bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstitution of immune cell populations in multiple sclerosis patients after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Karnell F G , Lin D , Motley S , Duhen T , Lim N , Campbell D J , Turka L A , Maecker H T , Harris K M
Published: May 2017

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. In a Phase II clinical trial, high-dose immunosuppressive therapy combined with autologous CD34+ haematopoietic stem cell transplant resulted in 69·2% of subjects remaining disease-free without evidence of relapse, loss of neurological function or new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions to year 5 post-treatment. A combination of CyTOF mass cytometry and multi-parameter flow cytometry was used to explore the reconstitution kinetics of immune cell subsets in the periphery post-haematopoietic cell transplant (HSCT) and the impact of treatment on the phenotype of circulating T cells in this study population. Repopulation of immune cell subsets progressed similarly for all patients studied 2 years post-therapy, regardless of clinical outcome. At month 2, monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were proportionally more abundant, while CD4 T cells and B cells were reduced, relative to baseline. In contrast to the changes observed at earlier time-points in the T cell compartment, B cells were proportionally more abundant and expansion in the proportion of naive B cells was observed 1 and 2 years post-therapy. Within the T cell compartment, the proportion of effector memory and late effector subsets of CD4 and CD8 T cells was increased, together with transient increases in proportions of CD45RA-regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper type 1 (Th1 cells) and a decrease in Th17·1 cells. While none of the treatment effects studied correlated with clinical outcome, patients who remained healthy throughout the 5-year study had significantly higher absolute numbers of memory CD4 and CD8 T cells in the periphery prior to stem cell transplantation.
A UK community‐based survey on the prevalence of rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sami A.S. , Scadding G.K. , Howarth P.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

There is limited information about the prevalence of rhinosinusitis in the UK community. This study aimed to identify its prevalence and investigate any association with demographic variables. The secondary aims were to determine the degree of impairment, impact on quality of life and any costs incurred by patients.

Design

We used a modified version (MSNOT‐20) of a quality‐of‐life instrument, the sinonasal outcome test‐20 (SNOT‐20), in a small and successful pilot project. It was then used in a community‐based survey and a second phase 6 months later to test repeatability. Nasal examination and comparison of its quality‐of‐life section with other health‐related quality‐of‐life tools occurred in the second phase.

Setting and Participants

The questionnaire was administered by post to 2000 Farnborough (UK) residents, selected through stratified randomisation. The relation of an abnormal MSNOT‐20 score with hay fever, asthma, smoking, food allergy, work productivity and social limitation was also analysed.

Main Outcome and Results

The response rate was 79.8%; over thirty per cent of the community suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms with impact on multiple domains of quality of life including emotional, financial costs and loss of days at work. The MSNOT‐20 provided a more sensitive assessment of health‐related quality of life than the Short Form 36 questionnaire.

Conclusion

Rhinosinusitis is prevalent in the Farnborough community and associated with significant morbidity and impairment on quality of life. The MSNOT‐20 is a useful disease‐specific quality‐of‐life tool in rhinosinusitis.
Health utility reporting in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Bewick J. , Morris S. , Hopkins C. , Erskine S. , Philpott C.M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Direct comparison of different diseases allows clinicians and researchers to place the burden of symptoms and impact on quality of life of each condition in context. Generic health‐related quality‐of‐life assessment tools allow such analysis, and limited data are available for British patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Design

As part of a larger feasibility study, patients underwent baseline assessment using the SNOT‐22, SF‐12 and EQ‐5D‐5L tools. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and algorithms available for the analysis of the later two tools. We plotted EQ‐5D‐5L VAS and utility scores and SF‐12 MCS and PCS scores separately against SNOT‐22 scores and quantified associations using bivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis.

Setting

Patients were prospectively recruited from six UK outpatient clinics.

Participants

Adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs).

Main Outcome measures

Baseline SNOT‐22, SF‐12 and EQ‐5D‐5L scores.

Results

Fifty‐two adults were recruited with a mean age of 55 years, 51% were male. The mean SNOT‐22 score was 43.82. Mental and physical component scores of the SF‐12 were 46.53 and 46, respectively. Mean index score computed form the EQ‐5D‐5L was 0.75. Worse (higher) SNOT‐22 scores were associated with lower EQ‐5D‐5L VAS and utility scores and SF‐12 MCS and PCS scores.

Conclusion

The EQ‐5D‐5L suggests that British CRSsNPs patients are negatively impacted with regards to quality of life. We found the SF‐12 to be less sensitive and conclude that the EQ‐5D‐5L tool is a quick and accessible method for assessing QOL in order it can be compared with other disease states.
Current knowledge on biomarkers for contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Koppes Sjors A. , Engebretsen Kristiane A. , Agner Tove , Angelova‐Fischer Irena , Berents Teresa , Brandner Johanna , Brans Richard , Clausen Maja‐Lisa , Hummler Edith , Jakasa Ivone , Jurakić‐Tončic Ružica , John Swen M. , Khnykin Denis , Molin Sonja , Holm Jan O. , Suomela Sari , Thierse Hermann‐Josef , Kezic Sanja , Martin Stefan F. , Thyssen Jacob P.
Published: May 2017

