bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for latent tuberculosis infection among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the era of biologics and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs in India, a high‐burden TB country: The importance of Mantoux and Quantiferon‐TB Gold tests
Authors: Malaviya Anand N. , Aggarwal Vishal K. , Rawat Roopa , Baghel Sadhana , Thakran Ravita , Zaheer Qamar , Garg Shriram , Kapoor Sanjiv 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo test the validity of an augmented tuberculosis skin test (a‐TST) combined with Quantiferon TB‐gold® (QFTG) test for the screening of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being considered for treatment with biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs or targeted synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs.MethodStandard TST using 1 tuberculin unit (TU) of purified protein derivative (PPD, RT23 strain) was carried out. If the positivity was less as compared to the general population, then a‐TST using 10 TU PPD was employed. Simultaneously, QFTG test was also performed.ResultsUsing standard TST, 6/44 (13.6%), patients were positive compared to the reported figures of ~ 40% of the general population; 38 of the remaining TST‐negative patients were then given an a‐TST with 10 TU PPD; eight of them dropped out. Of the remaining 30 patients, eight (26.6%) were positive. Another 70 patients tested directly with a‐TST; 22 (31.4%) were found positive. Thus, of a total of 100 patients tested with a‐TST, 30 (30%) were positive. In 54 a‐TST negative patients, QFTG was done; seven (13%) were positive. Thus, in combined a‐TST with QFTG, 43% of the RA patients were found positive, suggestive of the presence of LTBI.ConclusionCombined a‐TST with QFTG testing gave 43% positivity among RA patients, which is close to the reported ~ 40% Mantoux positivity in the general population. Therefore, this method for the screening of LTBI in Indian patients with RA being considered for tumor necrosis factor alpha treatment could be satisfactory for offsetting TB flare. It may apply to other high‐burden TB countries around the world.
Genome‐wide population structure and admixture analysis reveals weak differentiation among Ugandan goat breeds
Authors: Onzima R. B. , Upadhyay M. R. , Mukiibi R. , Kanis E. , Groenen M. A. M. , Crooijmans R. P. M. A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryUganda has a large population of goats, predominantly from indigenous breeds reared in diverse production systems, whose existence is threatened by crossbreeding with exotic Boer goats. Knowledge about the genetic characteristics and relationships among these Ugandan goat breeds and the potential admixture with Boer goats is still limited. Using a medium‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel, we assessed the genetic diversity, population structure and admixture in six goat breeds in Uganda: Boer, Karamojong, Kigezi, Mubende, Small East African and Sebei. All the animals had genotypes for about 46 105 SNPs after quality control. We found high proportions of polymorphic SNPs ranging from 0.885 (Kigezi) to 0.928 (Sebei). The overall mean observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity across breeds was 0.355 ± 0.147 and 0.384 ± 0.143 respectively. Principal components, genetic distances and admixture analyses revealed weak population sub‐structuring among the breeds. Principal components separated Kigezi and weakly Small East African from other indigenous goats. Sebei and Karamojong were tightly entangled together, whereas Mubende occupied a more central position with high admixture from all other local breeds. The Boer breed showed a unique cluster from the Ugandan indigenous goat breeds. The results reflect common ancestry but also some level of geographical differentiation. admixture and f4 statistics revealed gene flow from Boer and varying levels of genetic admixture among the breeds. Generally, moderate to high levels of genetic variability were observed. Our findings provide useful insights into maintaining genetic diversity and designing appropriate breeding programs to exploit within‐breed diversity and heterozygote advantage in crossbreeding schemes.
Preeclampsia and scleroderma: a prospective nationwide analysis
Authors: Kamper‐Jørgensen Mads , Gammill Hilary S. , Nelson J. Lee 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroduction. In a preliminary case‐control study, women with scleroderma more frequently reported having had hypertensive complications during pregnancy compared with healthy women. Material and methods. To prospectively investigate this possible association, we conducted a nation‐wide cohort analysis of a major hypertensive complication during pregnancy, namely preeclampsia, and later scleroderma. Analyses were based on Danish register‐based birth and hospital contact data on preeclampsia and scleroderma. We followed 778,758 women from time of giving birth between 1978 and 2010 to end of follow‐up, emigration, death, or scleroderma diagnosis, whichever occurred first. The association was evaluated by incidence rate ratios, obtained in Poisson regression models. Results. We report that preeclampsia is associated with a 69% significantly increased risk of later developing scleroderma. Conclusions. Though these findings do not impact clinical care directly, the association of preeclampsia with scleroderma underscores the significant relation of preeclampsia and other adverse pregnancy outcomes with later disease in women and should be included in patient counseling and education.
