bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of treatment on hepatitis C virus transmission and incidence in Egypt: A case for treatment as prevention
Authors: Ayoub H. H. , Abu‐Raddad L. J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEgypt has launched a hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment programme using direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Our aim was to assess the impact of five plausible programme scale‐up and sustainability scenarios for HCV treatment as prevention in Egypt. We developed and analysed a mathematical model to assess programme impact using epidemiologic, programming and health economics measures. The model was parametrized with current and representative natural history, HCV prevalence and programme data. HCV incidence in Egypt is declining, but will persist at a considerable level for decades unless controlled by interventions. Across the five programme scenarios, 1.75‐5.60 million treatments were administered by 2030. Reduction in incidence (annual number of new infections) by 2030 ranged between 29% and 99%, programme‐attributed reduction in incidence rate (new infections per susceptible person per year) ranged between 18% and 99%, number of infections averted ranged between 42 393 and 469 599, and chronic infection prevalence reached as low as 2.8%‐0.1%. Reduction in incidence rate year by year hovered around 7%‐15% in the first decade of the programme in most scenarios. Treatment coverage in 2030 ranged between 24.9% and 98.8%, and number of treatments required to avert one new infection ranged between 9.5 and 12.1. Stipulated targets for HCV by 2030 could not be achieved without scaling‐up treatment to 365 000 per year and sustaining it for a decade. In conclusion, DAA scale‐up will have an immense and immediate impact on HCV incidence in Egypt. Elimination by 2030 is feasible if sufficient resources are committed to programme scale‐up and sustainability. HCV treatment as prevention is a potent and effective prevention approach.
Plasticity paves the way in an adaptive radiation
Authors: Sikkink Kristin L. , Snell‐Rood Emilie C. 
Published: December 2016

Phenotypic plasticity has been hypothesized to play a central role in the evolution of phenotypic diversity across species (West‐Eberhard ). Through ‘genetic assimilation’, phenotypes that are initially environmentally induced within species become genetically fixed over evolutionary time. While genetic assimilation has been shown to occur in both the laboratory and the field (Waddington ; Aubret & Shine ), it remains to be shown whether it can account for broad patterns of phenotypic diversity across entire adaptive radiations. Furthermore, our ignorance of the underlying molecular mechanisms has hampered our ability to incorporate phenotypic plasticity into models of evolutionary processes. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Parsons et al. () take a significant step in filling these conceptual gaps making use of cichlid fishes as a powerful study system. Cichlid jaw and skull morphology show adaptive, plastic changes in response to early dietary experiences (Fig. 1). In this research, Parsons et al. () first show that the direction of phenotypic plasticity aligns with the major axis of phenotypic divergence across species. They then dissect the underlying genetic architecture of this plasticity, showing that it is specific to the developmental environment and implicating the patched locus in genetic assimilation (i.e. a reduction in the environmental sensitivity of that locus in the derived species).
Ageing causes prominent neurovascular dysfunction associated with loss of astrocytic contacts and gliosis
Authors: Duncombe J. , Lennen R. J. , Jansen M. A. , Marshall I. , Wardlaw J. M. , Horsburgh K. 
Published: December 2016

