: Watt Melissa H. , Guidera Kathryn E. , Hobkirk Andréa L. , Skinner Donald , Meade Christina S.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The prevalence of methamphetamine use has risen dramatically in parts of South Africa. Globally, methamphetamine has been linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) and other forms of aggression. The aim of this mixed‐methods study was to examine the experiences of physical IPV and its contextual factors among methamphetamine users in an urban community in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods

Active methamphetamine users were recruited using respondent driven sampling. All participants (n = 360) completed structured surveys, and a subset (n = 30) completed in‐depth interviews with discussions of personal IPV experiences. Quantitative data were examined separately by gender, and regression models were used to identify factors that were associated with physical IPV victimisation and perpetration. Qualitative data were analysed to provide contextual understanding.

Results

In the past 3 months, 47% of women and 31% of men reported being a victim of IPV, and 30% of women and 28% men reported being a perpetrator of IPV. Victimisation and perpetration were highly correlated, and both were significantly associated with histories of other traumas. Although the survey data suggests gender equivalence in IPV, the qualitative data provides a more nuanced context, with female victimisation by male partners being particularly frequent and intense. In narratives, IPV was a product of male aggression while using methamphetamine, norms around sex trading and gender‐based attitudes endorsing violence against women.

Conclusion

Addiction to methamphetamine creates heightened risks of IPV, especially among those with previous traumas. The findings emphasise the importance of identifying and addressing IPV among methamphetamine users in South Africa. [Watt MH, Guidera KE, Hobkirk AL, Skinner D, Meade CS. Intimate partner violence among men and women who use methamphetamine: A mixed‐methods study in South Africa. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:97–106]
Eventration of the Right Hemidiaphragm with Resultant Right Atrial Compression—A Rare Finding
Authors: Lau Gary T.E. , To Andrew C.Y.
Published: June 2016

Mini‐Abstract

A 77‐year‐woman lady presented with nonlimiting subacute dyspnea and associated troponin rise. Echocardiography demonstrated a normal LVEF but with an incidental large, uniformly echo dense mass compressing the right atrium. Initial differential diagnoses were of a malignant cause. Computed tomographic imaging subsequently showed an eventrated right hemidiaphragm as being the cause for the strikingly abnormal echocardiographic finding. Coronary angiography demonstrated only mild coronary artery disease without any flow‐limiting lesion. She was managed conservatively and discharged a week later on standard therapy.
Overcoming phylogenetic and geographic uncertainties to test for correlates of range size evolution in gymnophthalmid lizards
Authors: Camacho Agustín , Recoder Renato , Teixeira Mauro , Kohlsdorf Tiana , Rodrigues Miguel Trefaut , Lee Michael S. Y.
Published: June 2016

Patterns of range size evolution are important for developing an evolutionary biogeographical theory and supporting conservation actions. Determining those patterns is however hampered by multiple factors acting on range size and by our uncertainty with regard to species' phylogenetic relationships and geographic distribution. In addition, given the diversity of analytic approaches existing in the literature, there are concerns regarding whether different methods might lead to different patterns. Here, we addressed these uncertainties in order to test for correlations between the evolution of morphology (body size and shape) and range size. We studied lizards of the family Gymnophthalmidae, representing changes of an order of magnitude in body size and also two independent lineages with limb‐reduced (snake‐like) morphs. We used phylogenetic multivariate methods (pPCA) to control for allometric effects of body size over shape. Then, we performed multiple regressions under three approaches: ‘naive’ least squares, Bayesian comparative methods that accounted for uncertainties in trait optimization, tree topology and branch length, and a novel permutative procedure based on phylogenetic generalized least squares (pGLS) to assess the robustness of our relationships to uncertainties in the range sizes of the species studied. All approaches led to the same answer: only body size was related to range size. While bigger gymnophthalmids tend to have relatively large ranges, small species can have either small or large ones. Our results’ robustness to strong uncertainties in both phylogenetic relationships and range sizes shows there are opportunities for overcoming those problems and produce reliable patterns of range size evolution. However, interpretation of the processes driving patterns of range size evolution will still require advances in phylogenetic and taxonomic knowledge. We discuss the application of morphology–range size relationships to conservation planning in the light of existing uncertainties in the geographic knowledge of our studied species group and workarounds for data availability.
Product quality or market regulation? Explaining the slow growth of Europe's wine cooperatives, 1880–1980
Authors: Fernández Eva , Simpson James
Published: June 2016