Aetiology of neonatal conjunctivitis evaluated in a population‐based setting
Authors: Honkila Minna , Renko Marjo , Ikäheimo Irma , Pokka Tytti , Uhari Matti , Tapiainen Terhi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimOur aim was to study prospectively the aetiology of neonatal conjunctivitis in a population‐based setting.MethodsAltogether 173 neonates with clinical conjunctivitis aged on average 20 (SD 10) days were recruited from child welfare clinics in Oulu, Finland, in 2010–2015. Conjunctival specimens were collected from 167 neonates for multiplex polymerase chain reaction to detect 16 respiratory viruses, from 163 for polymerase chain reaction to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and from 160 for bacterial culture studies. The cases were followed up until the age of 18 months.ResultsViral conjunctivitis was diagnosed in 8/167 (4.8%; 95% CI 2.1–9.2%), chlamydial or gonococcal conjunctivitis in 0/163 cases (0%; 95% CI 0–2.2%) and other bacterial conjunctivitis in 58/160 (36%; 95% CI 29–44%). Rhinovirus was found at the ocular site in 4/167 (2.4%) neonates, adenovirus in 3/167 (1.8%) and bocavirus in 1/167 (0.6%). The most commonly isolated bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Moraxella catarrhalis (9.4%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.1%). None of these pathogens was associated with the 4/173 (2.3%) cases later operated on for persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction.ConclusionChlamydia trachomatis was a rare pathogen in neonatal conjunctivitis in a population‐based setting, but respiratory viruses were detected more frequently than indicated earlier.
Prevalence of cognitive impairment in major depression and bipolar disorder
Authors: Douglas Katie M , Gallagher Peter , Robinson Lucy J , Carter Janet D , McIntosh Virginia VW , Frampton Christopher MA , Watson Stuart , Young Allan H , Ferrier I Nicol , Porter Richard J 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesThe current study examines prevalence of cognitive impairment in four mood disorder samples, using four definitions of impairment. The impact of premorbid IQ on prevalence was examined, and the influence of treatment response.MethodsSamples were: (i) 58 inpatients in a current severe depressive episode (unipolar or bipolar), (ii) 69 unmedicated outpatients in a mild to moderate depressive episode (unipolar or bipolar), (iii) 56 outpatients with bipolar disorder, in a depressive episode, and (iv) 63 outpatients with bipolar disorder, currently euthymic. Cognitive assessment was conducted after treatment in Studies 1 (6 weeks of antidepressant treatment commenced on admission) and 2 (16‐week course of cognitive behaviour therapy or schema therapy), allowing the impact of treatment response to be assessed. All mood disorder samples were compared with healthy control groups.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment was highest for the inpatient depression sample (Study 1), and lowest for the outpatient depression sample (Study 2). Substantial variability in rates was observed depending on the definition of impairment used. Correcting cognitive performance for premorbid IQ had a significant impact on the prevalence of cognitive impairment in the inpatient depression sample. There was minimal evidence that treatment response impacted on prevalence of cognitive impairment, except in the domain of psychomotor speed in inpatients.ConclusionsAs interventions aiming to improve cognitive outcomes in mood disorders receive increasing research focus, the issue of setting a cut‐off level of cognitive impairment for screening purposes becomes a priority. This analysis demonstrates important differences in samples likely to be recruited depending on the definition of cognitive impairment and begins to examine the importance of premorbid IQ in determining who is impaired.
Using digital technology to enhance formative assessment in mathematics classrooms
Authors: Dalby Diane , Swan Malcolm 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, which is based on research from the EU‐funded project Improving Progress through Formative Assessment in Science and Mathematics Education, we explore how iPads are used within formative assessment processes by six mathematics teachers and their classes in two secondary comprehensive schools in the Midlands of England. A design research approach is first used to develop and trial six lessons in which iPads are used in different ways within formative assessment processes. Through lesson observations, video analysis and teacher interviews we then examine how iPad technology contributes to these processes, the functions it performs and the distribution of activity between the main actors (teacher, technology and student). An analytic approach is developed which captures the interactions in visual representations, showing how the technology is often used as a form of communication but also performs more active functions which affect the role taken by the teacher in formative processes. The study offers insight into ways in which iPad technology contributes to effective student learning through formative assessment and introduces an analytic approach that may be useful for further studies.
