bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective review of factors associated with severe hospitalised community‐acquired influenza in a tertiary paediatric hospital in South Australia
Authors: Lakhan Nerissa , Clarke Michelle , Mathew Suja M. , Marshall Helen 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundInfluenza infection can result in severe disease with debilitating complications. Young children have the highest rate of influenza hospitalisations with various factors influencing influenza susceptibility and severity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the disease burden and assess risk factors for severe hospitalised influenza in South Australian children under 5 years of age.MethodsInfluenza admissions to the tertiary paediatric hospital in South Australia from 2008 to 2012 were identified. Data from laboratory‐confirmed influenza cases were collected, including infecting influenza strain, co‐infections, prematurity, pre‐existing medical comorbidities and other potential risk factors. Predictors of high‐level care were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 267 children with laboratory‐confirmed influenza were hospitalised. Of these, 147 admissions (53%) occurred in children without underlying medical risk factors. Eighteen children (7%) required high‐level care, of which 11 (61%) had no underlying medical risk factors. No deaths were reported. The majority of children were unimmunised against influenza. Co‐infections were identified in 40% of children (n = 107). Influenza B was associated with a requirement for higher care (OR 3.7, CI 1.3–10.9, P = .02) as was a history of food allergies (OR 9.7, CI 1.5–61.4, P = .02) and iron deficiency anaemia (OR 4.8, CI 1.4–16.1, P = .01).ConclusionsInfluenza can be a severe illness, even in children without underlying medical conditions. The identification of Influenza B strain, history of food allergies and iron deficiency anaemia as predictors of severity in hospitalised cases warrants further investigation and may have important implications for preventative strategies to reduce the burden of childhood influenza.
Molecular changes in the postmortem parkinsonian brain
Authors: Toulorge Damien , Schapira Anthony H. V. , Hajj Rodolphe 
Published: July 2016

AbstractParkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer disease. Although PD has a relatively narrow clinical phenotype, it has become clear that its etiological basis is broad. Post‐mortem brain analysis, despite its limitations, has provided invaluable insights into relevant pathogenic pathways including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and protein homeostasis dysregulation. Identification of the genetic causes of PD followed the discovery of these abnormalities, and reinforced the importance of the biochemical defects identified post‐mortem. Recent genetic studies have highlighted the mitochondrial and lysosomal areas of cell function as particularly significant in mediating the neurodegeneration of PD. Thus the careful analysis of post‐mortem PD brain biochemistry remains a crucial component of research, and one that offers considerable opportunity to pursue etiological factors either by ‘reverse biochemistry’ i.e. from defective pathway to mutant gene, or by the complex interplay between pathways e.g. mitochondrial turnover by lysosomes. In this review we have documented the spectrum of biochemical defects identified in PD post‐mortem brain and explored their relevance to metabolic pathways involved in neurodegeneration. We have highlighted the complex interactions between these pathways and the gene mutations causing or increasing risk for PD. These pathways are becoming a focus for the development of disease modifying therapies for PD.
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Parkinson's is accompanied by multiple changes in the brain that are responsible for the progression of the disease. We describe here the molecular alterations occurring in postmortem brains and classify them as: Neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors; Lewy bodies and Parkinson's‐linked genes; Transition metals, calcium and calcium‐binding proteins; Inflammation; Mitochondrial abnormalities and oxidative stress; Abnormal protein removal and degradation; Apoptosis and transduction pathways.This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Clinical efficacy and safety of 20% glycolic peel, 15% lactic peel, and topical 20% vitamin C in constitutional type of periorbital melanosis: a comparative study
Authors: Dayal Surabhi , Sahu Priyadarshini , Jain Vijay Kumar , Khetri Sneh 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIntroductionPeriorbital Melanosis (POM) is a very common esthetic condition, yet there is no definite treatment modality. Topical therapy is the mainstay of treatment which includes chemical peels, vitamin C, and other depigmenting agents.ObjectiveTo compare clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 20% glycolic acid peels, 15% lactic acid peels, and topical 20% vitamin C in treatment of constitutional type of POM in Indian patients.MethodNinety patients of constitutional POM were enrolled for 12 weeks. The patients were distributed into three groups. One‐third of patients underwent 3‐weekly GA peel, another one‐third underwent 3‐weekly lactic peel, and rest applied vitamin C daily. Clinical improvement was assessed objectively using POM grading. Patient's and physicians global assessment along with patient's global tolerance was also evaluated.ResultsMore than 50% improvement in POM was observed in 73.34% of patients on GA peel, 56.67% on lactic peel, and 26.67% on vitamin C. On comparing improvement with respect to duration of therapy, GA peel was significantly more effective than lactic peel from 12 weeks onward, while it was more effective than vitamin C from 6 weeks onward. Lactic peel was more effective than vitamin C from 6 weeks onward. Physician and patient global assessment was excellent with glycolic peel followed by lactic peel and vitamin C. The incidence of adverse effect was maximum with GA peel followed by lactic peel and vitamin C.ConclusionGlycolic peel was best among the three modalities, although it was associated with increased rate of side effects.
Patterns of ‘at‐home’ alcohol‐related injury presentations to emergency departments
Authors: Bunker Naomi , Woods Cindy , Conway Jane , Barker Ruth , Usher Kim 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to establish the scale of alcohol‐related injuries originating in the home.BackgroundDespite recent media and public attention on alcohol‐related injuries occurring at licensed venues, many occur in other locations including the home.DesignA retrospective observational study.MethodsEmergency department surveillance data sourced from the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit were interrogated for alcohol‐related emergency department presentations from 2003–2012 (n = 12,296). Descriptive analysis was undertaken to assess alcohol involvement in injury, and analysis of variance was used to determine the differences among group means and their associated presentations. The relationship between demographic variables and injury location was assessed using p value of <0·05 as statistically significant.ResultsOf all injuries that were positively identified as being alcohol related, 41·07% occurred at the ‘other’ location, 36·14% ‘at home’, 13·00% on the street and 9·78% at licensed premises. Of these, males (n = 2635; 59%) represented a higher proportion than females (n = 1807; 41%). Of injuries identified as domestic violence by spouse or partner (n = 510), 59·5% occurred ‘at home’.ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate alcohol‐related injuries occurring at home. The home accounts for a greater proportion of injuries than the frequently assessed licensed premises location. Further research is required to validate these findings in a wider setting.Relevance to clinical practiceA public health campaign is required to minimise harm associated with alcohol‐related injuries in the home, and nurses are positioned to inform health policy makers around this issue. Furthermore, emergency department nurses are in a unique position to provide brief interventions around safe alcohol consumption and injury prevention.
Genetic profile of PTEN gene in Indian oral squamous cell carcinoma primary tumors
Authors: Shah Sejal , Jajal Dhara , Mishra Girish , Kalia Kiran 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundPhosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is the tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome10q23.3. Genetic variations in the PTEN gene have been found in various sporadic tumors. However, petite is known about the genetic profile of the PTEN gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is the eighth most common neoplasm worldwide and leading cancer in India. The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency of genetic variations in the tyrosine phosphatase domain of the PTEN gene in an Indian OSCC subset.MethodsWe analyzed tyrosine phosphatase domain encoded by exon 5 of the PTEN gene in 59 OSCC primary tumors using PCR ‐ direct genomic sequencing.ResultWe observed one somatic deletion mutation, IVS4‐30delT in three OSCC patients; two of them were at an advanced stage of carcinoma. Moreover, we identified one SNP rs 35560700(C>T), in five OSCC patients with the late stage of oral carcinoma.ConclusionWe identified 5% somatic mutational frequency in the intronic region of the tyrosine phosphatase domain of the PTEN gene; however, mutations were found absent in the coding region. Therefore, PTEN gene mutation is not a frequent event in the pathogenesis of OSCC in the targeted Indian cohort.
Expression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 protein in ameloblastomas, keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and dentigerous cysts
Authors: Wu Yu‐Hsueh , Chang Julia Yu‐Fong , Tseng Chih‐Huang , Chiang Chun‐Pin , Wang Yi‐Ping 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundBenign epithelial odontogenic tumors such as ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) may exhibit an aggressive clinical course reminiscent of malignancies. Recent studies have indicated that astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) is highly expressed in a variety of malignant neoplasms and its overexpression is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and poor survival. However, the role of AEG‐1 in odontogenic tumors and cysts is still undiscovered.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining of AEG‐1 was performed in 42 cases of ameloblastoma, 29 cases of KCOT, and 19 cases of dentigerous cyst. Correlations between AEG‐1 expression and clinical parameters of ameloblastomas or KCOTs were statistically analyzed.ResultsAEG‐1‐positive staining was found in 37 (88%) of 42 ameloblastomas and in 24 (83%) of 29 KCOTs. None of 19 dentigerous cysts were positive for AEG‐1 protein. For ameloblastomas, AEG‐1 protein expression was significantly higher in ameloblast‐like cells than in stellate reticulum‐like cells (P = 0.003). For KCOTs, AEG‐1 protein was diffusely expressed in all lining epithelial cells except the superficial parakeratinized cells. Moreover, the frequency of cortical plate perforation was significantly higher in ameloblastomas with high AEG‐1 expression than in ameloblastomas with low or negative AEG‐1 expression (P = 0.043).ConclusionSignificantly higher expression of AEG‐1 protein in ameloblastomas and KCOTs than in dentigerous cysts and significantly greater frequency of cortical plate perforation in high AEG‐1‐expressed ameloblastomas than in low or negative AEG‐1‐expressed ameloblastomas may imply the high potential of AEG‐1 to serve as a locally invasive biomarker and a target for novel therapy.
From Reproductive Rights to Responsibilization: Fashioning Liberal Subjects in Mexico City's New Public Sector Abortion Program
Authors: Singer Elyse Ona 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBuilding on medical anthropology literature that analyzes doctor–patient interactions as a charged site for the production of political subjectivities, I demonstrate how a central feature of Mexico City's new public sector abortion program involves “responsibilization.” In accordance with entrenched Ministry of Health objectives, providers transmit a suite of values about personal responsibility and self‐regulation through the use of birth control, hinging abortion rights to responsible reproductive subjectivity. Based on 18 months of ethnographic research across program clinics, including 75 interviews with patients and providers, I show how interrupción legal del embarazo protocols fashion “responsibilized” liberal subjects. I argue that the recent granting of abortion rights in Mexico City—ostensibly a new moment for the construction of women's citizenship—instead reflects and extends long‐standing state agendas of “reproductive governance.” My analysis of reproductive rights as the newest framing of ongoing population policies in Mexico adds to a critical anthropology of human rights and of liberal projects of governance.
GerM is required to assemble the basal platform of the SpoIIIA–SpoIIQ transenvelope complex during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rodrigues Christopher D. A. , Ramírez‐Guadiana Fernando H. , Meeske Alexander J. , Wang Xindan , Rudner David Z. 
Published: July 2016