Contact sensitization is common and affects up to 20% of the general population. The clinical manifestation of contact sensitization is allergic contact dermatitis. This is a clinical expression that is sometimes difficult to distinguish from other types of dermatitis, for example irritant and atopic dermatitis. Several studies have examined the pathogenesis and severity of allergic contact dermatitis by measuring the absence or presence of various biomarkers. In this review, we provide a non‐systematic overview of biomarkers that have been studied in allergic contact dermatitis. These include genetic variations and mutations, inflammatory mediators, alarmins, proteases, immunoproteomics, lipids, natural moisturizing factors, tight junctions, and antimicrobial peptides. We conclude that, despite the enormous amount of data, convincing specific biomarkers for allergic contact dermatitis are yet to be described.
An objective definition for clinical suspicion of T‐cell‐mediated rejection after liver transplantation
Authors: Rodríguez‐Perálvarez Manuel , De Luca Laura , Crespo Gonzalo , Rubin Ángel , Marín Sandra , Benlloch Salvador , Colmenero Jordi , Berenguer Marina , Navasa Miguel , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , De la Mata Manuel
Published: May 2017

A uniform definition of clinical suspicion of T‐cell‐mediated rejection (TCMR) in liver transplantation (LT) is needed to homogenize clinical decisions, especially within randomized trials. This multicenter study included a total of 470 primary LT recipients. The derivation cohort consisted of 142 patients who had clinically driven liver biopsies at any time after LT. The external validation cohort included 328 patients who underwent protocol biopsies at day 7‐10 after LT. The rates of moderate‐severe histological TCMR were 33.8% in the derivation cohort and 43.6% in the validation cohort. Independent predictors (ie, risk factors) of moderate‐severe TCMR in the derivation cohort were as follows: serum bilirubin >4 mg/dL (OR=5.83; P<.001), rising bilirubin within the 4 days prior to liver biopsy (OR=4.57; P=.003), and blood eosinophils count >0.1×109/L (OR=3.81; P=.004). In the validation cohort, the number of risk factors was an independent predictor of moderate‐severe TCMR (OR=1.74; P=.001), after controlling for hepatitis C status. The number of risk factors paralleled the rates of moderate‐severe TCMR in the derivation and validation cohorts (P<.001 in both comparisons). In conclusion, increased serum bilirubin, rising bilirubin and eosinophilia are validated risk factors for moderate‐severe histological TCMR and could be used as objective criteria to select candidates for liver biopsy.
Disseminated CD8‐positive, CD30‐positive cutaneous lymphoproliferative eruption with overlapping features of mycosis fungoides and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma following remote solitary lesional presentation
Authors: Davick Jonathan J. , Mutgi Krishna A. J. , Wanat Karolyn A. , Link Brian K. , Liu Vincent
Published: May 2017

CD8‐positive, CD30‐positive cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders constitute a rare subset of T‐cell lymphoproliferative conditions, including variants of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), mycosis fungoides, lymphomatoid papulosis type D, cutaneous gamma‐delta T‐cell lymphoma and cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma. These entities share overlapping clinical, histopathologic and immunophenotypic features, presenting both a clinical and pathological diagnostic challenge. Presented here is a 73‐year‐old man with a disseminated, indolent CD30+, CD8+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder with overlapping clinical and histopathological features of both mycosis fungoides and primary cutaneous ALCL, as well as features of lymphomatoid papulosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a generalized CD8+, CD30+ eruption with features of both mycosis fungoides and primary cutaneous ALCL arising following an episode of solitary primary cutaneous CD8‐positive ALCL.
Responding to Shipment Delays: The Roles of Operational Flexibility & Lead‐Time Visibility
Authors: Jain Aditya
Published: May 2017

We consider inventory management of a firm that orders periodically from a distantly located supplier and faces random delays in shipment. We analyze various response strategies that the firm may employ to mitigate the risk of demand–supply mismatch resulting from shipment delays. We categorize these strategies along two dimensions: operational flexibility, defined by the flexible resource employed; and lead‐time visibility, defined by the availability of information on shipment delays. For each of the response strategies, we provide analytical characterization of the optimal inventory policy. By comparing the optimal policies across response strategies, we offer insights into the effect of operational flexibility and lead‐time visibility on firm's inventory performance. Using an extensive set of numerically solved examples, we provide cost comparison across these strategies—we show that while the operational flexibility mitigates the adverse effect of long lead‐times, the lead‐time visibility provides protection from lead‐time uncertainty. Further, operational flexibility and lead‐time visibility enhance each other's values, hence must be employed together to gain their full benefits.
Hypoglycaemia seriousness and weight gain as determinants of cardiovascular disease outcomes among sulfonylurea users
Authors: Nunes Anthony P. , Iglay Kristy , Radican Larry , Engel Samuel S. , Yang Jing , Doherty Michael C. , Dore David D.
Published: May 2017

Aims

Certain treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus cause hypoglycaemia and weight gain, and thus might counteract the benefits of intensive glucose control. We quantify the association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes with hypoglycaemia and weight gain among patients with type 2 diabetes treated with sulfonylureas.