Remarkable similarity in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase dynamics and its implication for antimalarial drug design
Authors: Venkatramani Aishwarya , Gravina Ricci Clarisse , Oldfield Eric , McCammon J. Andrew 
Published: January 2018

Malaria, mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, has been a growing cause of morbidity and mortality. P. falciparum is more lethal than is P. vivax, but there is a vital need for effective drugs against both species. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of quinones and in protein prenylation and has been proposed to be a malaria drug target. However, the structure of P. falciparumGGPPS (PfGGPPS) has not been determined, due to difficulties in crystallization. Here, we created a PfGGPPS model using the homologous P.vivaxGGPPS X‐ray structure as a template. We simulated the modeled PfGGPPS as well as PvGGPPS using conventional and Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics in both apo‐ and GGPP‐bound states. The MD simulations revealed a striking similarity in the dynamics of both enzymes with loop 9‐10 controlling access to the active site. We also found that GGPP stabilizes PfGGPPS and PvGGPPS into closed conformations and via similar mechanisms. Shape‐based analysis of the binding sites throughout the simulations suggests that the two enzymes will be readily targeted by the same inhibitors. Finally, we produced three MD‐validated conformations of PfGGPPS to be used in future virtual screenings for potential new antimalarial drugs acting on both PvGGPPS and PfGGPPS.
Association of long‐term glycaemic control on tear break‐up times and dry eye symptoms in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ma Andre , Mak Martin SY , Shih Kendrick Co , Tsui Claudia KY , Cheung Rachel KY , Lee Sherman H , Leung Hubert , Leung Joyce NS , Leung Jason TH , Van‐Boswell Marco Z , Wong Michael TL , Ng Alex Lap‐Ki , Lee Chi‐Ho , Jhanji Vishal , Tong Louis 
Published: January 2018

AbstractImportanceDiabetes mellitus is known to be associated with dry eye syndrome (DES), but the effects of long‐term glycaemic control on tear film metrics and dry eye symptoms are not known in the Chinese population.BackgroundTo evaluate tear film stability and dry eye symptoms and their associations with systemic risk factors in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).DesignCross‐sectional study set at the Lo Fong Siu Po Eye Centre (Grantham Hospital), Hong Kong.ParticipantsA total of 80 Chinese participants, aged 18 or above, with T2DM recruited from the specialist outpatient setting were included.MethodsThe Oculus Keratograph 5M (Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany) was used to measure the non‐invasive tear break‐up time (NITBUT). Ocular symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). The association between OSDI, NITBUT and metabolic parameters relating to diabetes were evaluated using multiple linear regression.Main Outcome MeasuresThe associations between long‐term glycaemic control and NITBUT and OSDI scores.ResultsStepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed glycated haemoglobin to be the only significant independent variable for NITBUT (R2 = 0.099, P = 0.014) and OSDI (R2 = 0.062, P = 0.044) after controlling for potential confounders. The age‐adjusted prevalence of DES was 20% (95% confidence interval: 11–30%) in the Chinese T2DM population. The odds of DES for increasing percentage of glycated haemoglobin was 1.49 (95% confidence interval: 1.03–2.17, P = 0.04).Conclusions and RelevanceOur findings highlight the importance of good glycaemic control as a modifiable risk factor for both dry eye symptoms and tear film instability in patients with T2DM.
Standardizing dose in dosimetric bronchial challenge tests
Authors: Malmberg Leo Pekka , Kauppi Paula , Mäkelä Mika J. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryRecent technical recommendations on bronchial challenge testing aim at standardized assessment of provocative dose of causing 20% decrease in FEV1 (PD20). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mode of nebulization on the output of a computerized dosimeter (APS) and to compare PD20 obtained by two different dosimetric systems in vivo. The output of the APS system was tested during continuous nebulization, and using simulated breaths, for intermittent actuations with four different durations. Using output data, a modified methacholine challenge protocol was applied for APS and compared with a standard set‐up using Spira dosimeter in 14 asthmatic patients attending duplicate methacholine challenges using both systems, within median (range) 3 (1–6) days apart. The calculated output (mg min−1) with all the intermittent mode settings was significantly higher (P<0·001) than in the continuous mode, and in the intermittent mode, the output was dependent of the pulse duration. The PD20 values assessed with the APS and Spira systems were significantly correlated (r = 0·69; P<0·007), without systematic difference in the geometric means (P = 0·10). A moderate to good agreement was found for assessment of significant hyperresponsiveness. The results suggest that in dosimetric systems for bronchial challenge tests, the output of the nebulizer is dependent on the mode of nebulization, and this should be considered when standardizing the dose between devices and protocols. As long as the delivered dose is determined for the specified nebulization mode of the protocol, it may be possible to obtain comparable results between different devices.
