bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐graders’ allocation of attentional resources in an emotional Stroop task: The role of heart period variability and classroom climate
Authors: Scrimin Sara , Moscardino Ughetta , Mason Lucia
Published: June 2018

Background

Children's ability to remain focused on a task despite the presence of emotionally salient distractors in the environment is crucial for successful learning and academic performance.

Aims

This study investigated first‐graders’ allocation of attentional resources in the presence of distracting emotional, school‐related social interaction stimuli. Moreover, we examined whether such attentional processes were influenced by students’ self‐regulation, as indexed by heart period variability, observed classroom climate, or their interaction.

Sample

Seventy‐two‐first graders took part in the study.

Methods

To assess allocation of attentional resources, students’ reaction times on an emotional Stroop task were registered by recording response times to colour frames placed around pictures of distracting emotional, school‐related social interaction stimuli (i.e., emotional interference index). Moreover, heart period variability was measured by recording children's electrocardiogram at rest during an individual session, whereas classroom climate was observed during class activities by a trained researcher.

Results

Images representing negative social interactions required greater attentional resources than images depicting positive ones. Heart period variability and classroom climate were each significantly and independently associated with the emotional interference index. A significant interaction also emerged, indicating that among children experiencing a negative classroom climate, those who had a higher basal heart period variability (higher self‐regulation) were less distracted by negative emotional material and remained more focused on a task compared to those with lower heart period variability (lower self‐regulation).

Conclusions

Negative interactions require greater attentional resources than positive scenes. Moreover, with a negative classroom climate, higher basal heart period variability is a protective factor. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
A novel inhibitor of inducible NOS dimerization protects against cytokine‐induced rat beta cell dysfunction
Authors: Zhong Linlin , Tran Tuan , Baguley Tyler D , Lee Sang Jun , Henke Adam , To Andrew , Li Sijia , Yu Shan , Grieco Fabio A , Roland Jason , Schultz Peter G , Eizirik Decio L , Rogers Nikki , Chartterjee Arnab K , Tremblay Matthew S , Shen Weijun
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose

Beta cell apoptosis is a major feature of type 1 diabetes, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines are key drivers of the deterioration of beta cell mass through induction of apoptosis. Mitochondrial stress plays a critical role in mediating apoptosis by releasing cytochrome C into the cytoplasm, directly activating caspase‐9 and its downstream signalling cascade. We aimed to identify new compounds that protect beta cells from cytokine‐induced activation of the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway of apoptosis.

Experimental Approach

Diabetogenic media, composed of IL‐1β, IFN‐γ and high glucose, were used to induce mitochondrial stress in rat insulin‐producing INS1E cells, and a high‐content image‐based screen of small molecule modulators of Casp9 pathway was performed.

Key Results

A novel small molecule, ATV399, was identified from a high‐content image‐based screen for compounds that inhibit cleaved caspase‐9 activation and subsequent beta cell apoptosis induced by a combination of IL‐1β, IFN‐γ and high glucose, which together mimic the pathogenic diabetic milieu. Through medicinal chemistry optimization, potency was markedly improved (6–30 fold), with reduced inhibitory effects on CYP3A4. Improved analogues, such as CAT639, improved beta cell viability and insulin secretion in cytokine‐treated rat insulin‐producing INS1E cells and primary dispersed islet cells. Mechanistically, CAT639 reduced the production of NO by allosterically inhibiting dimerization of inducible NOS (iNOS) without affecting its mRNA levels.

Conclusion and Implications

Taken together, these studies demonstrate a successful phenotypic screening campaign resulting in identification of an inhibitor of iNOS dimerization that protects beta cell viability and function through modulation of mitochondrial stress induced by cytokines.
Realtime Performance‐Driven Physical Simulation for Facial Animation
Authors: Barrielle V. , Stoiber N.
Published: June 2018

We present the first realtime method for generating facial animations enhanced by physical simulation from realtime performance capture data. Unlike purely data‐based techniques, our method is able to produce physical effects on the fly through the simulation of volumetric skin behaviour, lip contacts and sticky lips. It remains however practical as it does not require any physical/medical data which are complex to acquire and process, and instead relies only on the input of a blendshapes model. We achieve realtime performance on the CPU by introducing an efficient progressive Projective Dynamics solver to efficiently solve the physical integration steps even when confronted to constantly changing constraints. Also key to our realtime performance is a new Taylor approximation and memoization scheme for the computation of the Singular Value Decompositions required for the simulation of volumetric skin. We demonstrate the applicability of our method by animating blendshape characters from a simple webcam feed .
Bioavailability and costs of once‐daily and twice‐daily tacrolimus formulations in de novo kidney transplantation
Authors: Glander Petra , Waiser Johannes , Kasbohm Silke , Friedersdorff Frank , Peters Robert , Rudolph Birgit , Wu Kaiyin , Budde Klemens , Liefeldt Lutz
Published: June 2018