AimsNormal neurovascular coupling, mediated by the fine interplay and communication of cells within the neurovascular unit, is critical for maintaining normal brain activity and cognitive function. This study investigated whether, with advancing age there is disruption of neurovascular coupling and specific cellular components of the neurovascular unit, and whether the effects of increasing amyloid (a key feature of Alzheimer's disease) would exacerbate these changes.MethodsWild‐type mice, in which amyloid deposition is absent, were compared to transgenic amyloid precursor protein (APP) littermates (TgSwDI) which develop age‐dependent increases in amyloid. Baseline cerebral blood flow and responses to whisker stimulation were measured. Components of the neurovascular unit (astrocytes, end‐feet, pericytes, microglia) were measured by immunohistochemistry.ResultsNeurovascular coupling was progressively impaired with increasing age (starting at 12 months) but was not further altered in TgSwDI mice. Aged mice showed reduced vascular pericyte coverage relative to young but this was not related to neurovascular function. Aged mice displayed significant reductions in astrocytic end‐feet expression of aquaporin‐4 on blood vessels compared to young mice, and a prominent increase in microglial proliferation which correlated with neurovascular function.ConclusionsStrategies aimed to restore the loss of astrocytic end feet contact and reduce gliosis may improve neurovascular coupling.
Time to onset of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fung PPL , Bedogni G , Bedogni A , Petrie A , Porter S , Campisi G , Bagan J , Fusco V , Saia G , Acham S , Musto P , Petrucci MT , Diz P , Colella G , Mignogna MD , Pentenero M , Arduino P , Lodi G , Maiorana C , Manfredi M , Hallberg P , Wadelius M , Takaoka K , Leung YY , Bonacina R , Schiødt M , Lakatos P , Taylor T , De Riu G , Favini G , Rogers SN , Pirmohamed M , Nicoletti P ,   GENVABO Consortium, Fedele S 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesOsteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a potentially severe adverse effect of bisphosphonates (BP). Although the risk of ONJ increases with increasing duration of BP treatment, there are currently no reliable estimates of the ONJ time to onset (TTO). The objective of this study was to estimate the TTO and associated risk factors in BP‐treated patients.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective analysis of data from 22 secondary care centres in seven countries relevant to 349 patients who developed BP‐related ONJ between 2004 and 2012.ResultsThe median (95%CI) TTO was 6.0 years in patients treated with alendronate (n = 88) and 2.2 years in those treated with zoledronate (n = 218). Multivariable Cox regression showed that dentoalveolar surgery was inversely associated, and the use of antiangiogenics directly associated, with the TTO in patients with cancer treated with zoledronate.ConclusionsThe incidence of ONJ increases with the duration of BP therapy, with notable differences observed with respect to BP type and potency, route of administration and underlying disease. When data are stratified by BP type, a time of 6.0 and 2.2 years of oral alendronate and intravenous zoledronate therapy, respectively, is required for 50% of patients to develop ONJ. After stratification by disease, a time of 5.3 and 2.2 years of BP therapy is required for 50% of patients with osteoporosis and cancer, respectively, to develop ONJ. These findings have significant implications for the design of future clinical studies and the development of risk‐reduction strategies aimed at either assessing or modulating the risk of ONJ associated with BP.
Hospital staff experiences of their relationships with adults who self‐harm: A meta‐synthesis
Authors: O'Connor Sophie , Glover Lesley 
Published: December 2016

PurposeThis review aimed to synthesize qualitative literature exploring inpatient hospital staff experiences of their relationships with people who self‐harm.MethodsNine studies were identified from a systematic search of five research databases. Papers included the experiences of physical health and mental health staff working in inpatient settings. The studies employed various qualitative research methods and were appraised using an adapted quality assessment tool (Tong, Sainsbury, & Craig, 2007). A meta‐synthesis was conducted using traditional qualitative analysis methods including coding and categorizing data into themes.ResultsThree main themes derived from the data. ‘The impact of the system’ influenced the extent to which staff were ‘Fearing the harm from self‐harm’, or were ‘Working alongside the whole person’. A fear‐based relationship occurred across mental health and physical health settings despite differences in training; however, ‘Working alongside the whole person’ primarily emerged from mental health staff experiences. Systemic factors provided either an inhibitory or facilitative influence on the relational process.ConclusionsStaff experiences of their relationship with people who self‐harm were highlighted to have an important impact on the delivery and outcome of care. Increasing support for staff with a focus on distress tolerance, managing relational issues, and developing self‐awareness within the relationship may lead to a more mutually beneficial experience of care. Equally, structure, clarity, and support within inpatient systems may empower staff to feel more confident in utilizing their existing skills.Practitioner points

Working with people who self‐harm can be emotionally challenging and how staff cope with this can significantly impact on the engagement of staff and patients.

Increasing the skills of staff in managing relational issues and tolerating distress, as well as providing support and reflective practice groups may be useful in managing emotional responses to working with people who self‐harm.

