bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cotton stainer's gut microbiota suppresses infection of a cotransmitted trypanosomatid parasite
Authors: Onchuru Thomas O. , Martinez Adam J. , Kaltenpoth Martin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe evolutionary and ecological success of many insects is attributed to mutualistic partnerships with bacteria that confer hosts with novel traits including food digestion, nutrient supplementation, detoxification of harmful compounds and defence against natural enemies. Dysdercus fasciatus firebugs (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae), commonly known as cotton stainers, possess a simple but distinctive gut bacterial community including B vitamin‐supplementing Coriobacteriaceae symbionts. In addition, their guts are often infested with the intestinal trypanosomatid parasite Leptomonas pyrrhocoris (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In this study, using experimental bioassays and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we report on the protective role of the D. fasciatus gut bacteria against L. pyrrhocoris. We artificially infected 2nd instars of dysbiotic and symbiotic insects with a parasite culture and measured parasite titres, developmental time and survival rates. Our results show that L. pyrrhocoris infection increases developmental time and slightly modifies the quantitative composition of the gut microbiota. More importantly, we found significantly higher parasite titres and a tendency towards lower survival rates in parasite‐infected dysbiotic insects compared to symbiotic controls, indicating that the gut bacteria successfully interfere with the establishment or proliferation of L. pyrrhocoris. The colonization of symbiotic bacteria on the peritrophic matrix along the gut wall, as revealed by FISH, likely acts as a barrier blocking parasite attachment or entry into the hemolymph. Our findings show that in addition to being nutritionally important, D. fasciatus’ gut bacteria complement the host's immune system in preventing parasite invasions and that a stable gut microbial community is integral for the host's health.
Mapping institutional mechanisms of ethno‐national representation: towards a better measurement approach
Authors: Schertzer Robert 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMeasuring institutional mechanisms that facilitate ethno‐national representation is a difficult enterprise. Most studies examine the electoral system, while a set of other indices focus on designs and policies related to minority recognition. This article addresses a number of gaps in the existing literature by taking a wide view that considers a breadth of institutional designs that facilitate representation in a political system. The goal is to recalibrate our theoretical and empirical approach to measuring ethno‐national representation – to move beyond narrower assessments based solely on the electoral system, while also providing additional depth and breadth to existing indices and studies of related aspects of institutional design. To achieve this goal, the article (1) constructs an analytical framework that accounts for the institutional mechanisms that facilitate the direct and indirect representation of ethno‐national minorities across both macro‐level and micro‐level institutional designs in a state and (2) applies this framework to map institutional designs in twelve states to provide an indication of the usefulness of a new measurement tool (a representation index). The argument is that this framework and tool provide a corrective to the limitations of current approaches, advancing our ability to measure the institutional mechanisms of minority representation.
How an Orthodox Accusation Became a Source of Inspiration for Congar's pneumatology
Authors: Arteaga Pablo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate that due to the so-called “accusation of Christomonism” made especially by the Orthodox observers during the Vatican II sessions, the pneumatology of French theologian Yves Congar proceeded to develop in a way that would have never happened without such a reproach. We will go through the accusation itself, its theological consequences, and then we will study the direct and indirect responses of Congar. Was Congar even aware of the effects that this accusation had on his theology?
Perceptions of Iranian parents towards the paternal role in raising adolescent children
Authors: Rahkar Farshi Mahni , Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Rssouli Mryam , Lopez Violeta , Cleary Michelle 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn Iran, as in other nations, adolescence can be a challenging period for both parents and their children. Typically, mothers assume the main role of parenting, which can have a negative impact either directly or indirectly on paternal involvement, or conversely, play a positive role of mediation between fathers and their adolescent children. In the present study, we report on a qualitative study conducted in 2016 that explored the perceptions of Iranian parents toward the paternal role in raising adolescent children. Twenty three mothers and fathers of adolescent children were interviewed to explore their views and experiences with paternal roles in raising adolescent children. Four themes emerged from the data: (i) limited father–child interactions; (ii) mother‐led parenting; (iii) father–child conflict; and (iv) united front parenting. The findings suggest that mothers maintain a prime role in parenting, but that the involvement of fathers can have a negative or positive impact on adolescent development, depending on the level and quality of that involvement. Strategies need to be explored for how parents can best support one another to engage in the development of adolescent children.
3D follow‐up study of facial asymmetry after developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Launonen A. , Maikku M. , Vuollo V. , Pirttiniemi P. , Valkama A. M. , Heikkinen T. , Kau C. H. , Harila V. 
Published: July 2018