The use of once‐daily tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplantation is increasingly common. Therefore, we were interested in bioavailability aspects of novel once‐daily tacrolimus (LCPT, Envarsus) and once‐daily tacrolimus extended‐release formulation (ER‐Tac, Advagraf) compared with twice‐daily immediate‐release tacrolimus (IR‐Tac, Prograf). Furthermore, we calculated the costs. Kidney allograft recipients on tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression within 2 clinical trials were included in a single‐center analysis. The tacrolimus formulations were compared with respect to daily doses, doses per body weight, trough levels, and concentration‐dose (C/D) ratio over 12 months. Intrapatient variability in trough levels and C/D ratios after 3 months was calculated. For the calculation of tacrolimus costs, German list prices were used. Eighty patients (21 with LCPT, 23 with IR‐Tac, and 36 with ER‐Tac) were analyzed. Pharmacokinetic comparisons revealed significantly higher bioavailability of LCPT at all visits. The variability of trough levels and C/D ratios in general was high and highest in LCPT patients. Different dose requirements translated into different costs. Median treatment costs during the first year were 7.825€ (IQR 6.195‐8.892€) for LCPT, 9.813€ (IQR 7.630‐16.832€) for IR‐Tac, and 9.838€ (IQR 7.503‐ 13.541€) for ER‐Tac (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P = .003). The 3 tacrolimus formulations exhibit different dose requirements, exposure, and costs in favor of LCPT.
Democracy and power in alcohol premises licensing: A qualitative interview study of the Scottish public health objective
Authors: Fitzgerald Niamh , Winterbottom Jo , Nicholls James
Published: June 2018

Introduction and Aims

There is international interest in how the availability of alcohol can be controlled to reduce harms. An objective of ‘protecting and improving public health’ was introduced to alcohol premises licensing in Scotland in 2005, resulting in public health actors engaging with licensing in new ways. We aimed to explore their experiences, including perceptions of the distribution of power, and constraints on their influence and that of the general public within the licensing system.

Design and Methods

In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 public health actors who had recent and extensive experience of involvement in local licensing in 20 Scottish licensing jurisdictions. Interviews were audio‐recorded and analysed using an inductive framework approach.

Results

Public health actors reported experiencing the licensing process as inherently unfair, with structures and traditions that were largely unhelpful to their efforts to support the public health objective. These included influence exerted by local officials, the formal and quasi‐judicial conduct of licensing meetings, and the disparity in resources available to public health actors versus licence applicants—with many larger applicants engaging specialist lawyers to represent their interests. The influence of public opinion—through, for instance, elected representatives’ perceptions of public attitudes, consultation exercises and local ‘licensing forums’—was seen as having a limited effect on decision‐making.

Discussion and Conclusions

Changes to Scottish alcohol licensing ostensibly designed to enhance democratic engagement and promote public health, were as yet insufficient to change the system, or empower stakeholders, to fully achieve those goals.
Language matters. Addressing the use of language in the care of people with diabetes: position statement of the English Advisory Group
Authors: Cooper A. , Kanumilli N. , Hill J. , Holt R. I. G. , Howarth D. , Lloyd C. E. , Kar P. , Nagi D. , Naik S. , Nash J. , Nelson H. , Owen K. , Swindell B. , Walker R. , Whicher C. , Wilmot E.
Published: June 2018

The language used by healthcare professionals can have a profound impact on how people living with diabetes, and those who care for them, experience their condition and feel about living with it day‐to‐day. At its best, good use of language, both verbal and written, can lower anxiety, build confidence, educate and help to improve self‐care. Conversely, poor communication can be stigmatizing, hurtful and undermining of self‐care and can have a detrimental effect on clinical outcomes. The language used in the care of those with diabetes has the power to reinforce negative stereotypes, but it also has the power to promote positive ones. The use of language is controversial and has many perspectives. The development of this position statement aimed to take account of these as well as the current evidence base. A working group, representing people with diabetes and key organizations with an interest in the care of people with diabetes, was established to review the use of language. The work of this group has culminated in this position statement for England. It follows the contribution of Australia and the USA to this important international debate. The group has set out practical examples of language that will encourage positive interactions with those living with diabetes and subsequently promote positive outcomes. These examples are based on a review of the evidence and are supported by a simple set of principles.
Unmasking and aggravation of polycythemia vera by canagliflozin
Authors: Das L. , Bhansali A. , Walia R.
Published: June 2018

Background

Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors are novel antidiabetes drugs that act via inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption. This action causes osmotic diuresis, reduces intravascular volume and is associated with various adverse effects. In the present paper, we describe the first report on the unmasking of underlying polycythemia vera by canagliflozin in a person with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was temporally related to the use of the drug.