Refining the supportive, procedural, and environmental structures surrounding the caregiving relationship may help enable better integration of physical and mental health care.
The prediction of the level of personality organization on reduction of psychiatric symptoms and improvement of work ability in short‐ versus long‐term psychotherapies during a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Knekt Paul , Lindfors Olavi , Keinänen Matti , Heinonen Erkki , Virtala Esa , Härkänen Tommi 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesHow level of personality organization (LPO) predicts psychiatric symptoms and work ability in short‐ versus long‐term psychotherapies is poorly known. We investigated the importance of the LPO on the benefits of short‐term versus long‐term psychotherapies.DesignA cohort study based on 326 outpatients with mood or anxiety disorder was allocated to long‐term (LPP) and short‐term (SPP) psychodynamic psychotherapy, and solution‐focused therapy (SFT).MethodsThe LPO was assessed by interview at baseline and categorized into neuroses and higher level borderline. Outcome was assessed at baseline and 4–9 times during a 5‐year follow‐up, using self‐report and interview‐based measures of symptoms and work ability.ResultsFor patients receiving SPP, improvement in work ability, symptom reduction, and the remission rate were more considerable in patients with neuroses than in higher level borderline patients, whereas LPP or SFT showed no notable differences in effectiveness in the two LPO groups. In patients with neuroses, improvement was more considerable in the short‐term therapy groups during the first year of follow‐up, and in higher level borderline patients LPP was more effective after 3 years of follow‐up. The remission rate, defined as both symptom reduction and lack of auxiliary treatment, was higher in LPP than in SPP for both the LPO groups considered.ConclusionsIn neuroses, short‐term psychotherapy was associated with a more rapid reduction of symptoms and increase in work ability, whereas LPP was more effective for longer follow‐ups in both LPO groups. Further large‐scale studies are needed.Practitioner points

Level of personality organization is relevant for selection between short‐ and long‐term psychotherapies.

Short‐term therapy gives faster benefits for neurotic patients but not for patients with higher level borderline personality organization.