Wine cooperatives were relatively scarce in Europe before the Second World War, but by the 1980s accounted for more than half of all wines made in France, Italy, and Spain, the three major producer countries. Unlike Danish dairy cooperatives, whose success before the First World War was linked to their ability to improve product quality and compete in high‐value niche markets, wine cooperatives are often associated with the production of large volumes of low‐quality products. This article argues that the initial slow diffusion of wine cooperatives was caused by the difficulties of improving quality due to environmental conditions in European vineyards (‘terroir’) and measurement problems, rather than institutional shortcomings. Cooperatives only became widespread when the state found them a useful instrument to regulate markets, especially after 1950. The problems associated with poor wine quality were never resolved, and cooperatives have become increasingly uncompetitive in the market place, especially following the major decline in per capita consumption and shift towards premium wines from the 1980s.
Women Academics and Work–Life Balance: Gendered Discourses of Work and Care
Authors: Toffoletti Kim , Starr Karen
Published: June 2016

This article examines how discourses of work–life balance are appropriated and used by women academics. Using data collected from semi‐structured, single person interviews with 31 scholars at an Australian university, it identifies and explores four ways in which participants construct their relationship to work–life balance as: (1) a personal management task; (2) an impossible ideal; (3) detrimental to their careers; and (4) unmentionable at work. Findings reveal that female academics' ways of speaking about work–life balance respond to gendered attitudes about paid work and unpaid care that predominate in Australian socio‐cultural life. By taking a discursive approach to analysing work–life balance, our research makes a unique contribution to the literature by drawing attention to the power of work–life balance discourses in shaping how women configure their attempts to create a work–life balance, and how it functions to position academic women as failing to manage this balance.
Fall efficacy and influencing factors among Chinese community‐dwelling elders with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyan , Wan Qiaoqin , Jin Xiaoyan , Huang Hongjie , Chen Jiewen , Li Yanyun , Zou Baohong , Shang Shaomei
Published: June 2016

Low fall efficacy can lead to activity restriction and loss of independence, which may cause severe adverse consequences. The purpose of this study was to explore fall efficacy among elders with knee osteoarthritis and influential factors in three communities in Beijing, China. A correlational descriptive study design was used with a sample of 117 participants from July 2014 to November 2014. Results showed that participants had low fall efficacy and that fall efficacy correlated with age, gender, body mass index, marital status, education, disease duration, frequency of falls, number of co‐morbidities, pain, stiffness, physical function, depression, lower‐extremity muscle strength and balance (r = −0.594 to 0.234, P < 0.05 to 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that 52% of variance in fall efficacy was explained by fall frequency, age, body mass index, gender, pain and balance function. Findings suggest that strategies to prevent falls, reduce body weight, improve effective pain management and enhance balance function may improve fall efficacy in this population.
Information needs of patients with heart failure: Health professionals' perspectives
Authors: Yu Mingming , Chair Sek Ying , Chan Carmen WH , Choi Kai Chow
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to understand information needs of patients with heart failure from the perspectives of health professionals. The exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 2011. Face‐to‐face interviews were performed to collect data from 24 health professionals. Data were evaluated through content analysis. Information identified by health professionals as essential for patients' learning included risk factors and symptom management, prognosis, medication and lifestyle adjustment. Factors related to both patients and health professionals were recognized as barriers to information acquisition. Moreover, health professionals provided several recommendations for improving the health condition of patients. Information needs identified by health professionals, as well as actual needs expressed by patients, can be incorporated in health education. The effectiveness of educating patients can be improved by addressing needs perceived by both patients and health professionals.
Attention to Threat as a Predictor of Shyness in the Context of Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior
Authors: Hummel Alexandra C. , Premo Julie E. , Kiel Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2016