Materials and Methods

This cohort study included patients from January 2009 through December 2014 who were selected from within a deidentified nationwide electronic health records repository, including multiple provider networks and electronic medical records systems. Hypoglycaemia measures from structured data fields and free text clinical notes were categorized as serious or non‐serious. Covariate adjusted Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association between frequency of hypoglycaemia (by severity), or magnitude of weight change, and incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF) and stroke.

Results

Among 143 635 eligible patients, we observed 5669 cases of AMI, 14 109 incident cases of CHF and 7017 cases of stroke. Overall incidence rates were 1.53, 4.26 and 1.92 per 100 person‐years for AMI, CHF and stroke, respectively. The associations between overall hypoglycaemia and each of the CVD outcomes were positive, with stronger associations observed for serious hypoglycaemia and attenuated or null associations observed for non‐serious hypoglycaemia. Weight change exhibited a U‐shaped association with increased risks associated with both weight loss and weight gain relative to stable weight.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of increased CVD risk associated with hypoglycaemia, especially with serious hypoglycaemia events. While associations were attenuated with non‐serious hypoglycaemia, the results were suggestive of a potential increased risk.
Left ventricular obstruction caused by a large hiatal hernia
Authors: Harada Kenji , Tamura Ushio , Ichimiya Chiyo , Terada Naho , Yokoyama Yasuhiro , Kageyama Norihito , Hirono Akira , Hiroshima Yuya , Omura Takeshi , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Fujinaga Hiroyuki
Published: May 2017

A 76‐year‐old man was admitted to our emergency department owing to chest pain, which started immediately after lunch. Although electrocardiogram revealed ST‐segment elevation with hyperacute T‐wave changes in the anterior lead tracings, emergency coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular (LV) compression with left ventricular obstruction (LVO) caused by an echogenic mass. Computed tomography clearly revealed compression of both left atrial (LA) and LV by a large hiatal hernia. A large hiatal hernia can induce cardiac symptoms resulting from cardiac compression. This case highlights a possible association between chest pain and LVO caused by a hiatal hernia.
Streamflow environment predicts divergent life history phenotypes among populations of the Blacktail ShinerCyprinella venusta: Temporal stability of a large‐scale pattern
Authors: Heins David C. , Baker John A.
Published: May 2017

Egg size variation among 16 Gulf Coast populations ofCyprinella venusta, the Blacktail Shiner, previously was shown to be significantly correlated with annual stream runoff. In this study, we examined egg size across multiple years and seasons in a subset of the original populations, focusing on three streams that differed widely in annual stream runoff. These populations appear to have been derived independently, possibly nearly synchronously in geological time, from an ancestral form. Thus, they can be considered statistically independent. Most of the variation in egg size was attributable to differences across the three populations. Although annual and seasonal variation was present, the three populations shifted similarly on both of these time scales. The results support an earlier hypothesis that streamflow, quantified using mean annual runoff, is a strong selective influence on egg size, hence offspring size, favouring larger egg size in populations inhabiting streams with greater levels of runoff.
Deletion of α5 nicotine receptor subunits abolishes nicotinic aversive motivational effects in a manner that phenocopies dopamine receptor antagonism
Authors: Grieder Taryn E. , George Olivier , Yee Mandy , Bergamini Michael A. , Chwalek Michal , Maal‐Bared Geith , Vargas‐Perez Hector , van der Kooy Derek
Published: May 2017

Nicotine addiction is a worldwide epidemic that claims millions of lives each year. Genetic deletion of α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits has been associated with increased nicotine intake, however, it remains unclear whether acute nicotine is less aversive or more rewarding, and whether mice lacking the α5 nAChR subunit can experience withdrawal from chronic nicotine. We used place conditioning and conditioned taste avoidance paradigms to examine the effect of α5 subunit‐containing nAChR deletion (α5 −/−) on conditioned approach and avoidance behaviour in nondependent and nicotine‐dependent and ‐withdrawn mice, and compared these motivational effects with those elicited after dopamine receptor antagonism. We show that nondependent α5 −/− mice find low, non‐motivational doses of nicotine rewarding, and do not show an aversive conditioned response or taste avoidance to higher aversive doses of nicotine. Furthermore, nicotine‐dependent α5 −/− mice do not show a conditioned aversive motivational response to withdrawal from chronic nicotine, although they continue to exhibit a somatic withdrawal syndrome. These effects phenocopy those observed after dopamine receptor antagonism, but are not additive, suggesting that α5 nAChR subunits act in the same pathway as dopamine and are critical for the experience of nicotine's aversive, but not rewarding motivational effects in both a nondependent and nicotine‐dependent and ‐withdrawn motivational state. Genetic deletion of α5 nAChR subunits leads to a behavioural phenotype that exactly matches that observed after antagonizing dopamine receptors, thus we suggest that modulation of nicotinic receptors containing α5 subunits may modify dopaminergic signalling, suggesting novel therapeutic treatments for smoking cessation.
What drives patrolling behaviour by nasute termites? A model and an empirical assessment
Authors: Pequeno Pedro A. C. L.
Published: May 2017