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the change in facial asymmetry among subjects treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) from childhood to adolescence.Setting and sample populationA total of 39 adolescents (26 females and 13 males), born and treated for DDH during 1997‐2001, participated in the first examination in 2007 (T1; at the age of 8.2) and in the follow‐up in 2016 (T2; at the age of 16.6).Material and methodsIn this longitudinal study, three‐dimensional (3D) images were taken using a 3DMD face system based on a stereophotogrammetric method. Facial asymmetry was determined as the average distance (mm) calculated between the original and superimposed mirrored face and the symmetry percentage (%) calculated as the face area where the distance between the original face and the mirrored surface does not exceed 0.5 mm.ResultsResults showed increased asymmetry from T1 to T2. The average distance increased for whole face (from 0.51 mm to 0.59 mm, P = .001), upper face (from 0.41 mm to 0.49 mm, P = .005), mid‐face (from 0.48 mm to 0.57, P = .002) and lower face (from 0.74 mm to 0.85 mm, P = .147). Facial symmetry percentage decreased for whole face from 61.23% to 55.38% (P = .011), for upper face from 69.27% to 62.24% (P = .005) and for mid‐face from 62.29% to 55.63% (P = .007) and for lower face from 43.37% to 42.19% (P = .66).ConclusionFacial asymmetry increases from childhood to adulthood in subjects treated for DDH. Orthodontic treatment does not eliminate this asymmetric facial growth.
Gal d 1‐specific IgE predicts allergy to heated egg in Finnish children
Authors: Palosuo Kati , Kukkonen Anna Kaarina , Pelkonen Anna Susanna , Mäkelä Mika Juhani 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAllergen‐specific IgE levels can be useful in predicting outcomes of oral food challenges, but optimal cutoff levels vary in different populations. The aim was to determine cutoff values for egg white‐ and Gal d 1‐, Gal d 2‐, Gal d 3‐, and Gal d 4‐specific IgE (sIgE) predicting positive oral heated egg challenges in 185 Finnish children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 185 egg‐sensitized patients (age: 1‐19 years, median: 6.3, mean: 7.0 years) with suspected egg allergy underwent double‐blind, placebo‐controlled (n = 78), or open (n = 107) oral food challenges with heated egg white. Specific IgE levels to egg white, Gal d 1 (ovomucoid), Gal d 2 (ovalbumin), Gal d 3 (conalbumin), and Gal d 4 (lysozyme) were measured by ImmunoCAP and compared with challenge outcomes.ResultsOf the 185 challenges, 124 (67%) were positive. Gal d 1 sIgE levels were significantly higher in the challenge‐positive (median 13.5 kU/L, mean 33.2 kU/L) than in the challenge‐negative group (median 0.2 kU/L, mean 1.2 kU/L), P < 0.0001. The diagnostic capacity of sIgE to egg white and Gal d 2, 3, and 4 was clearly weaker. In ROC analysis, the AUC for egg white was 0.86, Gal d 2 0.84, Gal d 3 0.79, and Gal d 4 0.77. Sensitization to Gal d 1 with a cutoff of value of >3.7 kU/L predicted a positive challenge with a specificity of 95% and sensitivity of 78%. The likelihood ratio was 15.9. In ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91‐0.97). With a cutoff value of >14 kU/L, all challenges were positive, and with a cutoff of <0.9 kU/L, 95% of the challenges were negative. In the children aged 1‐5 years (n = 88), the cutoff for Gal d 1 was >3.8 kU/L, and in the children above 6 years of age (n = 97), it was >3.5 kU/L.ConclusionGal d 1‐specific IgE is useful in distinguishing egg‐sensitized patients with clinically reactive egg allergy from those tolerant of heated egg. The optimal cutoff point in a Finnish population of 185 children and adolescents was 3.7 kU/L with no significant difference between the younger and older age groups.
Cellular immunopathogenesis in primary Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy
Authors: Piao Lian Xun , Cheng Jia Hui , Aosai Fumie , Zhao Xu Dong , Norose Kazumi , Jin Xue Jun 
Published: July 2018