The duration of children's attention to putative threat has been documented as a consistent predictor of later anxiety in inhibited children across childhood (Fox, New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 127, 2010, 33; Pérez‐Edgar & Fox, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14, 2005, 681). However, attention to threat has not been broadly examined within existing behavioral contexts and has seldom been studied in very early childhood. Whereas toddlers with high levels of internalizing behavior may view fear‐inducing stimuli as a threat, toddlers with high levels of externalizing behavior may demonstrate attention out of interest or sensation seeking. Thus, attention to threat was expected to predict increased toddler shyness in the context of either high internalizing problems or low externalizing behavior. We examined 117 twenty‐four‐month‐old toddlers to determine whether attention to threat interacted with internalizing and externalizing behavior at 24 months of age to predict toddler shyness one year later. Results indicated that attention to threat predicted toddlers' lower shyness at 36 months when toddlers’ externalizing behavior at age 24 months were high, but there was no significant interaction between toddlers’ internalizing behavior and their attention to threat in predicting later shyness. These results expand our understanding of the contexts in which attention to threat in early childhood is a viable predictor of later shyness.
Hyperuricemia and the Prognosis of Hypertensive Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Qin Tianqiang , Zhou Xiaoqin , Wang Ji , Wu Xinyu , Li Yulin , Wang Ling , Huang He , Li Jing
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of hyperuricemia in patients with established hypertension by systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies.MEDLINE,Embase,and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were searched through January 2015. Seventeen cohort studies were included and their methodological quality was moderate to high, with Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale scores ranging from 6 to 9. Random‐effects model meta‐analyses showed that in terms of adjusted categorical data, hyperuricemia significantly correlated with cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.03), all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.12; 95%CI, 1.02–1.23), and diabetes (HR, 1.84; 95%CI, 1.02–3.30) but not with stroke (HR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.57–1.27); while, in terms of adjusted continuous data, the corresponding pooledHRs were 1.17 (95%CI, 1.07–1.27), 1.05 (95%CI, 0.98–1.13), 1.28 (95%CI, 1.18–1.38), and 1.06 (95%CI, 0.98–1.16), respectively. The findings of our meta‐analysis suggest that hyperuricemia could slightly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in patients with hypertension.
A name for the ‘blueberry tetra’, an aquarium trade popular species of Hyphessobrycon Durbin (Characiformes, Characidae), with comments on fish species descriptions lacking accurate type locality
Authors: Marinho M. M. F. , Dagosta F. C. P. , Camelier P. , Oyakawa O. T.
Published: June 2016

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from a tributary of the upper Rio Tapajós, Amazon basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Its exuberant colour in life, with blue to purple body and red fins, is appreciated in the aquarium trade. Characters to diagnose the new species from all congeners are the presence of a single humeral blotch, absence of a distinct caudal‐peduncle blotch, absence of a well‐defined dark mid‐lateral stripe on body, the presence of 16–18 branched anal‐fin rays, nine branched dorsal‐fin rays and six branched pelvic‐fin rays. A brief comment on fish species descriptions solely based on aquarium material and its consequence for conservation policies is provided.
Growth of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus from north‐eastern Brazil with an appraisal of the efficacy of scales and otoliths for ageing
Authors: Lessa R. , Santana F. M.
Published: June 2016