Case report

A 51‐year‐old obese man with Type 2 diabetes was prescribed canagliflozin 100 mg for control of his glycaemia. He presented 6 months later with asymptomatic elevation of his haemogram measurements (haemoglobin: 16.9 g/dl; haematocrit: 55%; red cell number: 8.1 million/mm3; total leukocytes: 23010/mm3; platelet count: 9.7 *106/mm3). He had no history of smoking, exposure to high altitude or other drugs. Subsequent investigations revealed myeloproliferative neoplasm (polycythemia vera) on trephine biopsy of bone marrow, normal erythropoietin level and JAK2V617F positivity. Because of the possibility that the underlying condition had been unmasked by canagliflozin, the latter was stopped. This led to a remarkable improvement in the man's haematological profile, with no other significant intervention. The man subsequently restarted the drug of his own accord, causing his haematological profile to worsen again and thereby posing a challenge in monitoring of both polycythemia vera as well as diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

This report brings to light unmasking of a new adverse effect of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors in clinical practice caused by volume loss, apart from hypotension and falls.
Genetic diversity of Amylostereum areolatum, the fungal symbiont of the invasive woodwasp Sirex noctilio in South Africa
Authors: Mlonyeni X. Osmond , Wingfield Michael J. , Greeff Jaco M. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Slippers Bernard
Published: June 2018

Amylostereum areolatum is a wood‐decaying homobasidiomycete fungal symbiont of Sirex noctilio. Together, they cause serious damage to pine plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. The fungus reproduces asexually and is vertically transmitted by S. noctilio females, which results in extensive spread of clones. Specific A. areolatum clones are often dominant in areas invaded by the wasp. This is in contrast with the high diversity and complex invasion pattern of S. noctilio in most of these regions. In South Africa, for example, nuclear and mitochondrial ribosomal loci and vegetative compatibility group (VCG) markers on a small number of isolates have shown that only one genotype is present in the country. The aim of this study was to develop microsatellite markers for A. areolatum and determine the genetic diversity and structure of a relatively large collection of isolates of the fungus in South Africa. From five sequenced A. areolatum genomes, a total of 233 microsatellite primer pairs were designed, of which 57 were polymorphic among the genomes. Eleven of these polymorphic markers were then used in a population genetics study including 55 South African isolates. In a surprising manner, nine multilocus genotypes were found among these isolates, and with no population structure among different regions across South Africa. The single VCG previously identified for isolates from the country clearly do not correspond to a clone. The detected A. areolatum variation has relevance for the biology of the Sirex‐Amylostereum symbiosis, its introduction history into South Africa and its management through biocontrol. The microsatellite primers and data emerging from them also provide powerful tools for the study of A. areolatum populations in other parts of the world.
Psychophysiological Synchrony During Verbal Interaction in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Coutinho Joana , Oliveira‐Silva Patrícia , Fernandes Eugénia , Gonçalves Oscar F. , Correia Diogo , Perrone Mc‐Govern Kristin , Tschacher Wolfgang
Published: June 2018

Previous studies about romantic relationships have shown that the reciprocal influence between partners occurs not only at the behavioral and socio‐emotional levels, but also at the psychophysiological level. This reciprocal influence is expressed in a pattern of physiological synchrony between partners (i.e., coordinated dynamics of the physiological time series). The main aim of the present study was to explore the presence of a pattern of physiological synchrony in electrodermal activity (EDA) during a couple interaction task. A second objective was to compare the synchrony levels during a negative interaction condition versus a positive interaction condition. Finally, we analyzed the association between synchrony and self‐perception of empathy, dyadic empathy, and relationship satisfaction. Thirty‐two couples (64 individuals) participated in this study. Each couple performed a structured interaction task while the EDA of both partners was being registered. The quantification of synchrony was based on the cross‐correlation of both members' EDA time‐series. In order to control for coincidental synchrony, surrogate datasets were created by repeatedly shuffling the original data of spouses X and Y of a dyad and computing synchronies on the basis of the shuffled data (pseudosynchrony values). Our results confirmed the presence of significant EDA synchrony during the interaction. We also found that synchrony was higher during the negative interactions relative to the positive interactions. Additionally, physiological synchrony during positive interaction was higher for those couples in which males scored higher in dyadic empathy. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Accuracy of nest fate classification and predator identification from evidence at nests of Least Terns and Piping Plovers
Authors: Andes Alicia K. , Shaffer Terry L. , Sherfy Mark H. , Hofer Chantel M. , Dovichin Colin M. , Ellis‐Felege Susan N.
Published: June 2018

For federally listed species such as Least Tern Sternula antillarum and Piping Plover Charadrius melodus, correct determination of nest fates and causes of nest failure is crucial for understanding population dynamics and improving monitoring programmes. We used video cameras to evaluate nest fate misclassification rate and to identify factors that may cause researchers monitoring nests at different intervals to classify Least Tern and Piping Plover nest fates incorrectly. During the 2013–2015 breeding seasons, we installed miniature surveillance cameras at 65 of 294 Least Tern and 89 of 551 Piping Plover nests under observation on the Missouri River in North Dakota. Nest fates were assigned in the field from remains found at the nest‐site and then again by an independent researcher who reviewed camera footage. We used ordinal logistic regressions to examine whether monitoring interval, clutch age or temporal factors influenced a correct, partially misclassified (probable successful in the field vs. successful by camera) or misclassified nest fate classification. During a 7‐day monitoring interval between visits, 45% of nests were partially and 27.5% were fully misclassified. The percentage of partially (20%) and fully (8.0%) misclassified nests decreased with a more intensive (3‐day) monitoring schedule. Researchers were also less likely to correctly classify nest fates for Least Terns than for Piping Plovers, and as clutch age and monitoring interval increased for both species. Furthermore, causes of failure (e.g. predators, weather) as determined from field evidence vs. video disagreed for 53.5% of nests. The ability to identify accurately nest fate and cause of nest failure will facilitate a better understanding of factors that limit productivity and will lead to better informed management decisions for improving nest survival.
Rationality, strategic uncertainty, and belief diversity in non‐cooperative games
Authors: Zambrano Eduardo
Published: June 2018