Animals have evolved a number of antipredator strategies, which can reflect both intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to predation risk. In many termite species, a chemically armed soldier caste known as “nasute” engages in patrols upon breaching of foraging galleries, suggesting an adaptive response to imminent risk of mortality. However, the drivers of this collective behaviour are poorly understood. Here, I describe and test a qualitative model of patrolling behaviour upon gallery breaching by the arboreal termite Nasutitermes corniger (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). Patrolling behaviour is postulated to change throughout colony ontogeny, thus scaling with colony size. Further, this pattern is expected to be modulated by extrinsic cues for predation risk. Accordingly, patroller number increased with tree circumference at breast height, a surrogate for colony size. However, for any tree size, more soldiers engaged in patrols after repeated breaching, suggesting sensitization to structural damage. In parallel, patrolling rate (i.e., patroller number per time unit) was higher in smaller trees due to a disproportionate increase in patrol duration with patroller number. However, this response only occurred after repeated breaching; otherwise, patrolling rate was constant across tree sizes. Overall, patrolling behaviour by N. corniger seems to reflect intrinsic risks related to colony growth, adjusted by the extrinsic risk imposed by structural damage.
Male–male interactions and male mating success in the leafhopper Aphrodes makarovi
Authors: Kuhelj Anka , Virant‐Doberlet Meta
Published: May 2017

In mating systems based on substrate‐borne vibrations, sexual communication often involves a reciprocal exchange of species‐ and sex‐specific vibrational signals and male is searching for a stationary female. In the leafhopper Aphrodes makarovi, female reply is essential for successful location of the female and its variable duration directly affects male's costs associated with signalling and searching. We studied male and female behaviour in a trio situation (two males and one female), and our results show that male–male competition had important effects on male mating success. Females replied equally to advertisement calls emitted by the winning and losing males and mated with the first male that located them, regardless of his investment in calling effort. Males eavesdropped to male–female duet maintained by the rival, and the winners were better at exploiting female replies to the rival's advertisement calls by silently approaching the female. To interfere with the ongoing male–female duet, males also emitted masking signals overlapping the latter part of the female reply. More overlapped female replies were registered in response to the losers and masking signals most likely delay the rival in reaching the female. Our study shows that a comprehensive understanding of male mating success and female preferences in vibrational duetting systems requires also investigations in more complex settings that more realistically represent the situation in nature.
Oxidative Stickland reactions in an obligate aerobic organism – amino acid catabolism in the Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Stark Helge , Wolf Jacqueline , Albersmeier Andreas , Pham Trong K. , Hofmann Julia D. , Siebers Bettina , Kalinowski Jörn , Wright Phillip C. , Neumann‐Schaal Meina , Schomburg Dietmar
Published: May 2017

The thermoacidophilic Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus is a model organism for archaeal adaptation to extreme environments and renowned for its ability to degrade a broad variety of substrates. It has been well characterised concerning the utilisation of numerous carbohydrates as carbon source. However, its amino acid metabolism, especially the degradation of single amino acids, is not as well understood. In this work, we performed metabolic modelling as well as metabolome, transcriptome and proteome analysis on cells grown on caseinhydrolysate as carbon source in order to draw a comprehensive picture of amino acid metabolism in S. solfataricus P2. We found that 10 out of 16 detectable amino acids are imported from the growth medium. Overall, uptake of glutamate, methionine, leucine, phenylalanine and isoleucine was the highest of all observed amino acids. Our simulations predict an incomplete degradation of leucine and tyrosine to organic acids, and in accordance with this, we detected the export of branched‐chain and aromatic organic acids as well as amino acids, ammonium and trehalose into the culture supernatants. The branched‐chain amino acids as well as phenylalanine and tyrosine are degraded to organic acids via oxidative Stickland reactions. Such reactions are known for prokaryotes capable of anaerobic growth, but so far have never been observed in an obligate aerobe. Also, 3‐methyl‐2‐butenoate and 2‐methyl‐2‐butenoate are for the first time found as products of modified Stickland reactions for the degradation of branched‐chain amino acids. This work presents the first detailed description of branched‐chain and aromatic amino acid catabolism in S. solfataricus.
Sympatric walleye Sander vitreus and sauger Sander canadensis in large reservoirs: Variable isotopic niche size and overlap across multiple time scales
Authors: Butt J. C. , Eberts R. L. , Somers C. M.
Published: May 2017