Sustained remission from symptoms is more probable after long‐term than short‐term therapy.
The light response of mesophyll conductance is controlled by structure across leaf profiles
Authors: Théroux‐Rancourt Guillaume , Gilbert Matthew E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm) may respond to light either through regulated dynamic mechanisms or due to anatomical and structural factors. At low light, some layers of cells in the leaf cross‐section approach photocompensation and contribute minimally to bulk leaf photosynthesis and little to whole leaf gm (gm,leaf). Thus, the bulk gm,leaf will appear to respond to light despite being based upon cells having an anatomically fixed mesophyll conductance. Such behaviour was observed in species with contrasting leaf structure using the variable J or stable isotope method of measuring gm,leaf. A species with bifacial structure, Arbutus × ‘Marina’, and an isobilateral species, Triticum durum L., had contrasting responses of gm,leaf upon varying adaxial or abaxial illumination. Anatomical observations, when coupled with the proposed model of gm,leaf to photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) response, successfully represented the observed gas exchange data. The theoretical and observed evidence that gm,leaf apparently responds to light has large implications for how gm,leaf values are interpreted, particularly limitation analyses, and indicates the importance of measuring gm under full light saturation. Responses of gm,leaf to the environment should be treated as an emergent property of a distributed 3D structure, and not solely a leaf area‐based phenomenon.
Living donor liver transplantation in a pediatric patient with preexisting yolk sac tumor
Authors: Wakiya Taiichi , Toyoki Yoshikazu , Ishido Keinosuke , Kudo Daisuke , Kimura Norihisa , Tsutsumi Shinji , Odagiri Tadashi , Suto Akiko , Uchida Chiaki , Hakamada Kenichi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThere is ongoing discussion regarding the indications and timing of LT for patients with a preexisting extrahepatic malignancy. We herein report a pediatric case that underwent LDLT after therapy for YST. The patient, a 13‐year‐old female with biliary atresia, had undergone portoenterostomy at 2 months of age. She developed a left ovarian tumor with a high serum alpha‐fetoprotein concentration at 10 years of age. She underwent left oophorectomy and was diagnosed with ovarian YST (Stage I). After surgery, hepatopulmonary syndrome progressed gradually. She was examined carefully and exhibited no findings to suggest the recurrence of YST. We decided to perform LDLT at 3 years and 6 months of age after the surgery for YST. The patient is currently alive and doing well without recurrence of YST at approximately 2 years after transplantation. There is no significant difference between the recurrence rate of preexisting extrahepatic malignancy and the incidence of de novo malignancy if specific cases are selected. The indications and period from surgery for preexisting extrahepatic malignancy to LT should thus be determined according to the type and stage of cancer.
Longitudinal analysis of living donor kidney transplant rates in pediatric candidates in the United States
Authors: Keith Douglas S. , Vranic Gayle , Barcia John , Norwood Victoria , Nishio‐Lucar Angie 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAmong adults, living donor kidney transplant rates began declining in the United States after 2004 but whether a similar decline is occurring in the pediatric candidates has not been well studied. Share 35, a change in allocation rules implemented in October of 2005, may also have influenced rates of living donation. We sought to determine whether a decline in rates was occurring in pediatric candidates and whether the Share 35 program was the cause of the decline. All children listed for a kidney transplant or transplanted with a living donor without listing between 1996 and 2011 were identified in the United States (N=14 911) of which 6046 had received a living donor transplant during follow‐up. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed a decline in living donor rates in candidates listed after 2001. Logistic regression analysis for living donor kidney transplantation confirmed the timing of the drop but also showed that changes in candidate demographics and center listing practices were impacting rates. A large drop in parental donation was the main cause for the drop. The rate of living donor transplant among pediatric candidates declined after 2001 predating by 4 years the implementation of Share 35, suggesting that factors other than changes in allocation rules are responsible for the decline.
Epstein‐Barr virus DNA monitoring in serum and whole blood in pediatric liver transplant recipients who do or do not discontinue immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Kullberg‐Lindh C. , Saalman R. , Olausson M. , Herlenius G. , Lindh M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe rate of PTLD can be reduced by weaned IS guided by monitoring of EBV DNA. In this single‐center retrospective case series study, we analyzed how reduction in IS influenced EBV DNA levels in whole blood and serum in 30 children during the first year after liver transplantation, and how these levels were related to symptoms putatively due to EBV. Primary and reactivated EBV infection was seen in 18 (60%) and eight patients (27%), respectively. Thirteen patients (42%) developed chronic high load the first year post‐transplant. IS was successfully discontinued in six patients the first year post‐transplant and in another two patients within 3 years. EBV DNA levels were reduced, but persisted long term in all the eight patients who had IS completely withdrawn. There was no case of PTLD. In summary, EBV DNAemia and chronic high load were very common after pediatric liver transplantation. Liver graft tolerance facilitates radical reduction in IS treatment, which may prevent PTLD, but EBV DNAemia may persist long term after discontinued IS.
The tanning habits and interest in sunscreen of Google users: what happened in 12 years?
Authors: Kirchberger Michael C. , Heppt Markus V. , Eigentler Thomas K. , Kirchberger Markus A. , Schuler Gerold , Heinzerling Lucie 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence of melanoma has been rising worldwide. One possible reason for this is natural and artificial UV exposure. Only little data on actual consumer statistics from tanning studios and the usage of sunscreen are available. Therefore, it is difficult to describe trends for both and identify the impact of preventive measures.MethodsTo gain knowledge about the popularity of ‘tanning bed’ and ‘sunscreen’, normalized search volumes for both search queries were obtained from Google Trends for 11 countries between January 2004 and June 2016.ResultsWith few exceptions, worldwide interest in ‘tanning bed’ has been declining, whereas interest in ‘sunscreen’ has been increasing. The assessed countries from the Southern Hemisphere showed minor interest in tanning compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Both search queries were observed to fluctuate in a seasonal pattern. Skin cancer prevention measures influence the interest in tanning beds and sunscreen.ConclusionGoogle Trends data can act as a first surrogate marker to evaluate the influence of skin cancer campaigns on the popularity of tanning beds and sunscreen. Fine‐tuning of skin cancer campaigns according to seasonal and geographic trends and behaviors may help to maximize their success.
Ultraviolet A eye irradiation ameliorates colon carcinoma induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate through β‐endorphin and methionine‐enkephalin
Authors: Hiramoto Keiichi , Yokoyama Satoshi , Yamate Yurika 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackgroundWe previously reported that ultraviolet (UV) A eye irradiation reduces the ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). This study examined the effects of UVA on colon carcinoma induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and DSS.MethodsWe irradiated the eyes of ICR mice with UVA at a dose of 110 kJ/m2 using an FL20SBLB‐A lamp for the experimental period.ResultsIn mice treated with these drugs, the symptom of colon carcinoma was reduced by UVA eye irradiation. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in the blood were increased in AOM + DSS‐treated mice; however, those levels were reduced by UVA eye irradiation. The expression of β‐endorphin, methionine‐enkephalin (OGF), μ‐opioid receptor, and opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR) of the colon was increased in the AOM + DSS‐treated mice, and these levels were increased further following UVA eye irradiation. When β‐endorphin inhibitor was administered, the ameliorative effect of UVA eye irradiation was reduced, and the effect of eye irradiation disappeared entirely following the administration of naltrexone (inhibitor of both opioid receptor and OGFR).ConclusionsThese results suggested that UVA eye irradiation exerts major effects on AOM + DSS‐induced colon carcinoma.
Regulation of reserve mobilisation in sunflower during late seedling establishment in continuous darkness
Authors: Avelino A. P. , de Oliveira D. F. A. , da Silva H. A. , de Macêdo C. E. C. , Voigt E. L. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Reserve mobilisation, metabolite partitioning and reserve‐degrading enzyme activity were studied in sunflower seedlings cultivated in vitro under a 12‐h photoperiod or in the dark to investigate the involvement of source–sink relation and carbon starvation in the regulation of reserve mobilisation under continuous darkness.