I investigate the existence of epistemic models of complete information games that satisfy the following properties: players do not rule out their opponent's use of rational ex ante strategies for deriving their choices; they do not rule out, ex ante, that they can come to know the action profile that is ultimately played; and they do not rule out strategic uncertainty. In this paper I show that for a large class of games there are no epistemic models that satisfy these three properties.
Investigation of antimicrobial properties and in‐vitro bioactivity of Ce3+‐Sr2+dual‐substituted nano hydroxyapatites
Authors: Sundarabharathi Lakshmanaperumal , Chinnaswamy Mahendran , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Parangusan Hemalatha , Al‐Maadeed Mariam Al Ali
Published: June 2018

Dual doped calcium apatite has been widely focused as it enhances the osteoconductive property for the possible applications in orthopedic and dental implants. In this work, we investigate the antimicrobial and bioactive properties of cerium/strontium (Ce3+/Sr2+) co‐substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles synthesized by sol‐gel assisted precipitation method. The structure, morphology, functional groups, photoluminescence, and thermal stability of the developed systems are examined. The comparative studies performed among the pure HA, Sr2+, and Ce3+‐substituted HA nanoparticles illustrate higher antibacterial activity with lowered apatite‐forming ability and biocompatibility for the Ce3+‐substituted HA. However, the Ce3+/Sr2+co‐substituted HA exhibits better biocompatibility, apatite‐forming ability, and good antimicrobial properties. Sr2+ ion inclusion leads to better biological properties and compromise the cytotoxic nature of the Ce3+‐HA. In addition, the Ce3+/Sr2+‐HA nanoparticles prevent thermal decomposition up to 700°C, pointing also toward the possibility of this co‐substituted HA in bone implant applications.
The use of mechanistic evidence in drug approval
Authors: Aronson Jeffrey K. , La Caze Adam , Kelly Michael P. , Parkkinen Veli‐Pekka , Williamson Jon
Published: June 2018

The role of mechanistic evidence tends to be under‐appreciated in current evidence‐based medicine (EBM), which focusses on clinical studies, tending to restrict attention to randomized controlled studies (RCTs) when they are available. The EBM+ programme seeks to redress this imbalance, by suggesting methods for evaluating mechanistic studies alongside clinical studies. Drug approval is a problematic case for the view that mechanistic evidence should be taken into account, because RCTs are almost always available. Nevertheless, we argue that mechanistic evidence is central to all the key tasks in the drug approval process: in drug discovery and development; assessing pharmaceutical quality; devising dosage regimens; assessing efficacy, harms, external validity, and cost‐effectiveness; evaluating adherence; and extending product licences. We recommend that, when preparing for meetings in which any aspect of drug approval is to be discussed, mechanistic evidence should be systematically analysed and presented to the committee members alongside analyses of clinical studies.
Cephalometric, muscular and swallowing changes in patients with OSAS
Authors: Valarelli L. P. , Corradi A. M. B. , Grechi T. H. , Eckeli A. L. , Aragon D. C. , Küpper D. S. , Almeida L. A. , Sander H. H. , de Felício C. M. , Trawitzki L. V. V. , Valera F. C. P.
Published: June 2018

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is believed to be associated with craniofacial and neuromuscular changes, although the interplay among these variables still is poorly recognised. The objective of this study was to identify hyoid, muscular and swallowing changes associated with OSAS, and to correlate these alterations with OSAS severity. Cross‐sectional study, in a tertiary referral centre. Seventy‐two adult individuals participated in this study: 12 controls (without apnoea) and 60 patients with apnoea (mild, moderate and severe OSAS—20 individuals in each group). All participants were initially evaluated by otorhinolaryngologist and neurologist and underwent polysomnography for OSAS stratification. Cephalometric data, clinical myofunctional status and swallow videofluoroscopy exam were assessed. A hybrid effect model was used to analyse swallowing parameters; dependent variables were age, body mass index (BMI) and cephalometric measures. Individuals with OSAS presented lower hyoid position and narrower posterior airway distance when compared to controls. These parameters correlated to OSAS severity. Additionally, OSAS patients exhibited significantly lower myofunctional scores. Both velum and hyoid contraction times were significantly lower in the OSAS group at videofluoroscopy, regardless of its severity. Premature leakage into pharynx was more common in OSAS groups. Laryngeal penetration phenomenon occurred only in two patients (both from OSAS group). Our results suggest that hyoid bone position is associated with OSAS severity. Muscular pattern and swallowing are impaired in OSAS patients, irrespective of OSAS severity and facial profile. These findings indicate a higher predisposition of OSAS patients to present an inferior hyoid positioning, accompanied by myofunctional and swallowing disorders.
Trends in late‐onset sepsis in a neonatal intensive care unit following implementation of infection control bundle: A 15‐year audit
Authors: Pharande Pramod , Lindrea Kwee B , Smyth John , Evans Margaret , Lui Kei , Bolisetty Srinivas
Published: June 2018

Aim

Late‐onset sepsis (LOS) is a frequent and important cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of various infection control quality measures introduced as a bundle on the trends of the LOS in a NICU.