Walleye Sander vitreus (Mitchill) and sauger Sander canadensis (Griffith & Smith) may occupy similar niches in sympatric populations, but their long‐term resource use is poorly studied. Multi‐tissue (liver, muscle and bone) isotopic niche analyses were used to compare resource use by these species in two large reservoirs in Saskatchewan, Canada. Population isotopic niches were larger for sauger (1.73‰2–3.60‰2) than walleye (0.51‰2–2.61‰2) in Lake Diefenbaker, but opposite in Tobin Lake (sauger = 0.54‰2–2.57‰2; walleye = 1.30‰2–2.94‰2). Analyses of population overlap suggest that these species co‐exist via niche partitioning, but partitioning was more pronounced in Lake Diefenbaker (overlap = 6%–38%; Tobin Lake overlap = 18%–62%). The size of individual niches and levels of intra‐ and interspecific overlap among individual fish also varied with reservoir. This study shows that walleye and sauger use different resources across different time scales, but the degree of partitioning can vary markedly with environment.
The Old and the New: Qualifying City Systems in the World with Classical Models and New Data
Authors: Cura Robin , Cottineau Clémentine , Swerts Elfie , Antonio Ignazzi Cosmo , Bretagnolle Anne , Vacchiani‐Marcuzzo Celine , Pumain Denise
Published: May 2017

Zipf's rank‐size rule, lognormal distribution, and Gibrat's urban growth models are considered as summarizing fundamental properties of systems of cities. In this article, they are used as statistical benchmarks for comparing the shapes of urban hierarchies and evolutionary trends of seven systems of cities in the world including BRICS, Europe, and United States. In order to provide conclusions that avoid the pitfalls of too small samples or uncontrolled urban definitions, these models are tested on some 20,000 urban units whose geographically significant delineations were harmonized in each country over 50 years between 1960 and 2010. As a result, if the models appear not always statistically valid, their usefulness is confirmed since the observed deviations from empirical data remain limited and can often be interpreted from the geohistorical context of urbanism proper to each world region. Moreover, the article provides new free software which authorizes the reproducibility of our experiments with our data bases as well as with complementary data.
Exile and Displacement in the Spiritual Poetry of Sigmund von Birken
Authors: Müller Johannes
Published: May 2017

This article examines religious interpretations of exile and forced migration in the poetry of Sigmund von Birken (1626–1681). Birken, who experienced exile as a child, when his parents were expelled from Bohemia, addresses the episode of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt in the context of the doctrine of incarnation. Based on Johann Michael Dilherr's and Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg's exegeses of Matthew 2, Birken depicts Christ's incarnation as an act of participation in human exile from paradise. This article situates Birken's poems on “Jesus the refugee” in the context of his autobiographical writings and his self‐fashioning as a religious exile. In doing so, it shows how migrant identities were cultivated in urban literary cultures of early modern Germany. Birken played a central in Nuremberg's cultural life, and his case illustrates that belonging to the heart of the urban community was not incompatible with his self‐fashioning as a newcomer and his identification with a persecuted (Lutheran) minority.
Meikin‐associated polo‐like kinase specifies Bub1 distribution in meiosis I
Authors: Miyazaki Seira , Kim Jihye , Yamagishi Yuya , Ishiguro Tadashi , Okada Yuki , Tanno Yuji , Sakuno Takeshi , Watanabe Yoshinori
Published: May 2017

In meiosis I, sister chromatids are captured by microtubules emanating from the same pole (mono‐orientation), and centromeric cohesion is protected throughout anaphase. Shugoshin, which is localized to centromeres depending on the phosphorylation of histone H2A by Bub1 kinase, plays a central role in protecting meiotic cohesin Rec8 from separase cleavage. Another key meiotic kinetochore factor, meikin, may regulate cohesion protection, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that fission yeast Moa1 (meikin), which associates stably with CENP‐C during meiosis I, recruits Plo1 (polo‐like kinase) to the kinetochores and phosphorylates Spc7 (KNL1) to accumulate Bub1. Consequently, in contrast to the transient kinetochore localization of mitotic Bub1, meiotic Bub1 persists at kinetochores until anaphase I. The meiotic Bub1 pool ensures robust Sgo1 (shugoshin) localization and cohesion protection at centromeres by cooperating with heterochromatin protein Swi6, which binds and stabilizes Sgo1. Furthermore, molecular genetic analyses show a hierarchical regulation of centromeric cohesion protection by meikin and shugoshin that is important for establishing meiosis‐specific chromosome segregation. We provide evidence that the meiosis‐specific Bub1 regulation is conserved in mouse.
Sinkholes Due to Groundwater Withdrawal in Tazerbo Wellfield, SE Libya
Authors: Alfarrah Nawal , Berhane Gebremedhin , Hweesh Abdelrahim , Walraevens Kristine
Published: May 2017

The desert of eastern Libya forms one of the most arid regions of the Sahara. The Great Man‐Made River Project (GMRP) was established. It transports millions of cubic meters of water a day from desert wellfields to the coastal cities, where over 80% of the population lives. The Tazerbo Wellfield is one of the wellfields designed within the GMRP, delivering water to the eastern coast of Libya through an underground pipe network. Tazerbo Wellfield consists of 108 production wells; each well was designed to pump 100 L/s. The planned total groundwater withdrawal from all wells is 1 million m3/d. The deep sandstone aquifer (Nubian sandstone) is covered by a thick mudstone‐siltstone aquitard and is being heavily pumped. The aquifer and fine‐grained sediments of the aquitard may be compacted resulting in land subsidence as a result of high exploitation. Local sinkholes have developed in the area of Tazerbo since the start of the pumping from the wellfield in 2004. These sinkholes have been caused mainly by lowering of the piezometric heads due to the withdrawal of groundwater. In this study, a hydrogeological investigation is presented about the effect of large groundwater pumping from the Nubian sandstone aquifer in Tazerbo Wellfield, SE Libya, based on physical parameters for 108 production wells and 23 observation wells.
PhotoExam: adoption of an iOS‐based clinical image capture application at Mayo Clinic
Authors: Wyatt Kirk D. , Willaert Brian N. , Pallagi Peter J. , Uribe Richard A. , Yiannias James A. , Hellmich Thomas R.
Published: May 2017

Background

Mayo Clinic developed an internal iOS‐based, point‐of‐care clinical image capture application for clinicians. We aimed to assess the adoption and utilization of the application at Mayo Clinic.