SummarySporulating Bacillus subtilis cells assemble a multimeric membrane complex connecting the mother cell and developing spore that is required to maintain forespore differentiation. An early step in the assembly of this transenvelope complex (called the A–Q complex) is an interaction between the extracellular domains of the forespore membrane protein SpoIIQ and the mother cell membrane protein SpoIIIAH. This interaction provides a platform onto which the remaining components of the complex assemble and also functions as an anchor for cell–cell signalling and morphogenetic proteins involved in spore development. SpoIIQ is required to recruit SpoIIIAH to the sporulation septum on the mother cell side; however, the mechanism by which SpoIIQ specifically localizes to the septal membranes on the forespore side has remained enigmatic. Here, we identify GerM, a lipoprotein previously implicated in spore germination, as the missing factor required for SpoIIQ localization. Our data indicate that GerM and SpoIIIAH, derived from the mother cell, and SpoIIQ, from the forespore, have reciprocal localization dependencies suggesting they constitute a tripartite platform for the assembly of the A–Q complex and a hub for the localization of mother cell and forespore proteins.
Nesfatin‐1/NUCB2 in the amygdala influences visceral sensitivity via glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in male maternal separation rats
Authors: Zhou X.‐P. , Sha J. , Huang L. , Li T.‐N. , Zhang R.‐R. , Tang M.‐D. , Lin L. , Li X.‐L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundNesfatin‐1, a recently identified satiety molecule derived from nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), is associated with visceral hypersensitivity in rats and is expressed in the amygdala. We tested the hypothesis that nesfatin‐1 expression in the amygdala is involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) visceral hypersensitivity.MethodsAn animal model of IBS‐like visceral hypersensitivity was established using maternal separation (MS) during postnatal days 2–16. The role of nesfatin‐1 in the amygdala on visceral sensitivity was evaluated.Key ResultsRats subjected to MS showed a significantly increased mean abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score and electromyographic (EMG) activity at 40, 60, and 80 mmHg colorectal distension. Plasma concentrations of nesfatin‐1 and corticosterone were significantly higher than in non‐handled (NH) rats. mRNA and protein expression of nesfatin‐1/NUCB2 in the amygdala were increased in MS rats, but not in NH rats. In MS rats, AWR scores and EMG activity were significantly decreased after anti‐nesfatin‐1/NUCB2 injection. In normal rats, mean AWR score, EMG activity, and corticosterone expression were significantly increased after nesfatin‐1 injection into the amygdala. Nesfatin‐1‐induced visceral hypersensitivity was abolished following application of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists.Conclusions & InferencesElevated expression of nesfatin‐1/NUCB2 in the amygdala in MS rats suggests a potential role in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity, which could potentially take place via activation of GR and MR signaling pathways.
Convergence in relationships between leaf traits, spectra and age across diverse canopy environments and two contrasting tropical forests
Authors: Wu Jin , Chavana‐Bryant Cecilia , Prohaska Neill , Serbin Shawn P. , Guan Kaiyu , Albert Loren P. , Yang Xi , van Leeuwen Willem J. D. , Garnello Anthony John , Martins Giordane , Malhi Yadvinder , Gerard France , Oliviera Raimundo Cosme , Saleska Scott R. 
Published: July 2016