Methods

This was a prospective quality improvement study involving all neonates admitted to a NICU over a 15‐year period between 2002 and 2016. The main focus areas of the bundle included collaborative team effort, hand hygiene, education, central line insertion and maintenance bundles and parenteral nutrition. The main outcome measures were LOS and central line‐associated bloodstream infections.

Results

Yearly admissions increased during study period, from 776 in 2002 to 952 in 2016. There was a progressive decrease in LOS rate, from 4.3 to 1.6 per 1000 patient days (B coefficient −0.17, 95% confidence interval −0.25, −0.09; P < 0.001), and the central line‐associated bloodstream infection rate dropped from 25 in 2003 to 5 in 2016 per 1000 central line days (B coefficient −1.20, 95% confidence interval −1.84, −0.56; P = 0.001). Hand hygiene compliance rates remained consistent, over 80%. During the study period, coagulase‐negative staphylococcus caused 56% and Gram‐negative organisms 18% of the total infections.

Conclusion

Multifaceted infection control bundle practices with a concerted team effort in the implementation, with continuing education, feedback and reinforcement of best infection control practices, can sustain the gains achieved by infection control for a long period of time.
Real‐world outcomes of unrestricted direct‐acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in Australia: The South Australian statewide experience
Authors: Haridy J. , Wigg A. , Muller K. , Ramachandran J. , Tilley E. , Waddell V. , Gordon D. , Shaw D. , Huynh D. , Stewart J. , Nelson R. , Warner M. , Boyd M. , Chinnaratha M. A. , Harding D. , Ralton L. , Colman A. , Liew D. , Iyngkaran G. , Tse E. ,   the Adelaide Liver Group
Published: June 2018

In March 2016, the Australian government offered unrestricted access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) to the entire population. This included prescription by any medical practitioner in consultation with specialists until sufficient experience was attained. We sought to determine the outcomes and experience over the first twelve months for the entire state of South Australia. We performed a prospective, observational study following outcomes of all treatments associated with the state's four main tertiary centres. A total of 1909 subjects initiating DAA therapy were included, representing an estimated 90% of all treatments in the state. Overall, SVR12 was 80.4% in all subjects intended for treatment and 95.7% in those completing treatment and follow‐up. 14.2% were lost to follow‐up (LTFU) and did not complete SVR12 testing. LTFU was independently associated with community treatment via remote consultation (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04‐2.18, P = .03), prison‐based treatment (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08‐3.79, P = .03) and younger age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97‐0.99, P = .05). Of the 1534 subjects completing treatment and follow‐up, decreased likelihood of SVR12 was associated with genotype 2 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07‐0.74, P = .01) and genotype 3 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12‐0.43, P ≤ .01). A significant decrease in treatment initiation was observed over the twelve‐month period in conjunction with a shift from hospital to community‐based treatment. Our findings support the high responses observed in clinical trials; however, a significant gap exists in SVR12 in our real‐world cohort due to LTFU. A declining treatment initiation rate and shift to community‐based treatment highlight the need to explore additional strategies to identify, treat and follow‐up remaining patients in order to achieve elimination targets.
CD56bright natural killer cells induce HBsAg reduction via cytolysis and cccDNA decay in long‐term entecavir‐treated patients switching to peginterferon alfa‐2a
Authors: Shi A. , Zhang X. , Xiao F. , Zhu L. , Yan W. , Han M. , Luo X. , Chen T. , Ning Q.
Published: June 2018

HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction is well observed in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha‐2a (PegIFNα). However, the mechanism of HBsAg suppression has not been fully elucidated. Twenty‐seven of 55 entecavir‐treated CHB e antigen positive patients were switched to PegIFNα treatment (Group A) whereas 28 patients continued entecavir treatment (Group B). The percentage or absolute number of CD56bright/CD56dim NK cells, expression of receptors and cytokines were evaluated by flow cytometry for 48 weeks and correlated with treatment efficacy. In vitro, purified NK cells were co‐cultured with HepAD38 cells for measurement of HBsAg, apoptosis and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). In association with a reduction of HBsAg, the percentage and absolute number of CD56bright NK cells was significantly elevated in patients in group A, especially in Virologic Responders (VRs, HBsAg decreased). Furthermore, the percentage of NKp30+, NKp46+, TRAIL+, TNF‐α+ and IFNγ+CD56bright NK cells were significantly expanded in Group A, which were positively correlated with the decline of HBsAg at week 48. In vitro, peripheral NK cells from Group A induced a decline of HBsAg in comparison with NK cells from Group B which was significantly inhibited by anti‐TRAIL, anti‐TNF‐α and anti‐IFNγ antibodies. Furthermore, apoptosis of HepAD38 cells and levels of cccDNA, were significantly reduced by TRAIL+ and TNF‐α+/IFNγ+NK cells from Group A, respectively. A functional restoration of CD56bright NK cells in entecavir‐treated patients who were switched to PegIFNα contributes to HBsAg and cccDNA clearance through TRAIL‐induced cytolysis and TNF‐α/IFNγ‐mediated noncytolytic pathways.
Viral dominance patterns in chronic hepatitis delta determine early response to interferon alpha therapy
Authors: Lutterkort G. L. , Wranke A. , Hengst J. , Yurdaydin C. , Stift J. , Bremer B. , Hardtke S. , Keskin O. , Idilman R. , Manns M. P. , Dienes H. P. , Falk C. , Wedemeyer H. , Heidrich B.
Published: June 2018