Methods

Metadata of 22,784 photos of 6417 patients taken by 606 users over 8040 clinical encounters between 3/1/2015 and 10/31/2015 were analyzed. A random sample of photos from 100 clinical encounters was assessed for quality using a five‐item rubric. Use of traditional medical photography services before and after application launch were compared.

Results

The largest group of users was residents/fellows, accounting for 31% of users but only 18% of all photos. Attending physicians accounted for 29% of users and 30% of photos. Nurses accounted for 14% of users and 28% of photos. Surgical specialties had the most users (36% of users), followed by dermatology (14% of users); however, dermatology accounted for 54% of all photos, and surgery accounted for 26% of photos. Images received an average of 91% of possible points on the quality scoring rubric. Most frequent reasons for missing points were the location on the body not clearly being demonstrated (19% of encounters) and the perspective/scale not being clearly demonstrated (12% of encounters). There was no discernible pre‐post effect of the application's launch on use of traditional medical photography services.

Conclusions

Point‐of‐care clinical photography is a growing phenomenon with potential to become the new standard of care. Patient and provider attitudes and the impact on patient outcomes remain unclear.
High‐pressure microfluidisation pretreatment disaggregate peanut protein isolates to prepare antihypertensive peptide fractions
Authors: Gong Kuijie , Deng Lei , Shi Aimin , Liu Hongzhi , Liu Li , Hu Hui , Adhikari Benu , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2017

High‐pressure microfluidisation (HPM) pretreatment was applied to increase in vitro antihypertensive activity of peanut peptide fractions (PPF). The morphology of protein in aqueous dispersion revealed that peanut protein isolate (PPI) disaggregated at relatively low pressure (≤120 MPa) and re‐aggregated at relatively high pressures (150–210 MPa). The treated pressure of 120 MPa could lead to the most disaggregation of PPI. Small peptides contents, trichloroacetic acid‐nitrogen soluble index (TCA‐NSI) and degree of hydrolysis (DH) of peanut protein hydrolysates (PPH) all reached the highest at 120 MPa. Consequently, it possessed the highest angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and renin inhibitory activity. The highest surface hydrophobicity occurred at 120 MPa pretreatment samples. Thirty‐nine oligopeptides at 120 MPa pretreatment were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight (UPLC‐Q‐TOF) mass spectrometer combined with Progenesis QI for Proteomics software compared with 29 and 35 at control and 210 MPa, respectively. This meant that disaggregation of PPI at 120 MPa resulted in the release of new hydrophobic peptide.
Global assays of fibrinolysis
Authors: Ilich A. , Bokarev I. , Key N. S.
Published: May 2017

Fibrinolysis is an important and integral part of the hemostatic system. Acting as a balance to blood coagulation, the fibrinolytic system protects the body from unwanted thrombus formation and occlusion of blood vessels. As long as blood coagulation and fibrinolysis remain in equilibrium, response to injury, such as vessel damage, is appropriately regulated. However, alterations in this balance may lead to thrombosis or bleeding. A variety of methods have been proposed to assess fibrinolytic activity in blood or its components, but due to the complexity of the system, the design of a “gold standard” assay that reflects overall fibrinolysis has remained an elusive goal. In this review, we describe the most commonly used methods that have been described, such as thromboelastography (TEG and ROTEM), global fibrinolytic capacity in plasma and whole blood, plasma turbidity methods, simultaneous thrombin and plasmin generation assays, euglobulin clot lysis time and fibrin plate methods. All of these assays have strengths and limitations. We suggest that some methods may be preferable for detecting hypofibrinolytic conditions, whereas others may be better for detecting hyperfibrinolytic states.
Rethinking Urban Refugee Resettlement: A Case Study of One Karen Community in Rural Georgia, USA.
Authors: Gilhooly Daniel , Lee Eunbae
Published: May 2017

While refugee resettlements in urban areas have historically had negative outcomes, alternatives have not been adequately discussed. This study aims to shed light on refugee's rural resettlement via an ethnographic case study. The participatory action research team consisting of refugee youth and outside academics investigated two rural Karen communities in Georgia and three urban communities via semi‐structured interviews and participant observation. Interview transcripts, field notes, video recordings of observations, and dialogues among researchers served as rich data for thematic analysis. We found refugees like the Karen, who came from rural agricultural backgrounds, benefitted from the familiar lifestyle of rural living. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rural resettlement for refugees regarding community support, insecurity, inter‐ethnic conflict, housing, employment, and cultural heritage and language maintenance. Community leaders and policymakers of refuge resettlement may use the findings in making decisions about the potential for rural resettlement.
CTLA‐4 expressed by FOXP3+ regulatory T cells prevents inflammatory tissue attack and not T‐cell priming in arthritis
Authors: Klocke Katrin , Holmdahl Rikard , Wing Kajsa
Published: May 2017

Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) ‐mediated regulation of already tolerized autoreactive T cells is critical for understanding autoimmune responses. Although defects in CTLA‐4 contribute to abnormal FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cell function in rheumatoid arthritis, its role in autoreactive T cells remains elusive. We studied immunity towards the dominant collagen type II (CII) T‐cell epitope in collagen‐induced arthritis both in the heterologous setting and in the autologous setting where CII is mutated at position E266D in mouse cartilage. CTLA‐4 regulated all stages of arthritis, including the chronic phase, and affected the priming of autologous but not heterologous CII‐reactive T cells. CTLA‐4 expression by both conventional T (Tconv) cells and Treg cells was required but while Tconv cell expression was needed to control the priming of naive autoreactive T cells, CTLA‐4 on Treg cells prevented the inflammatory tissue attack. This identifies a cell‐type‐specific time window when CTLA‐4‐mediated tolerance is most powerful, which has important implications for clinical therapy with immune modulatory drugs.
Association between fear of childbirth and maternal acceptance of pregnancy
Authors: Coşkuner Potur D. , Mamuk R. , Şahin N.H. , Demirci N. , Hamlaci Y.
Published: May 2017

Aim

This descriptive study aimed to explore the associations between fear of childbirth, acceptance of pregnancy and identification with the motherhood role among primipara women.

Background

Women who have difficulty accepting their pregnancy have a harder time adapting to pregnancy and motherhood and experience more fears related to childbirth. The number of studies conducted on this topic is limited.

Methods

This study involved 310 pregnant women admitted to a public hospital in Istanbul between January and June of 2013. A participant identification form, the Prenatal Self‐Evaluation Questionnaire and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A were used for data collection.

Results

Pregnant women participating in the study experienced moderate levels fear of childbirth. Pregnant women who requested caesarean section experienced more intense fear of childbirth. Fear of childbirth scores had significant but weak correlations with acceptance of pregnancy and identification with the motherhood role.

Conclusion

The findings showed that acceptance of pregnancy and identification with the motherhood role are weakly associated with fear of childbirth.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The results from this study can be used to help: increase awareness among health professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives) in antenatal care services about a mother's adaptation to pregnancy and the negative effects of fear of childbirth; direct future research examining factors affecting adaptation to pregnancy and fear of childbirth; establish routine assessments for adaptation to pregnancy and fear of childbirth; provide professional support for women with difficulties adapting to pregnancy and with fear of childbirth; result in reduced complications from invasive methods such as caesarean section due to less requests for these procedures; and promote the health of mothers and babies.
Revisiting the Profitability of Market Timing with Moving Averages
Authors: Zakamulin Valeriy
Published: May 2017

In a recent empirical study by Glabadanidis (“Market Timing with Moving Averages” (2015), International Review of Finance 15(13):387–425), the author reports striking evidence of extraordinarily good performance of the moving average trading strategy. In this paper, we demonstrate that this “too good to be true” reported performance of the moving average strategy is due to simulating trading with look‐ahead bias. We perform simulations without look‐ahead bias and report the true performance of the moving average strategy. We find that, at best, the performance of the moving average strategy is only marginally better than that of the corresponding buy‐and‐hold strategy. In statistical terms, the performance of the moving average strategy is indistinguishable from the performance of the buy‐and‐hold strategy.
Effect of surgical periodontal treatment associated to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Martins Sérgio H. L. , Novaes Arthur B. , Taba Mario , Palioto Daniela B. , Messora Michel R. , Reino Danilo M. , Souza Sérgio L. S.
Published: May 2017

Aim

This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of an adjunctive single application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in Surgical Periodontal Treatment (ST) in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (SCP).

Material and Methods

In a split‐mouth design, 20 patients with SCP were treated with aPDT+ST (Test Group, TG) or ST only (Control Group, CG). aPDT was applied in a single episode, using a diode laser and a phenothiazine photosensitizer. All patients were monitored until 90 days after surgical therapy. Levels of 40 subgingival species were measured by checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization at baseline, 60 and 150 days. Clinical and microbiological parameters were evaluated.

Results

In deep periodontal pockets depth (PPD ≥5 mm), Test Group presented a significantly higher decrease in PPD than Control Group at 90 days after surgical therapy (p < .05). Test Group also demonstrated significantly less periodontal pathogens of red complex (Treponema denticola) (p < .05).