Age and growth of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus caught off north‐eastern Brazil were studied by counting growth increments on scales and otoliths. A sample (n = 2338) measuring 7·7–195 cm fork length (LF) was collected from September 2001 to February 2003. The scales (n = 69) removed from six different regions of the body were examined and those from the caudal region exhibited greater morphological regularity, symmetry and a smaller rate of regeneration. The regression between caudal scale radius (RS) and LF displayed was linear (LF = 28·334 RS + 9·186; r2 = 0·754). Otolith micro‐increments were counted assuming daily periodicity. Ages estimated from otoliths ranged from 64 to 659 days. The von Bertalanffy growth model was fitted based on the otolith readings generating L∞ = 194·1 cm LF, k = 0·912 year−1 and t0 = 0·081 years. Species longevity was estimated to be c. 4 years. Ninety‐eight per cent of the overall sample was adult specimens well above the age of first maturity in the study area. The large variability between scale length and LF and the failure to ascertain increment deposition periodicity suggest that scales are not appropriate for ageing C. hippurus and analysis of otolith micro‐increments is deemed the best structure for ageing this species in the study area.
Targeting innate immunity for neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system
Authors: Andreasson Katrin I. , Bachstetter Adam D. , Colonna Marco , Ginhoux Florent , Holmes Clive , Lamb Bruce , Landreth Gary , Lee Daniel C. , Low Donovan , Lynch Marina A. , Monsonego Alon , O'Banion M. Kerry , Pekny Milos , Puschmann Till , Russek‐Blum Niva , Sandusky Leslie A. , Selenica Maj‐Linda B. , Takata Kazuyuki , Teeling Jessica , Town Terrence , Van Eldik Linda J.
Published: June 2016

Neuroinflammation is critically involved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, and key signaling steps of innate immune activation hence represent promising therapeutic targets. This mini review series originated from the 4th Venusberg Meeting on Neuroinflammation held in Bonn, Germany, 7–9th May 2015, presenting updates on innate immunity in acute brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer disease, on the role of astrocytes and microglia, as well as technical developments that may help elucidate neuroinflammatory mechanisms and establish clinical relevance. In this meeting report, a brief overview of physiological and pathological microglia morphology is followed by a synopsis onPGE2 receptors, insights into the role of arginine metabolism and further relevant aspects of neuroinflammation in various clinical settings, and concluded by a presentation of technical challenges and solutions when working with microglia and astrocyte cultures. Microglial ontogeny and induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived microglia, advances ofTREM2 signaling, and the cytokine paradox in Alzheimer's disease are further contributions to this article.

image

Neuroinflammation is critically involved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, and key signaling steps of innate immune activation hence represent promising therapeutic targets. This mini review series originated from the 4th Venusberg Meeting on Neuroinflammation held in Bonn, Germany, 7–9th May 2015, presenting updates on innate immunity in acute brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease, on the role of astrocytes and microglia, as well as technical developments that may help elucidate neuroinflammatory mechanisms and establish clinical relevance. In this meeting report, a brief overview on physiological and pathological microglia morphology is followed by a synopsis on PGE2 receptors, insights into the role of arginine metabolism and further relevant aspects of neuroinflammation in various clinical settings, and concluded by a presentation of technical challenges and solutions when working with microglia cultures. Microglial ontogeny and induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived microglia, advances of TREM2 signaling, and the cytokine paradox in Alzheimer's disease are further contributions to this article.
Shape variation and ontogeny of the ruminant bony labyrinth, an example in Tragulidae
Authors: Mennecart Bastien , Costeur Loïc
Published: June 2016

Despite its growing use in anatomical and ecological studies, the morphological variability and ontogenetic development of the bony labyrinth have very rarely been investigated in ruminants. Here we study its morphology in 15 adult and 10 juvenile specimens in the three extant tragulid ruminant genera. Intraspecific and interspecific variability is quantified using morphometric and 3D geometric morphometrics analyses. The bony labyrinth of Tragulus, Hyemoschus, and Moschiola is strikingly different, clustering in clearly different morphospaces despite similar ecological adaptations. Although the bony labyrinths within two species of the same genus cannot be distinguished from each other based on the chosen semi‐landmarks, discrete interspecific differences exist. We were able to show for the first time that an artiodactyl mammal in a late fetal stage possesses an almost fully formed bony labyrinth similar to that of adults. No significant change either occurs in size or morphology after ossification of the petrosal bone. Some intraspecific variation is observed on the shape of the lateral semi‐circular canal, the size and shape of the common crus, the coil of the cochlea or the stapedial ratio. Variable structures are expected to be highly informative characters for a large cladistic analysis. They can be used for phylogenetic studies in ruminants. Incorporating juvenile specimens in studies is not problematic, as they fall within the morphological range of adults.
Antioxidant enzymes in oral verrucous carcinoma
Authors: Fu Ting‐Ying , Tsai Meng‐Han , Wang Jyh‐Seng , Ger Luo‐Ping
Published: June 2016