Chronic hepatitis D is caused by coinfection of hepatitis B and hepatitis D virus. While HDV is the dominant virus over HBV in the majority of cases, mechanisms and consequences of viral dominance are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate associations between viral dominance patterns and patients’ characteristics and inflammatory features; 109 HDV‐infected patients treated with PEG‐IFNa‐2α within the international multicentre, prospective HIDIT‐2 trial were studied. Patients were classified as D‐ or B‐dominant if the viral load of one virus exceeded that of the other virus by more than 1log10. Otherwise, no viral dominance (ND) was described. We used Luminex‐based multiplex technology to study 50 soluble immune mediators (SIM) in pretreatment samples of 105 HDV RNA‐positive patients. Dominance of HDV was evident in the majority (75%) of cases. While only 7% displayed B‐dominance, 17% showed nondominance. D‐dominance was associated with downregulation of 4 interleukins (IL‐2ra, IL‐13, IL‐16 and IL‐18) and 5 chemokines/cytokines (CTACK (CCL27), MCP‐1 (CCL2), M‐CSF, TRAIL and ICAM‐1) while no analyte was increased. In addition, D‐dominance could be linked to a delayed HDV RNA response to pegylated interferon as patients with B‐dominance or nondominance showed higher early HDV RNA responses (61% at week 12) than D‐dominant patients (11%; P < .001). In conclusion, this study revealed unexpected effects of viral dominance on clinical and immunological features in chronic hepatitis delta patients. Individualizing PEG‐IFNa‐2α treatment duration should consider viral dominance. Overall, our findings suggest an activated but exhausted IFN system in D‐dominant patients.
Thermal evolution of the early Moon
Authors: Sahijpal Sandeep , Goyal Vishal
Published: June 2018

The early thermal evolution of Moon has been numerically simulated to understand the magnitude of the impact‐induced heating and the initially stored thermal energy of the accreting moonlets. The main objective of the present study was to understand the nature of processes leading to core–mantle differentiation and the production and cooling of the initial convective magma ocean. The accretion of Moon was commenced over a time scale of 100 yr after the giant impact event around 30–100 million years in the early solar system. We studied the dependence of the planetary processes on the impact scenarios, the initial average temperature of the accreting moonlets, and the size of the protomoon that accreted rapidly beyond the Roche limit within the initial 1 yr after the giant impact. The simulations indicate that the accreting moonlets should have a minimum initial averaged temperature around 1600 K. The impacts would provide additional thermal energy. The initial thermal state of the moonlets depends upon the environment prevailing within the Roche limit that experienced episodes of extensive vaporization and recondensation of silicates. The initial convective magma ocean of depth more than 1000 km is produced in the majority of simulations along with the global core–mantle differentiation in case the melt percolation of the molten metal through porous flow from bulk silicates was not the major mode of core–mantle differentiation. The possibility of shallow magma oceans cannot be ruled out in the presence of the porous flow. Our simulations indicate the core–mantle differentiation within the initial 102to 103 yr of the Moon accretion. The majority of the convective magma ocean cooled down for crystallization within the initial 103to 104 yr.
Inclusion and exclusion errors in the targeted supplementary feeding programme of Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson , Bekele Tilahun , Retta Negusse
Published: June 2018

Ethiopia's targeted supplementary feeding (TSF) programme aims to rehabilitate moderately malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women in selected chronically food‐insecure districts. Screening for malnutrition is made by health extension workers through the quarterly community health days (CHD) events based on mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) thresholds. This validation study examined the extent of targeting errors of inclusion (providing aid to the nonneedy) and exclusion (failure to reach the needy) in the TSF programme, among preschool children in 6 TSF districts. The study was conducted within 7 days after the completion of the CHD event. Multistage cluster sampling was employed to recruit 1,104 children. Data were collected using interviewer‐administered questionnaire and by reviewing CHD registers. A paired t test was used to compare the MUAC measurements taken during the CHD and during the survey. The study found a global acute malnutrition prevalence of 13.0%. During the CHD, only 54.8% of the children were screened for malnutrition. The overall inclusion and exclusion errors of the TSF were 16.5% and 40.3%, respectively. The reasons for the exclusion errors were low coverage of the screening programme (67.2%) and MUAC measurement errors (32.8%). The mean including standard deviation (M ± SD) of the MUAC measured by health extension workers (11.8 ± 0.9 cm) was significantly lower than the measurements made by fieldworkers in the survey (12.1 ± 1.0 cm; p < .001). The study concluded that high targeting errors are committed in the TSF programme of Ethiopia. Targeting can be enhanced through accurate measurement of MUAC and maximization of the coverage of the screening programme.
Left ventricular apical aneurysm in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a risk factor for sudden death at any age
Authors: Rowin Ethan J. , Maron Barry J. , Chokshi Aalap , Maron Martin S.
Published: June 2018