Summary

Leaf age structures the phenology and development of plants, as well as the evolution of leaf traits over life histories. However, a general method for efficiently estimating leaf age across forests and canopy environments is lacking.

Here, we explored the potential for a statistical model, previously developed for Peruvian sunlit leaves, to consistently predict leaf ages from leaf reflectance spectra across two contrasting forests in Peru and Brazil and across diverse canopy environments.

The model performed well for independent Brazilian sunlit and shade canopy leaves (R2 = 0.75–0.78), suggesting that canopy leaves (and their associated spectra) follow constrained developmental trajectories even in contrasting forests. The model did not perform as well for mid‐canopy and understory leaves (R2 = 0.27–0.29), because leaves in different environments have distinct traits and trait developmental trajectories. When we accounted for distinct environment–trait linkages – either by explicitly including traits and environments in the model, or, even better, by re‐parameterizing the spectra‐only model to implicitly capture distinct trait‐trajectories in different environments – we achieved a more general model that well‐predicted leaf age across forests and environments (R2 = 0.79).

Fundamental rules, linked to leaf environments, constrain the development of leaf traits and allow for general prediction of leaf age from spectra across species, sites and canopy environments.
High‐resolution community profiling of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Schlaeppi Klaus , Bender S. Franz , Mascher Fabio , Russo Giancarlo , Patrignani Andrea , Camenzind Tessa , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C. , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. 
Published: July 2016

Summary

Community analyses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) using ribosomal small subunit (SSU) or internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences often suffer from low resolution or coverage. We developed a novel sequencing based approach for a highly resolving and specific profiling of AMF communities.

