bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the red blood cell in host defence against falciparum malaria: an expanding repertoire of evolutionary alterations
Authors: Goheen Morgan M. , Campino Susana , Cerami Carla 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe malaria parasite has co‐evolved with its human host as each organism struggles for resources and survival. The scars of this war are carried in the human genome in the form of polymorphisms that confer innate resistance to malaria. Clinical, epidemiological and genome‐wide association studies have identified multiple polymorphisms in red blood cell (RBC) proteins that attenuate malaria pathogenesis. These include well‐known polymorphisms in haemoglobin, intracellular enzymes,RBCchannels,RBCsurface markers, and proteins impacting theRBCcytoskeleton andRBCmorphology. A better understanding of how changes inRBCphysiology impact malaria pathogenesis may uncover new strategies to combat the disease.
Supradetachment basin evolution unravelled by detrital apatite fission track analysis: the Gediz Graben (Menderes Massif, Western Turkey)
Authors: Asti Riccardo , Malusà Marco Giovanni , Faccenna Claudio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Menderes Massif is a Tertiary metamorphic core complex tectonically exhumed in the late Oligocene–Miocene during coeval development of a series of E–W‐trending basins. This study analyses the source‐to‐sink evolution of the Gediz Graben and the exhumation pattern of the Central Menderes Massif at the footwall and hanging wall of the Gediz Detachment Fault. We use a comprehensive approach to detrital apatite fission track dating combining analysis of modern river sediments, analysis of fossil sedimentary successions and mineral fertility determinations. This approach allowed us to: (i) define the modern short‐term erosion pattern of the study area, (ii) unravel the long‐term exhumation history, (iii) identify major exhumation events recorded in the sedimentary basin fill and (iv) constrain the maximum depositional age of the sedimentary succession. Three main exhumation events are recorded in the analysed detrital samples: (i) a late Oligocene/early Miocene exhumation event involving the whole Menderes Massif; (ii) a late Miocene event involving the northern edge of the Central Menderes Massif; (iii) a Plio‐Quaternary more localized event involving only the western part of the southern margin of the basin (Salihli area) and bringing to the surface the Gediz Detachment and its intrusive footwall (Salihli granodiorite). The modern short‐term erosion pattern closely reflects this latter Plio‐Quaternary event. Single grain‐age distributions in the sedimentary basin fill highlight drainage pattern reorganizations in correspondence of the transition between different stratigraphic units, and allowed to better constrain the depositional age of the sedimentary units of the basin pointing to a possible onset of sedimentation in the basin during the middle Miocene.
Features of asthma which provide meaningful insights for understanding the disease heterogeneity
Authors: Deliu M. , Yavuz T. S. , Sperrin M. , Belgrave D. , Sahiner U. M. , Sackesen C. , Kalayci O. , Custovic A. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundData‐driven methods such as hierarchical clustering (HC) and principal component analysis (PCA) have been used to identify asthma subtypes, with inconsistent results.ObjectiveTo develop a framework for the discovery of stable and clinically meaningful asthma subtypes.MethodsWe performed HC in a rich data set from 613 asthmatic children, using 45 clinical variables (Model 1), and after PCA dimensionality reduction (Model 2). Clinical experts then identified a set of asthma features/domains which informed clusters in the two analyses. In Model 3, we reclustered the data using these features to ascertain whether this improved the discovery process.ResultsCluster stability was poor in Models 1 and 2. Clinical experts highlighted four asthma features/domains which differentiated the clusters in two models: age of onset, allergic sensitization, severity, and recent exacerbations. In Model 3 (HC using these four features), cluster stability improved substantially. The cluster assignment changed, providing more clinically interpretable results. In a 5‐cluster model, we labelled the clusters as: “Difficult asthma” (n = 132); “Early‐onset mild atopic” (n = 210); “Early‐onset mild non‐atopic: (n = 153); “Late‐onset” (n = 105); and “Exacerbation‐prone asthma” (n = 13). Multinomial regression demonstrated that lung function was significantly diminished among children with “Difficult asthma”; blood eosinophilia was a significant feature of “Difficult,” “Early‐onset mild atopic,” and “Late‐onset asthma.” Children with moderate‐to‐severe asthma were present in each cluster.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAn integrative approach of blending the data with clinical expert domain knowledge identified four features, which may be informative for ascertaining asthma endotypes. These findings suggest that variables which are key determinants of asthma presence, severity, or control may not be the most informative for determining asthma subtypes. Our results indicate that exacerbation‐prone asthma may be a separate asthma endotype and that severe asthma is not a single entity, but an extreme end of the spectrum of several different asthma endotypes.