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) aging has proved protective against sudden death (SD) risk and aggressive recommendations for prophylactic ICDs are uncommon in patients ≥60 years. Nevertheless, we present a patient with an unexpected but aborted sudden death event at the advanced age of 71 years due to a left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) which has emerged as a novel SD marker. Subsequent reappraisal of the Tufts HCM database, specifically the 118 LVAA patients, showed that 36% of SD events occurred at ≥60 years. Of HCM patients ≥ 60 years, SD was 8‐fold more common with aneurysm than without aneurysms (16% vs 2%; P < 0.001). Risk in HCM with LVAA persists throughout life and senior LVAA patients should also be considered for primary prevention of SD with the ICD.
Just‐in‐time response to reward as a function of ADHD symptom severity
Authors: Pretus Clara , Picado Marisol , Ramos‐Quiroga Josep Antoni , Carmona Susana , Richarte Vanesa , Fauquet Jordi , Vilarroya Óscar
Published: June 2018

Aim

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) neuroimaging studies have identified substantial differences in reward‐related circuits on a trial‐by‐trial basis. However, no research to date has evaluated the effect of motivational context on neural activity in settings with intermittent reward in ADHD. The present study was designed to identify neural processes underlying both immediate effects of reward and sustained effects of reward associated with motivational context in adult ADHD patients.

Methods

We used a functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm, including a time estimation task with constant versus intermittent reward conditions, in a sample of 21 medication‐naïve adults with combined ADHD and 24 healthy adults.

Results

Although no between‐group neural differences were detected, orbitofrontal activity dropped in association with high ADHD symptom severity during the transition from initial non‐reward context blocks to subsequent reward context blocks. In turn, ADHD symptom severity predicted higher orbitofrontal activity in response to immediate reward versus no reward within reward context blocks.

Conclusion

These results suggest that high ADHD symptom severity scorers adopted a ‘just‐in‐time’ strategy, involving the recruitment of reward processing brain areas in the face of immediate reward rather than a sustained response to motivational context.
Kawasaki disease shock syndrome: Unique and severe subtype of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Gamez‐Gonzalez Luisa Berenise , Moribe‐Quintero Isabel , Cisneros‐Castolo Martin , Varela‐Ortiz Javier , Muñoz‐Ramírez Mireya , Garrido‐García Martin , Yamazaki‐Nakashimada Marco
Published: June 2018

Background

Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS) is an uncommon presentation of Kawasaki disease (KD). KDSS has been associated with more severe markers of inflammation, coronary abnormalities and i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive study of children with KDSS in two hospitals was performed. Relevant articles about KD and shock were collected, and demographic data, clinical presentation, laboratory variables, echocardiogram findings, treatment and special features were analyzed when available. Twelve patients diagnosed with KDSS were retrospectively reviewed from two centers in Mexico, along with 91 additional cases from the literature.

Results

Seventy‐two patients presented with complete KD (69.9%), and 30.1% (31/103) had unusual KD manifestations. The most frequent diagnosis at the time of admission was toxic shock syndrome (TSS; n = 20). Sixteen of the 20 had coronary artery abnormalities. Overall, abnormalities in the coronary arteries were documented in 65% of the patients. The mortality rate was 6.8%.

Conclusion

The presence of coronary aneurysms was significantly and positively correlated with male gender, IVIG resistance, inotrope treatment, cardiac failure, abdominal pain and neurological symptoms. IVIG‐resistant patients had higher neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio. Abdominal symptoms, hypoalbuminemia and elevated C‐reactive protein were present in almost all of the patients. Multisystem involvement with atypical presentation in KDSS is frequent. An important differential diagnosis is TSS. Mechanical ventilation, gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms were associated with IVIG resistance and the presence of coronary aneurysms. The first line of treatment includes IVIG and pulse corticosteroids; in severe cases, infliximab, anakinra, cyclosporine or plasmapheresis are alternative treatment options.
Increased incidence of chronic actinic dermatitis in relation to climate changes and air pollution during the past 15 years in Korea
Authors: Kim Ho‐Jin , Kim Ki‐Ho
Published: June 2018

Background

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) develops in seasons where there is high sun exposure, such as summer, and can persistent throughout the year in severely affected cases. The authors noted that CAD prevalence increased in relation to climate changes and air pollutants.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 294 patients with newly diagnosed CAD between December 2000 and November 2016. We investigated the annual trend of sun hours, humidity, and ground‐level ozone and respirable particles (PM10) in Pusan, Korea; correlations between climate change and/or air pollution and the incidence of patient with CAD were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of patients with CAD apparently increased annually during the period of the study. The majority of patients presented in summer. Pearson's correlation analysis showed an increasing tendency of CAD occurrence to be correlated with sun hours (R = .706, P = .002), ground‐level ozone (R = .542, P = .03), and mean air humidity (R = .608, P = .012). Inversely, PM10 showed a negative correlation with CAD occurrence (R = −.713, P = .002). The correlations identified by multiple regression analysis showed a strong positive association between the incidence of CAD and sun hours (P = .029) and a negative association between the incidence of CAD and PM10 (P = .027) (adjusted R2 = .778).