We took advantage of previously established AMF‐specific PCR primers that amplify a c. 1.5‐kb long fragment covering parts of SSU, ITS and parts of the large ribosomal subunit (LSU), and we sequenced the resulting amplicons with single molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing.

The method was applicable to soil and root samples, detected all major AMF families and successfully discriminated closely related AMF species, which would not be discernible using SSU sequences. In inoculation tests we could trace the introduced AMF inoculum at the molecular level. One of the introduced strains almost replaced the local strain(s), revealing that AMF inoculation can have a profound impact on the native community.

The methodology presented offers researchers a powerful new tool for AMF community analysis because it unifies improved specificity and enhanced resolution, whereas the drawback of medium sequencing throughput appears of lesser importance for low‐diversity groups such as AMF.
The Credibility of Hong Kong's Currency Board System: Looking Through the Prism of MS‐VAR Models with Time‐Varying Transition Probabilities
Authors: Blagov Boris , Funke Michael 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper employs a Markov regime‐switching VAR model to describe and analyse the time‐varying credibility of Hong Kong's currency board system. The endogenously estimated discrete regime shifts are made dependent on macroeconomic fundamentals. This enables us to determine which changes in macroeconomic variables can trigger switches between the low and high credibility regimes. We carry out extensive testing to search for the most appropriate specification of the Markov regime‐switching model. We find strong evidence of regime switching behaviour that portrays the time‐varying nature of credibility in the historical data.
Will Economic Partnership Agreements Increase Poverty? The Case of Uganda
Authors: Boysen Ole , Matthews Alan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEconomic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and African Caribbean and Pacific countries are frequently criticized because of fears about negative implications for economic development. Using Uganda as a case study, this paper employs an integrated computable general equilibrium‐microsimulation model framework rich in household‐level detail to assess the consequences of the East African Community EPA for economic output and poverty in Uganda. Simulations of the agreement's tariff liberalization provisions indicate a very small negative economic impact and ambiguous outcomes for poverty. The poverty results depend in size and sign on the poverty line, on the way the government addresses tariff revenue losses and on labor market assumptions.
Tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacteria among HIV‐infected individuals in Ghana
Authors: Bjerrum Stephanie , Oliver‐Commey Joseph , Kenu Ernest , Lartey Margaret , Newman Mercy Jemima , Addo Kennedy Kwasi , Hilleman Doris , Andersen Aase Bengaard , Johansen Isik Somuncu 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and clinical importance of previously unrecognised tuberculosis (TB) and isolation of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among HIV‐infected individuals in a teaching hospital in Ghana.MethodsIntensified mycobacterial case finding was conducted among HIV‐positive individuals before initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data were collected on socio‐demographic characteristics, medical history and TB‐related signs and symptoms, and participants were followed for six months to determine treatment and vital status. Two sputum samples were obtained and examined for mycobacteria with smear microscopy, culture and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. NTM species were identified with the GenoType Mycobacterium CM/AS or sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene.ResultsOf 473 participants, 60 (12.7%) had confirmed pulmonary TB, and 38 (8.0%) had positive cultures for NTM. Mycobacterium avium complex was identified in 9/38 (23.7%) of NTM isolates. Participants with NTM isolated were more likely to have CD4 cell count< 100 cells/μL (aOR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.10‐5.14), BMI<18.5kg/m2 (aOR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.15‐5.51) and fever ≥2 weeks (aOR 2.76; 95% CI: 1.27‐6.03) at baseline than participants with no mycobacteria. By six months, 76 (16.1%) participants had died; 20 (33.3%) with confirmed TB and 9 (23.7%) with NTM‐positive culture. Mortality at six months was independently associated with TB diagnosis at enrolment (aHR 1.97; 95% CI 1.09‐3.59), but not with NTM isolation after controlling for age, sex, CD4 cell count, BMI, prolonged fever and ART initiation.ConclusionsIntensified mycobacterial screening of HIV‐infected individuals revealed a high burden of unrecognised pulmonary TB before ART initiation, which increased risk of death within six months. NTM were frequently isolated and associated with signs of poor clinical status but not with increased mortality.