Efficacy of exenatide on weight loss, metabolic parameters and pregnancy in overweight/obese polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Ying , Zheng Si‐yuan , Lin Rong , Xie Yi‐juan , Chen Hui , Zheng Yong‐xiong , Liu En , Chen Lin , Yan Jia‐he , Xu Wei , Mai Ting‐ting , Gong Yi 
Published: August 2017

SummaryContextWeight loss remains one of the most important arms in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Further studies are needed to identify the best treatment.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of exenatide (EXE) on reproductive and metabolic function in overweight/obese (OW/OB) PCOS.DesignThis is a 24‐week open‐label prospective, randomized, clinical study.Patients and MeasurementsThis study randomized 176 OW/OB women diagnosed with PCOS to receive either EXE 10 μg BID (n = 88) or metformin (MET) 1000 mg BID (n = 88) for the first 12 weeks. Then all patients were treated with MET alone during the second 12 weeks. We observed metabolic parameters at 0 and 12 weeks, and then tracked the rate of pregnancy during the second 12 weeks.ResultsAfter the first 12 weeks of intervention, compared with MET, subjects who received EXE had significantly decreased weight (4.29 ± 1.29 kg vs 2.28 ± 0.55 kg, P < .001) and total fat% (4.67 ± 0.09% vs 1.11 ± 0.32%, P < .001), improved the homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (1.30 ± 0.58 vs 0.59 ± 0.12, P < .001) and increased the menstrual frequency ratio (0.62 ± 0.12 vs 0.37 ± 0.01, P < .001). During the second 12 weeks, the rate of natural pregnancy of EXE‐treated patients was significantly higher than MET‐treated patients (43.60% vs 18.70%, P < .05).ConclusionsShort‐term EXE therapy was linked to significant weight loss and central adiposity reduction, which may further explain the improvements in insulin resistance, inflammatory marker and menstrual cycle, which may contribute to increasing pregnancy rates in OW/OB women with PCOS.
Partners in practice: Developing integrated learning opportunities on the Frontline child and family social work qualifying programme
Authors: Domakin Alison , Curry Liz 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Frontline programme is a social work qualifying route, in England, featuring a different approach to curriculum design and delivery. Students are based in groups of 4, learning through practicing social work in a statutory child and family social work setting, alongside a Consultant Social Worker (in the role of practice educator). They are also supported by an Academic Tutor who works in partnership with the Consultant Social Worker to facilitate learning. A weekly “unit meeting” is a foundational aspect of the programme, providing opportunities for in‐depth discussion, teaching, and reflection on practice with families.The authors worked together over the first 2 cohorts of the programme and undertook action research to explore the learning opportunities that arise when academic staff and practitioners work side by side to support student learning in this model. Three broad themes were identified which were considered to be significant in helping students to learn which are explored in the paper:

Learning through engaging in joint dialogue about practice in a unit meeting
The influence of relationships on learning in social work
The importance of a connected model of learning which has practice with children and families at its heart
Cost‐effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation for chronic refractory constipation in children and adolescents: a Markov model analysis
Authors: van der Wilt A. A. , Groenewoud H. H. M. , Benninga M. A. , Dirksen C. D. , Baeten C. G. M. I. , Bouvy N. D. , Melenhorst J. , Breukink S. O. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) compared with conservative treatment in children and adolescents with constipation refractory to conservative management.MethodA Markov probabilistic model was used, comparing costs and effectiveness of SNM and conservative treatment in children and adolescents aged 10–18 years with constipation refractory to conservative management. Input for the model regarding transition probabilities, utilities and healthcare costs was based on data from a cohort of patients treated in our centre. This cohort consisted of 30 female patients (mean age 16 years) with functional constipation refractory to conservative management. The mean duration of laxative use in this group was 5.9 years. All patients had a test SNM, followed by a permanent SNM in 27/30. Median follow‐up was 22.1 months (range 12.2–36.8). The model was run to simulate a follow‐up period of 3 years.ResultsThe mean cumulative costs for the SNM group and the conservative treatment group were €17 789 (SD €2492) and €7574 (SD €4332) per patient, respectively. The mean quality adjusted life years (QALYs) in the SNM group was 1.74 (SD 0.19), compared with 0.86 (SD 0.14) in the conservatively managed group. The mean incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was €12 328 per QALY (SD €4788). Sensitivity analysis showed that the outcomes were robust to a wide range of model assumptions.ConclusionChronic constipation seriously affects the quality of life of children and adolescents. Preliminary evidence suggests that SNM can improve symptoms and quality of life at a reasonable cost.