SummaryCongenital toxoplasmosis is caused by the vertical transmission of infection from mother to foetus through the placenta when a pregnant woman is infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Congenital infection can have serious consequences, such as intrauterine abortion, foetal death and severe neurological, ocular or other organ damage in the foetus. In this review, we focus on recent publications investigating vertical transmission of T. gondii infection, cellular immunopathogenesis and protective immunity in primary toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
Seed ecology of the geophyte Conopodium majus (Apiaceae), indicator species of ancient woodland understories and oligotrophic meadows
Authors: Blandino C. , Fernández‐Pascual E. , Marin M. , Vernet A. , Pritchard H. W. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Conopodium majus is a geophyte with pseudomonocotyly, distributed in Atlantic Europe. It is an indicator of two declining European habitats: ancient woodland understories and oligotrophic hay meadows. Attempts to reintroduce it by seed have been hindered by scarce seedling emergence and limited knowledge of its seed biology.

Micro‐CT scanning was used to assess pseudomonocotyly. Embryo growth and germination were studied in the laboratory and the field, using dissection and image analysis. The effects of temperature, light, nitrate and GA3 on germination were tested. Seed desiccation tolerance was investigated by storage at different RHs and by drying seeds at different stages of embryo growth.

Seeds possess morphological but not physiological dormancy. Embryo growth and germination were promoted by temperatures between 0 and 5 °C, arrested above 10 °C, and indifferent to alternating temperatures, light, nitrate and GA3. Pseudomonocotyly appears to result from cotyledon fusion. While seeds tolerated drying to 15% RH and storage for 1 year at 20 °C, viability was lost when storage was at 60% RH. Seeds imbibed at 5 °C for 84 days had significant internal embryo growth but were still able to tolerate drying to 15% RH.

Reproduction by seed in C. majus follows a strategy shared by geophytes adapted to deciduous temperate forests. The evolution of fused cotyledons may enable the radicle and the hypocotyl to reach deeper into the soil where a tuber can develop. The embryo is capable of growth within the seed at low temperatures so that germination is timed for early spring.
Concentrations of immune marker in newborn dried blood spots and early childhood development: Results from the Upstate KIDS Study
Authors: Ghassabian Akhgar , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Chahal Nikhita , McLain Alexander C. , Bell Erin M. , Lawrence David A. , Gilman Stephen E. , Yeung Edwina H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundEvidence shows cytokine dysregulation in children with developmental disabilities. The association between immune activity during the perinatal period and child development is less clear.MethodsWe examined the relationship between newborn concentrations of immune markers and child development. Within Upstate KIDS, a population‐based birth cohort (2008‐2010, upstate New York), we assayed immune markers, which are postulated to have neuro‐modulatory effects, in newborn dried blood spots (NDBS, n = 3038). Mothers completed the Ages & Stages Questionnaire© (ASQ) for their children repeatedly through age 36 months. At 30 and 36 months, mothers also reported whether their children received any developmental services. We used generalised linear mixed models adjusted for maternal and child characteristics to test associations.ResultsSixteen immune markers were associated with failing ASQ in unadjusted models. After full adjustment (for gestational age, mode of delivery, parity, pregnancy smoking, etc.), we observed that higher levels of 4 markers, including platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA (PDGF‐AA, OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67, 0.89), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68, 0.94), stromal cell derived factor‐1 (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73, 0.98), and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1beta (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77, 0.98) were associated with lower odds of ASQ failure. The associations did not exist if correction for multiple comparisons was performed, except for PDGF‐AA. Analyses with developmental service use revealed similar null findings.ConclusionsImmune marker concentrations in NDBS may not be associated with developmental delay in the general population. Newborn concentrations of growth factor PDGF‐AA may be protective of developmental delay in childhood.
Rapid bedside rejuvenation of red blood cell with an autologous cell salvage device
Authors: Enten G. , Dalvi P. , Martini N. , Kausch K. , Gray A. , Landrigan M. , Mangar D. , Camporesi E. 
Published: July 2018