Background

Verrucous carcinoma is a non‐metastasizing variant of welldifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma, which has been associated with reactive oxygen species generated by betel quid chewing. Salivary antioxidant systems have been suggested to play a protective role in reducing the oxidative damage. Herein, we investigated the difference of the enzymatic antioxidant system expressions in oral verrucous carcinoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

The enzymatic antioxidant system expressions, including manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a series of 202 surgically resected oral squamous cell carcinoma and 20 oral verrucous carcinoma specimens, using tissue microarray slides.

Results

The immuno‐staining intensities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were strongest in the oral squamous cell carcinoma group than in verrucous carcinoma. The catalase expression showed no difference between different pathological groups.

Conclusions

The different degrees of superoxide dismutase and glutathione expressions in verrucous carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma may be helpful for pathologists to differentiate these two entities, especially between oral verrucous carcinoma and well differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Availability of Reproductive Health Care Services at Schools and Subsequent Birth Outcomes Among Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Madkour Aubrey S. , Xie Yiqiong , Harville Emily W.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Adverse birth outcomes are more common among adolescent versus adult mothers, but little is known about school‐based services that may improve birth outcomes in this group.

METHODS

Data from Waves I and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were analyzed. Girls and women who gave birth to singleton live infants after Wave I and before age 20, were still in secondary school while pregnant, and had complete data (N = 402) were included. Mothers reported infants' birthweight and gestational age. School administrators reported whether family planning counseling, diagnostic screening (including sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]), STD treatment, and prenatal/postpartum health care were provided on‐site at school at Wave I. Multilevel models adjusted for individual and school characteristics were conducted.

RESULTS

Few schools offered reproductive health care services on‐site. In multilevel analyses, availability of family planning counseling (Est. β = 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04‐0.38 p < 0.05) and prenatal/postpartum health care (Est. β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.02‐0.40 p < 0.05) were significantly associated with increased infant birthweight. No services examined were significantly associated with increased gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS

Some school‐based reproductive health services may improve subsequent birth outcomes among adolescent mothers. Future analyses should examine the mechanisms by which services impact birth outcomes.
Policy Actions to Address Weight‐Based Bullying and Eating Disorders in Schools: Views of Teachers and School Administrators
Authors: Puhl Rebecca M. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne , Bryn Austin S. , Suh Young , Wakefield Dorothy B.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Weight‐related bullying is prevalent among youth and associated with adverse health consequences, including increased risk for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors, which are risk factors for eating disorders. Although concerns about these problems have stimulated calls for broader intervention efforts in schools, actions thus far have been limited. This study examined educators' perspectives about potential policy actions to address these issues in schools.

METHODS

Educators (N = 240) completed an online questionnaire assessing their support for 11 potential school‐based policy actions to address weight‐related bullying and eating disorders. Participants also rated policies according to their feasibility and potential for positive impact.

RESULTS

Forty‐eight percent of participants observed weight‐related bullying in their school and 99% expressed the importance of intervening in such incidents. A large majority (75%‐94%) supported 8 of the 11 policies, especially actions requiring school‐based health curriculum to include content on eating disorder prevention (94%), and addressing weight‐bullying through antibullying policies (92%), staff training (89%), and school curriculum (89%). Strongly supported policies were viewed by participants as being the most impactful and feasible to implement.