An institutional experience with The Paris System: A paradigm shift from ambiguous terminology to more objective criteria for reporting urine cytology
Authors: Roy M. , Kaushal S. , Jain D. , Seth A. , Iyer V. K. , Mathur S. R. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundUrine cytology is a highly specific modality for diagnosing high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC), but plagued by low sensitivity and wide inter‐observer variability mainly ascribed to the lack of an established template of reporting. The Paris System (TPS) working group proposed such a template at the 2013 International Congress of Cytology, replete with objective criteria for categorising specimens into one of the seven categories: non‐diagnostic, negative for HGUC, atypical urothelial cells, suspicious for HGUC, HGUC, low‐grade urothelial neoplasm and others (including non‐malignant entities). This study was undertaken to determine the impact of TPS criteria in the morphological interpretation of urine samples.MethodsA total of 255 voided urine specimens from 97 patients who had follow‐up biopsies were re‐assessed according to TPS criteria and correlated with the final histological diagnosis.ResultsSixty‐three patients were diagnosed with HGUC, and 34 had low‐grade papillary UC on biopsy. Earlier samples from 40 (41.2%) patients were categorised as merely “atypical” wheereas the “positive for malignancy” category was assigned to 33 (34%) patients. After re‐evaluation of the same cases using TPS criteria, cytological features in 44 (69.8%) out of 63 HGUC patients were correctly recognised as HGUC and samples from additional seven patients were re‐categorised as suspicious for HGUC (total 81%). The sensitivity of the HGUC category in predicting HGUC was 69.8% which rose to 81% when HGUC was grouped with suspicious for HGUC category.ConclusionThe criteria outlined by TPS facilitated the standardisation of urine cytology reporting and significantly increased the sensitivity of diagnosing HGUC.
The thoracic duct and the Fontan patient
Authors: Sung Cassandra , Bass John L. , Berry James M. , Shepard Charles W. , Lindgren Bruce , Kochilas Lazaros K. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundUltrasound imaging of adults with heart failure and increased central venous pressure (CVP) has shown significant thoracic duct (TD) dilation from impedance in lymphatic drainage. Elevated CVP and abnormal lymphatic drainage are implicated in severe Fontan complications, including protein losing enteropathy (PLE) and plastic bronchitis (PB). Systematic studies of TD and lymphatic circulation in children are limited, and their cervical TD normative values have not been established.MethodsThoracic duct imaging was attempted prospectively during routine echocardiograms performed 7/2014–9/2016 in children 5–21 years old with normal cardiovascular physiology and Fontan palliation. TD insertion to the central venous system (lympho‐venous junction) was assessed with an S12‐4 MHz transducer. For the first 34 patients, only TD ostia were measured, but ostium shape variability at the lympho‐venous junction led to including the TD arch 5–10 mm proximal to the ostium for the remaining cohort.ResultsSeventy‐nine total subjects were studied: 58 controls, 13 Fontan patients with normal systemic ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (>50%), and 8 Fontan patients with decreased EF (≤50%). Combined Fontan subjects had larger TD ostial diameters compared to controls when normalized by body surface area (median 2.6 mm/m2 vs. 2 mm/m2) (P=.04).ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of ultrasonographic TD imaging in children. Fontan patients have larger TD diameters, reflecting the impaired lymphatic circulation in patients with this physiology. Further research may provide important associations between sonographic TD features with the functional status of patients with Fontan circulation.