Conclusion

A single episode of aPDT used in adjunct to open flap debridement of the root surface in the surgical treatment of SCP: i) significantly improved clinical periodontal parameters; ii) eliminates periodontal pathogens of the red complex more effectively (NCT02734784).
Development of an atrophic acne scar risk assessment tool
Authors: Tan J. , Thiboutot D. , Gollnick H. , Kang S. , Layton A. , Leyden J.J. , Torres V. , Guillemot J. , Dréno B.
Published: May 2017

Background

Acne is a chronic dermatological disease predominantly afflicting young adults and is often associated with the development of scars. Acne scarring is usually avoidable when acne is managed early and effectively. However, acne patients often fail to seek early treatment. New and innovative tools to raise awareness are needed.

Objective

This study presents the development and assessment of a tool aiming to assess the risk of atrophic acne scars.

Methods

A systematic literature review of clinical risk factors for acne scars, a Delphi‐like survey of dermatological experts in acne and secondary data analysis, were conducted to produce an evidence‐based risk assessment tool. The tool was assessed both with a sample of young adults with and without scars and was assessed via a database cross‐validation.

Results

A self‐administered tool for risk assessment of developing atrophic acne scars in young adults was developed. It is a readily comprehensible and practical tool for population education and for use in medical practices. It comprises of four risk factors: worst ever severity of acne, duration of acne, family history of atrophic acne scars and lesion manipulation behaviours. It provides a dichotomous outcome: lower vs. higher risk of developing scars, thereby categorizing nearly two‐thirds of the population correctly, with sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 43%.

Conclusion

The present tool was developed as a response to current challenges in acne scar prevention. A potential benefit is to encourage those at risk to self‐identify and to seek active intervention of their acne. In clinical practice, we expect this tool may help clinicians identify patients at risk of atrophic acne scarring and underscore their requirement for rapid and effective acne treatment.
Asia‐Pacific Colorectal Screening score: A useful tool to stratify risk for colorectal advanced neoplasms in Vietnamese patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Quach Duc Trong , Hiyama Toru , Nguyen Thu Anh , Ly Hoa Quoc , Tanaka Shinji
Published: May 2017

Background and Aim

The Asia‐Pacific Colorectal Screening (APCS) score has been validated in several populations but not yet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to assess the performance of APCS score in stratifying risk of colorectal advanced neoplasms (CAN) in Vietnamese IBS patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients who fulfilled IBS diagnosis criteria according to the Rome III were prospectively enrolled and underwent colonoscopy. APCS score for each patient was calculated by summing the points attributed by risk factors. Three tiers of risk were defined: 0–1 “average risk” (AR); 2–3 “moderate risk” (MR); and 4–7 “high risk” (HR). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relative risk of CAN in HR group and MR group compared with AR group.

Results

There were 404 patients with excellent bowel preparation and complete colonoscopy. The mean age was 48.8 ± 11.2 years and male : female ratio was 1.2:1. Twenty‐eight patients (6.9%) were diagnosed with CAN: 19 (4.7%) advanced adenoma and 9 (2.2%) invasive colorectal cancer. Patients in the MR and HR tiers had 5.6‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 24.7, P = 0.012) and 12.1‐fold (95% confidence interval 2.6 to 56.2, P < 0.001) increased rates of CAN compared with those in the AR tier, respectively. Three out of 9 patients with invasive colorectal cancer had no alarm features but had high sum APCS score (2 in MR tier and 1 in HR tier).

Conclusion

The APCS score is useful to identify IBS patients with high risk of CAN for colonoscopy priority.
Risk factors of periodontal disease in Vietnamese patients
Authors: Pham Thuy A. V. , Kieu Thoai Q. , Ngo Lan T. Q.
Published: May 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the association of periodontitis with dental and smoking behaviors, self‐perception of oral status, dental knowledge, and obesity in Vietnamese patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 367 adults who first visited the Faculty of Odonto‐Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Information on demographic characteristics, dental and smoking behaviors, self‐perception of oral status, dental knowledge, and nutritional status was investigated by a self‐administered questionnaire. Periodontal status, including plaque index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing, was examined. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore risk factors that were associated with periodontitis after adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

Dental and smoking behaviors, dental knowledge, and nutritional status were all significantly related to periodontitis. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients who had risk factors significantly associated with periodontitis were those who had dental scaling during the past year (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2), current smokers (OR: 2.47), who received instructions on oral hygiene (OR=1.73), and those who were overweight/obese (OR: 4.78).

Conclusion

Periodontitis was correlated with dental and smoking behaviors, dental knowledge, and nutritional status in Vietnamese dental patients. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing tobacco consumption, motivating oral self‐care behaviors, together with normal weight maintenance, are necessary to reduce periodontal disease burdens.
Marijuana Use in Pregnancy: Concerns in an Evolving Era
Authors: Foeller Megan E. , Lyell Deirdre J.
Published: May 2017

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in pregnancy, and the prevalence of use during pregnancy is increasing in the United States. Although much of the existing research investigating marijuana use in pregnancy is limited by study design and confounding factors, a growing accumulation of data suggests adverse outcomes. Studies have identified associations with decreased birth weight, increased spontaneous preterm birth, and impaired neurodevelopment among children and adults with in utero exposure. Moderate concentrations of marijuana have also been identified in breast milk. Due to these findings, multiple professional societies have issued clear statements against marijuana use during pregnancy and lactation.