CONCLUSIONS

Educators recognize weight‐related bullying and eating disorders as problems in their schools that warrant improved prevention and intervention efforts at the policy level.
Differentiating feline inflammatory bowel disease from alimentary lymphoma in duodenal endoscopic biopsies
Authors: Sabattini S. , Bottero E. , Turba M. E. , Vicchi F. , Bo S. , Bettini G.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between microscopic and molecular testing for differentiating feline intestinal bowel disease and small cell alimentary lymphoma in duodenal endoscopic biopsies.

METHODS

Four different diagnostic methods (cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry and clonality) were sequentially applied to 77 cases of feline chronic enteropathies. The agreement between the different diagnostic methods was calculated and survival data were obtained to assess the most reliable method for predicting outcome.

RESULTS

Seventy‐seven cases were included in the study. On multivariate survival analysis, only the clonality‐based diagnosis of lymphoma was significantly associated with poor survival, with a risk of enteropathy‐related death 2·8 times higher. By comparing the other tests with clonality, specificity was high (87 to 97%), whereas sensitivity was 36·8% for cytology, 39·5% for histology, 63·2% for immunohistochemistry, resulting in an overall accuracy of 62·3, 68·8 and 80·5%, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Clonality analysis can consistently increase the possibility of correctly and early diagnosing small cell lymphoma on endoscopic biopsies. Histological suspicion of alimentary lymphoma, even if not confirmed by clonality, should never be ignored, as it may represent a debutant form of lymphoma or it may later progress to lymphoma.
Left Displacement of the Abomasum in 4 Beef Calves
Authors: Oman R.E. , Streeter R.N. , Reppert E.J. , Chako C.Z.
Published: June 2016

Background

Little is known about the occurrence rate, underlying etiology or treatment of left displacement of the abomasum in beef calves.

Objective

Describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of left displacement of the abomasum in 4 beef calves.

Animals

Four client‐owned beef breed calves with left displaced abomasum (LDA).

Methods

Retrospective case series. Hospital medical records were reviewed to identify all beef breed cattle under the age of 6 months diagnosed withLDA.

Results

Four beef calves were treated for left displacement of the abomasum. All four had a history of decreased appetite and left‐sided abdominal distention. Two had recently been treated for necrotic laryngitis and one was being treated for clostridial abomasitis. Ultrasonography confirmed the abomasum to be displaced between the rumen and the left body wall in all calves. The calves were initially treated by rolling to correct the abomasal displacement. The abomasum redisplaced in 3 of 4 calves within 1 hour to 6 days; 1 calf developed a mesenteric volvulus. A right paramedian abomasopexy was performed in all cases. Three of 4 calves grew well and remained in the herd 6–18 months later; 1 calf was euthanized because of complications associated with necrotic laryngitis.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Left displacement of the abomasum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for beef calves with abdominal distention. Concurrent necrotic laryngitis can increase the risk of abomasal displacement in beef calves. Treatment should include surgical correction as rolling is not curative and might be associated with mesenteric volvulus.
Bilingualism and Biliteracy in Down Syndrome: Insights From a Case Study
Authors: Burgoyne Kelly , Duff Fiona J. , Nielsen Dea , Ulicheva Anastasia , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: June 2016

We present the case study of MB—a bilingual child with Down syndrome (DS) who speaks Russian (first language [L1]) and English (second language [L2]) and has learned to read in two different alphabets with different symbol systems. We demonstrate that, in terms of oral language, MB is as proficient in Russian as English, with a mild advantage for reading in English, her language of formal instruction. MB's L1 abilities were compared with those of 11 Russian‐speaking typically developing monolinguals and her L2 abilities to those of 15 English‐speaking typically developing monolinguals and six monolingual English‐speaking children with DS; each group achieving the same level of word reading ability as MB. We conclude that learning two languages in the presence of a learning difficulty need have no detrimental effect on either a child's language or literacy development.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. All materials are publicly accessible in the IRIS digital repository at http://www.iris‐database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
‘Where were your clothes?’ Eliciting descriptions of clothing placement from children alleging sexual abuse in criminal trials and forensic interviews
Authors: Stolzenberg Stacia N. , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This study examined how children alleging sexual abuse are asked about clothing placement during abusive episodes, both in criminal trials and forensic interviews. The placement of clothing is of great importance, because it facilitates distinguishing abusive touch from non‐abusive touch, as well as the severity of abuse when the touching is in fact sexual. If clothing has not been removed, then sexual abuse appears less likely and certain types of sexual contact are physically impossible (or at least highly improbable).