Conclusion

The increased incidence of CAD may be related to sun hours and inversely related to PM10.
Effect of UV‐B radiation on the content of UV‐B absorbing compounds and photosynthetic parameters in Parmotrema austrosinense from two contrasting habitats
Authors: Barták M. , Pláteníková E. , Carreras H. , Hájek J. , Morkusová J. , Mateos A. C. , Marečková M.
Published: June 2018

We studied the resistance of Parmotrema austrosinense to UV‐B stress. We focused on the effects of a high dose UV‐B radiation on the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids and UV‐B screening compounds.

Photosynthetic parameters were measured by chlorophyll fluorescence (potential and effective quantum yields, photochemical and non‐photochemical quenching) and evaluated in control and UV‐B‐treated lichens. Lichens from two different locations in Cordoba, Argentina, were selected: (i) high altitude and dry plots at (Los Gigantes) and (ii) lowland high salinity plots (Salinas Grandes).

UV‐B treatment led to a decrease in the content of photosynthetic pigments and UV‐B screens (absorbance decrease in 220–350 nm) in the samples from Salinas Grandes, while in Los Gigantes samples, an increase in UV‐B screen content was observed. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed a UV‐B‐induced decline in FV/FM, ΦPSII and qP indicating limitation of primary photosynthetic processes in photosystem II (PSII) of symbiotic alga, more pronounced in Salinas Grandes samples. Protective mechanism of PSII were activated by the UV‐B treatment to a higher extent in samples from Salinas Grandes (NPQ 0.48) than in Los Gigantes samples (NPQ 0.26).

We concluded that site‐related characteristics, and in particular different UV‐B radiation regimen, had a strong effect on resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus of P. austrosinense to UV‐B radiation.
Serological, molecular and immunofluorescent evidence for interference competition between isolates of Potato virus Y
Authors: Grupa A. , Otulak‐Kozieł K. , Syller J.
Published: June 2018

Under natural field conditions, the abundance of plant viruses sharing the same host frequently results in mixed infections. Viruses co‐occurring inside host tissues often interact with one another synergistically or antagonistically. This paper addresses within‐host interactions among genetically different isolates of Potato virus Y (PVY), a serious pathogen that attacks solanaceous crops, particularly potato and tobacco. Manifold aspects of the relationships between six PVY isolates representing PVYO, PVYN‐Wi/PVYN:O and PVYNTN strains have been characterized. Plants of tobacco cv. Samsun and of two potato cultivars were inoculated both simultaneously and sequentially with different inoculation sequences and different time intervals between inoculations. Symptoms exhibited by doubly inoculated plants varied, primarily depending on the isolates involved as well as on the order of inoculation. Significant reductions of the titres of PVYN:O and PVYN‐Wi isolates in plants inoculated sequentially or simultaneously with PVYNTN isolates were recorded. These reductions were most probably due to inhibition of replication and accumulation of one isolate by another. In some combinations, a pre‐existing infection with PVYNTN prevented infection with the secondary virus. By contrast, challenge inoculation by PVYN:O, PVYN‐Wi or PVYO had no marked effects on the titre of the pre‐inoculated PVYNTN isolate. Microscopic visualization revealed a tendency of strains towards separation from each other in host tissues. These results provide strong experimental evidence for the existence of antagonistic interactions among PVY isolates. Moreover, these results demonstrate the occurrence of complete or at least partial cross‐protection among PVY isolates, with NTN isolates being evidently more fit than their counterparts.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in veterinary cancer chemotherapy: A review and recommendations
Authors: Bisson J. L. , Argyle D. J. , Argyle S. A.
Published: June 2018

Bacterial infection following cancer chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in human and veterinary patients. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is controversial in the human oncology field, as any decreased incidence in bacterial infections is countered by patient adverse effects and increased antimicrobial resistance. Comprehensive guidelines exist to aid human oncologists in prescribing antimicrobial prophylaxis but similar recommendations are not available in veterinary literature. As the veterinarian's role in antimicrobial stewardship is increasingly emphasized, it is vital that veterinary oncologists implement appropriate antimicrobial use. By considering the available human and veterinary literature we present an overview of current clinical practices and are able to suggest recommendations for prophylactic antimicrobial use in veterinary cancer chemotherapy patients.
A Qualitative Investigation of Young Female Dancers’ Use of Imagery
Authors: Muir Irene , Munroe-Chandler Krista J. , Loughead Todd
Published: June 2018

Although dancers have noted using imagery to mentally rehearse a routine, understand and reinforce movement, inspire strong emotions, and lower arousal levels, this finding is specific to adult dancers, overlooking imagery use with young dancers. The current study qualitatively examined the 4 Ws of imagery use (where, when, what, and why) with female dancers 7–14 years of age. Twenty-three female dancers (Mage = 10.43,SD = 2.19) from various dance styles participated in 1 of 4 focus-group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed findings similar to those identified in the domains of both adult dance and children’s sport. There were, however, findings emerging from the current study specific to young female dancers. These findings are provided, in addition to practical implications for dance instructors.