Reserves, metabolites and enzyme activity were determined with standard spectrophotometric methods.

At the first 24 h of treatment (acclimation phase), darkness did not affect growth, but restricted carbon and nitrogen use, as indicated by sugar and amino acid accumulation in the different seedling parts. After 5 days of treatment (survival phase), extended darkness limited growth and retarded storage lipid mobilisation due to carbon starvation, as evidenced by the depletion of carbohydrates in cotyledons and hypocotyl, as well as the consumption of amino acids in hypocotyls and roots.

Alterations in the source–sink relationship might have been a response to prolonged darkness, instead of a mechanism used to regulate reserve mobilisation, as these alterations cannot be associated with negative feedback mediated by metabolite accumulation. Storage lipid degradation depends, at least in part, on mechanisms that co‐ordinately regulate the activities of lipases and isocitrate lyase. Taking these results together, it is possible that reserve mobilisation in sunflower seedlings cultivated in the dark might be regulated by mechanisms that perceive the absence of light and predict carbon starvation, adjusting reserve use according to future energy demands to allow, at least in the short term, seedling survival.
Diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum species complex from maize stalk and ear rot strains in northeast China
Authors: Gai X. T. , Xuan Y. H. , Gao Z. G. 
Published: December 2016

The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is an important group of pathogens distributed in maize‐producing areas worldwide. This study investigated the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of 40 FGSC isolates obtained from stalk rot and ear rot samples collected from 42 locations in northeastern China during 2013 and 2014. A phylogenetic tree of translation elongation factor (EF‐la) sequences designated the 40 isolates as F. graminearum sensu stricto (67.5%) and F. boothii (32.5%). By using inter‐simple sequence repeat analysis (ISSR), it was shown that the isolates were divided into two clades, which corresponded to the species identity of the isolates. However, the isolates from the two different diseases could not be distinguished in pathogenicity. The disease severity index of seedlings inoculated with stalk isolates was slightly higher than that of seedlings inoculated with isolates from infected ears, whereas the pathogenicity of the stalk and ear isolates were identical.