Methods

We examined how trial attorneys (n = 142) and forensic interviewers in investigative interviews (n = 155) questioned 5‐ to 12‐year‐olds about the location of clothing during alleged sexual abuse. To do so, we identified all question–answer pairs that included references to clothing placement, and coded for the clothing item mentioned, whether the interviewer elicited information about clothing placement or the child spontaneously provided such information, question type, and response type.

Results

Discussions about clothing placement were commonplace in both settings, particularly in court. Fewer than one in five question–answer pairs about clothing placement were spontaneous mentions by children; the questioner elicited most discussions. When interviewers asked wh‐ questions rather than yes/no and forced‐choice questions, children provided more elaboration, more detailed clothing information, and were over six times more likely to describe clothing placement in a fashion that could not be captured by a single preposition (e.g., neither on nor off).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that descriptions of clothing placement are subject to serious misinterpretation when closed‐ended questions are asked.
Taking the Guesswork out of Locating Evidence‐Based Mathematics Practices for Diverse Learners
Authors: Hughes Elizabeth M. , Powell Sarah R. , Lembke Erica S. , Riley‐Tillman T. Chris
Published: June 2016

Legislations mandates that educators use evidence‐based practices (EBPs) that are supported by scientifically based research. EBPs have demonstrated a likelihood to work for students with disabilities. EBPs should match targeted needs of the student receiving the instruction, which sometimes requires educators to search for the best intervention to meet specific student needs. This article discusses the impetus for practices supported by evidence, where to find interventions and strategies, and what to do when targeted interventions do not exist. Additionally, this article emphasizes the need to evaluate effectiveness of intervention at the student level.
BCAT1, a key prognostic predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma, promotes cell proliferation and induces chemoresistance to cisplatin
Authors: Zheng Yi‐Hu , Hu Wei‐Jian , Chen Bi‐Cheng , Grahn Tan‐Hooi‐Min , Zhao Yan‐Rong , Bao Hai‐Li , Zhu Ye‐Fan , Zhang Qi‐Yu
Published: June 2016

Background & Aims

BCAT1 initiates the catabolism of branched‐chain amino acids. Here, we investigated the function of BCAT1 and its transcriptional regulatory mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

RNASeq was used to evaluate BCAT1 mRNA levels in HCC and normal matched specimens. After the exogenous expression of BCAT1 in BEL‐7404 cells and the suppression of endogenous BCAT1 expression with shRNA in HepG2 cells, the cell proliferation, clone‐forming ability and cell‐cycle changes were measured with MTT assay, colony‐forming assay and flow cytometry respectively. A xenograft model was used to investigate the effect of BCAT1 on cancer growth in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter technologies were used to confirm the transcriptional regulation of the BCAT1 gene by MYC. The expression of the BCAT1 and MYC proteins in 122 HCC tissues was determined with an immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

BCAT1 mRNA was clearly increased in HCC tissues and hepatomas. The ectopic expression of BCAT1 in BEL‐7404 cells enhanced their proliferation, clone formation, tumourigenic properties, S–G2/M phase transition and chemoresistance to cisplatin. The suppression of BCAT1 expression in HepG2 cells significantly inhibited their proliferation, clone formation, and S–G2/M phase transition and caused their chemosensitization to cisplatin. MYC affected the transcriptional regulation of BCAT1. Clinical data showed that BCAT1 expression correlated with a significantly poorer prognosis.

Conclusion

BCAT1 plays a pathogenic role in HCC by causing cell proliferation and chemoresistance. The MYC transcription factor is involved in regulating the transcriptional activity of BCAT1. BCAT1 expression has prognostic significance for the survival of patients with HCC.