Background and ObjectivesDuring storage, red blood cells (RBCs) undergo physicochemical changes which affect the quality, function, and in vivo survival of transfused packed RBCs (pRBC). Changes include decreased 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) levels, decreased ATP, changes in mechanical properties and oxidative injury. RBC rejuvenation is a method used to increase levels of 2,3‐DPG and ATP in pRBCs. This process requires incubating the pRBCs with a rejuvenation solution and subsequent washing. Standard blood bank protocols using the COBE 2991 Cell Processor require several hours of preparation. The objective of this study was to verify if a bedside protocol for rejuvenating pRBC and washing with the Sorin Xtra autologous cell salvage system could be used.Materials and MethodsOutdated pRBC units were obtained and rejuvenated in a model operating suite using a dry air incubator for 1 h at 37°C. Six units of pRBCs were pre‐diluted with saline (1000 ml) and six units were not pre‐diluted with saline. All units were washed with normal saline (1000 ml) using an apheresis‐design cell salvage device in manual mode and wash volume set to 3000 ml. Samples were collected and analyzed for standard RBC quality parameters at baseline and post‐wash.ResultsTotal pRBC wash efficiency was 94% ± 12% at a final hematocrit of 67.7 ± 5.9% while maintaining post‐wash hemolysis 0.24 ± 0.12 %. Pre‐dilution prior to washing did not confer statistically significant differences in final RBC quality parameters with the notable exceptions of calculated hemolysis and supernatant potassium levels (P < 0.05). The washing process can be completed within 10 min. The post‐wash RBC parameters are appropriate for immediate transfusion to patients.
Preservatives in glaucoma medication
Authors: Steven David W , Alaghband Pouya , Lim Kin Sheng 
Published: July 2018

Preservatives continue to be in widespread use in ophthalmic medications due to the convenience they provide, regulatory requirements and the higher cost of alternatives. Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) remains the most commonly used preservative but there is a trend towards the use of preservative-free (PF) drops for glaucoma, although at a higher price. An extensive body of literature explores BAK toxicity on ocular structures in animal and laboratory studies (in vitro and in vivo). Non-randomised controlled studies have provided some supporting evidence of its toxicity in patients, especially in those with pre-existing ocular surface disease (OSD) or on multiple medications. However, there have been very few randomised controlled trials that compare the same medication with and without BAK preservative. Several of these trials have never been published in any peer reviewed journals. Notwithstanding, those that have been published, have not demonstrated any clear benefits of the BAK-free formulations. Short duration and exclusion of those with OSD are limitations of these studies. There is a lack of evidence of clinically significant harm from a small number of BAK preserved drops in patients without OSD. This means that generally more expensive PF glaucoma medications should only be recommended for those on poly pharmacy or those with OSD but are not necessarily required for all patients.
Optic nerve oedema at high altitude occurs independent of acute mountain sickness
Authors: Schatz Andreas , Guggenberger Vanessa , Fischer M Dominik , Schommer Kai , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Gekeler Florian , Willmann Gabriel 
Published: July 2018