Modeling of coarctation of aorta in human fetuses using 3D/4D fetal echocardiography and computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Zhou Yue , Wang Jingying , Liu Xiaowei , Ge Shuping , He Yihua 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesWe sought to develop a hemodynamic model of aortic and ductal arches using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and 3D/4D spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) fetal echocardiography and to investigate the hemodynamics of coarctation of aorta (CoA) in human fetuses using this approach.MethodsWe obtained 3D/4D STIC fetal echocardiographic images of the aortic and ductal arches (DA) in five normal fetuses. Based on these images, we simulated the hemodynamics in the two arches using CFD. Subsequently, we reduced the dimensions of aortic isthmus from 100% to 85%, 70%, 55%, 40%, and 25% of the original dimension digitally. Numerical simulation was repeated in each condition, and flow profile, velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress (WSS) were compared with those of the baseline normal aortic and ductal arches.ResultsWith the progressive narrowing in the aortic isthmus, there were alterations in the flow profile, velocity, pressure, and WSS. The downstream vortexes disappeared, and the double helix profile became single helix. When the aortic isthmus reduced by 55% in dimension, there was an exponential increase in velocity and WSS and decrease in pressure.ConclusionsThe aortic and ductal arch geometry and flow lead to the alterations in flow profile, velocity, pressure, and WSS in the aortic isthmus in normal and CoA models, which are conductive of ductal issue migration into these areas. A 55% reduction in the dimension of aortic isthmus is associated with exponential change in velocity, pressure, and WSS, a probable threshold for hemodynamically significant CoA.
A distinct clinicopathological variant of focal cortical dysplasia IIId characterized by loss of layer 4 in the occipital lobe in 12 children with remote hypoxic–ischemic injury
Authors: Wang Dan‐Dan , Piao Yue‐Shan , Blumcke Ingmar , Coras Roland , Zhou Wen‐Jing , Gui Qiu‐Ping , Liu Cui‐Cui , Hu Jing‐Xia , Cao Li‐Zhen , Zhang Guo‐Jun , Lu De‐Hong 
Published: August 2017

SummaryObjectiveIn 2011, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed a consensus classification system of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) to distinguish clinicopathological subtypes, for example, “isolated” FCD type Ia–c and IIa–b, versus “associated” FCD type IIIa–d. The histopathological differentiation of FCD type I and III variants remains, however, a challenging issue in everyday practice. We present a unique histopathological pattern in patients with difficult‐to‐diagnose FCD, which highlights this dilemma, but also helps to refine the current ILAE classification scheme of FCD.MethodsWe present a retrospective series of 11 male and one female patient with early onset pharmacoresistant epilepsy of the posterior quadrant (mean age at seizure onset = 4.6 years). All surgical specimens were reviewed. Clinical histories were retrieved and extracted from archival patient files.ResultsMicroscopic inspection revealed abnormalities in cortical architecture with complete loss of layer 4 in all surgical samples of the occipital lobe, as confirmed by semiquantitative measurements (p < 0.01). Clinical history reported early transient hypoxic condition in nine patients (75%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal signals in the occipital lobe in all patients, and signal changes suggestive of subcortical encephalomalacia were found in seven patients. Surgical treatment achieved favorable seizure control (Engel class I and II) in seven patients with an available follow‐up period of 6.1 years.SignificanceProminent disorganization of cortical layering and lack of any other microscopically visible principle lesion in the surgical specimen would result in this neuropathological pattern hitherto being classified as FCD ILAE type Ib. However, perinatal hypoxia with distinctive MRI changes suggested primarily a hypoxemic lesion and acquired pathomechanism of neuronal cell loss in the occipital lobe of our patient series. We propose, therefore, classifying this distinctive clinicopathological pattern as a separate variant of FCD ILAE type IIId.