Background/aimsThe study aims to investigate changes in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) at high altitude and to assess correlation to optic disc oedema (ODE) and acute mountain sickness (AMS). This investigation is part of the Tübingen High Altitude Ophthalmology study.MethodsFourteen volunteers ascended to 4559 m for 4 days before returning to low altitude. Ultrasonography of ONSD, quantification of optic disc parameters using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope and fluorescein angiography were performed at 341 m and at high altitude. Pearson’s coefficient was used to correlate changes in ONSD with the optic disc and AMS. Assessment of AMS was performed using the Lake Louise (LL) and AMS-cerebral (AMS-C) scores of the Environmental Symptom Questionnaire-III. All volunteers were clinically monitored for heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2).ResultsThe mean ONSD at high altitude (4.6±0.3 mm, p<0.05) was significantly increased compared with baseline (3.8±0.4 mm) and remained enlarged throughout high-altitude exposure. This change in ONSD did not correlate with AMS (AMS-C, r=0.26, p=0.37; LL, r=0.21, p=0.48) and high-altitude headache (r=0.54, p=0.046), or clinical parameters of SpO2 (r=0.11, p=0.72) and HR (r=0.22, p=0.44). Increased ONSD did not correlate with altered key stereometric parameters of the optic disc describing ODE at high altitude (r<0.1, p>0.5).ConclusionHigh-altitude exposure leads to marked oedema formation of the optic nerve independent of AMS. Increased ONSD and ODE reflect hypoxia-driven oedema formation of the optic nerve at high altitude, providing important pathophysiological insight into high-altitude illness development and for future research.
Repeatability of vessel density measurements using optical coherence tomography angiography in retinal diseases
Authors: Lee Min-Woo , Kim Kyeung-Min , Lim Hyung-Bin , Jo Young-Joon , Kim Jung-Yeul 
Published: July 2018

AimTo analyse the repeatability of vessel density (VD) measurements using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with retinal diseases.MethodsTwo consecutive VD measurements using OCTA were analysed prospectively in patients with retinal diseases (diabetic macular oedema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with macular oedema, epiretinal membrane (ERM), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and test-retest SD of VD measurements were assessed, and linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to repeatability.ResultsA total of 134 eyes were analysed involving 20 eyes with DME, 44 eyes with RVO with macular oedema, 50 eyes with ERM and 20 eyes with wet AMD. The mean age was 64.9 years, and the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.24. The mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 391.6 µm, and the mean ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness was 61.4 µm. In all four diseases, the ICC and CV of the full VD were 0.812 and 6.72%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that the BCVA (B, 8.553; p=0.031), signal strength (B, −1.688; p=0.050), CMT (B, 0.019; p=0.015) and mean GC-IPL thickness (B, −0.103; p=0.001) were significant factors that affected the repeatability. Multivariate analyses of these factors showed a significant result for the GC-IPL thickness.ConclusionsMeasurements of the VD using OCTA showed relatively good repeatability for various retinal diseases. The BCVA, signal strength, CMT and GC-IPL thickness affected the repeatability, so these factors should be considered when analysing the VD.
Prognosis of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment
Authors: Hao Yonggang , Liu Wenhua , Wang Huaiming , Zi Wenjie , Yang Dong , Wang Wei , Tian Xiguang , Guo Fuqiang , Jin Ping , Xiong Yunyun , Liu Xinfeng , Xu Gelin 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveAsymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aSICH) is a common phenomenon after endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke, but its prognostic impacts remain unclear. This study evaluated functional outcomes of thrombectomy in patients with and without aSICH.MethodsPatients with acute ischemic stroke due to large artery occlusion in the anterior circulation who were treated with thrombectomy were enrolled in 21 centers. According to CT scans performed within 72 hours of endovascular procedures, patients with aSICH or without intracranial hemorrhage were included while patients with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) were excluded. Baseline data and functional outcomes were compared between patients with aSICH and those without intracranial hemorrhage. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the impacts of aSICH on functional outcomes.ResultsOf the 632 patients with endovascular treatment, 101 (16.0%) were classified as having SICH, 212 (33.5%) as having aSICH, and 319 (50.5%) as being without intracranial hemorrhage. Patients with aSICH after endovascular treatment had a lower ratio of excellent outcome (mRS 0–1, OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84, P=0.007) than those without intracranial hemorrhage. There were no significant differences concerning favorable outcome (mRS 0–2, OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.50 to 1.14, P=0.185) or mortality (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.09, P=0.101) between patients with aSICH and those without intracranial hemorrhage.ConclusionsIn an Asian population, aSICH after thrombectomy may decrease the likelihood of an excellent functional outcome but does not influence a favorable outcome and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke due to large artery occlusion in the anterior circulation.