Non‐profit vulnerability: An exploratory study
Authors: Zhai Rong Linda , Watson John , Gilchrist David , Newby Rick 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis mixed‐method study explores the symptoms and potential causes of non‐profit vulnerability within the Australian context. Following two focus groups with CEOs and Chairs of non‐profit organizations, an online survey was developed, pilot tested and distributed to non‐profit CEOs. Our findings suggest three symptoms that might be particularly useful in identifying non‐profit vulnerability: a substantial increase in unit costs/delivery hours; a substantial increase in the proportion of administration to program expenses; and a reduced ability to pursue the organization's mission. The results also suggest various potential causes of non‐profit vulnerability; in particular, Board inadequacies; External environmental threats; Project management issues; and Funding constraints.
Alien freshwater fish species in the Balkans—Vectors and pathways of introduction
Authors: Piria Marina , Simonović Predrag , Kalogianni Eleni , Vardakas Leonidas , Koutsikos Nicholas , Zanella Davor , Ristovska Milica , Apostolou Apostolos , Adrović Avdul , Mrdak Danilo , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Milošević Dragana , Zanella Linda N , Bakiu Rigers , Ekmekçi F Güler , Povž Metka , Korro Kastriot , Nikolić Vera , Škrijelj Rifat , Kostov Vasil , Gregori Andrej , Joy Michael K 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFish introductions, particularly in areas of high biological diversity and endemism, represent a major threat for biodiversity. In the Balkan Peninsula, 60 fish species have been introduced to date, of which 36 have become naturalized in inland waters. Since the Balkans are one of the world's 35 biodiversity hot spots, this large presence of alien fish species poses a serious threat for the stability of freshwater ecosystems and the survival of the native ichthyofauna and of aquatic biodiversity in general. The motivation for the introductions, and the historical timeline, varies among the Balkan states. Despite recent attempts to implement and align legislation aimed at preventing the introduction of potentially invasive species, and the implementation of rigorous controls of introductions and increased protection of open waters, the majority of current introductions remain intentional, primarily via aquaculture. This review article provides a historical overview of freshwater fish introductions, the motivation behind them and the current distribution of alien freshwater fishes in the Balkans. The ecological implications and future perspectives concerning alien fish species in the region are also discussed.
Manipulating waterbody hydroperiod affects movement behaviour and occupancy dynamics in an amphibian
Authors: Tournier Emilie , Besnard Aurélien , Tournier Virginia , Cayuela Hugo 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Species that occur in ephemeral habitats such as temporary waterbodies have evolved specific strategies that allow them to respond to spatial and temporal variations in water availability and quality. Their life‐history strategies, involving complex life cycles, have evolved to allow individuals to escape deteriorating environmental conditions when a waterbody dries up. These adaptations have led to the emergence of complex movement behaviour, which might then be expected to affect the spatiotemporal dynamics of reproduction.

To date, few empirical studies have investigated how the risks of waterbody drying out affects movement behaviour at the individual level and how movement decisions then shape waterbody occupancy dynamics. In this study, we examined this issue in an endangered amphibian, the yellow‐bellied toad (Bombina variegata). For this purpose, we experimentally manipulated waterbody hydroperiod and collected capture–recapture and presence–absence data in 334 waterbodies located in 15 B. variegata populations in the region of Geneva (Switzerland) during a 5‐year period (2012–2016).

The results of our analyses reveal that the waterbody hydroperiod affects this species' movement behaviour. Adults were less likely to leave waterbodies with a long hydroperiod both intra‐ and inter‐annually. In addition, breeding occupancy strongly depended on a waterbody's hydroperiod. In particular, interannual changes in breeding occurrence were less frequent in waterbodies with a long hydroperiod.

Our findings show that the hydroperiod strongly affects ecological processes at different levels, from individuals' movement decisions to waterbody occupancy dynamics. The results demonstrate that adults adjust their movement decisions according to the risk of breeding failure driven by the hydroperiod, which then affects the waterbody occupancy dynamics.