Recurrent IgA nephropathy after renal transplantation and steroid withdrawal
Authors: Di Vico Maria Cristina , Messina Maria , Fop Fabrizio , Barreca Antonella , Segoloni Giuseppe Paolo , Biancone Luigi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractImmunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis; the reported recurrence rate of IgAN after renal transplantation is as high as 13%‐50%. The impact of immunosuppressive therapy and steroid withdrawal on the risk of recurrence of IgAN is still under debate. We performed a retrospective single‐center study, selecting 123 kidney transplants (rtx) in 120 patients, between January 1995 and December 2012, with IgAN on the native kidney. In 51 of 123 transplants, at least one post‐transplantation biopsy for clinical indication was performed; in 28 of 51 transplants, IgAN recurrence (IgANr) was demonstrated. This group (G1; N = 28) was compared with a group without IgANr (G2; N = 23). In our study, clinically evident IgANr rate was 54.9% (28/51) on biopsied patients. At discharge, the use of the immunosuppressant drugs (tacrolimus, cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, mTor inhibitors) was not associated with an increased risk of IgANr (P = NS). At discharge, all patients were steroid treated. Neither the use of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, nor mTor inhibitors (mTori) at biopsy time were associated with IgANr. However, IgANr was significantly higher in patients who experienced steroid withdrawal at any post‐transplantation time (OR 7.7 P = .03). The median time to recurrence after steroid withdrawal was 59 months (min 4.18, max 113.2).
Nest takeover by queen and its positive impact on colony development in the Japanese bumblebee Bombus ignitus (Apidae: Hymenoptera)
Authors: Matsuyama Hinako , Ono Masato 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLone Bombus ignitus queens are known to start nests in small underground cavities. To examine the nest‐site preference of post‐hibernating queens, choice tests were carried out by providing queens with orphan colonies and empty cavities as possible nesting sites within an experimental box. Our results showed that the queens had a strong preference for takeover of an orphan colony, suggesting that nest takeover (usurpation) could occur in nature even with the presence of possible empty cavities for nesting. We compared the colony‐growth process and final production of sexuals between non‐takeover and takeover colonies. The increase in the number of egg cups was faster in the takeover colonies, suggesting that orphan broods elicit earlier oviposition by the usurping queen. Reproductives emerged earlier (significant for new queens) and in greater numbers (males) from takeover colonies than from non‐takeover colonies. Thus, post‐hibernating B. ignitus queens would search for and take over small orphan colonies to increase their fitness.
Recent advances in articular cartilage evaluation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nelson B. B. , Kawcak C. E. , Barrett M. F. , McIlwraith C. W. , Grinstaff M. W. , Goodrich L. R. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryArticular cartilage is a critical joint tissue and its evaluation remains a diagnostic challenge in horses. Coupled with a poor capacity for healing, early degenerative changes in articular cartilage are difficult to characterise using routine diagnostic imaging evaluations. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide volumetric joint assessment and highlight morphological and quantitative properties of articular cartilage, improving assessment of this essential tissue. While the use ofCTandMRIfor joint evaluation is not new, there still remains a shortage of literature and scientific studies on the ability of these methods to evaluate articular cartilage in the horse. This review article summarises currentCTandMRItechniques capable of characterising equine articular cartilage, highlights recent advances in these techniques and discusses the numerous methods studied in human subjects that have been minimally investigated in horses. Imaging techniques are presented in terms of their capabilities of offering morphological and quantitative evaluation along with a discussion of their benefits and limitations. Finally, it summarises the current state‐of‐the‐art approaches and identifies unmet clinical imaging needs to propel the advancement of articular cartilage and joint imaging in the horse.
Amazon drought and forest response: Largely reduced forest photosynthesis but slightly increased canopy greenness during the extreme drought of 2015/2016
Authors: Yang Jia , Tian Hanqin , Pan Shufen , Chen Guangsheng , Zhang Bowen , Dangal Shree 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAmazon droughts have impacted regional ecosystem functioning as well as global carbon cycling. The severe dry‐season droughts in 2005 and 2010, driven by Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly, have been widely investigated in terms of drought severity and impacts on ecosystems. Although the influence of Pacific SST anomaly on wet‐season precipitation has been well recognized, it remains uncertain to what extent the droughts driven by Pacific SST anomaly could affect forest greenness and photosynthesis in the Amazon. Here, we examined the monthly and annual dynamics of forest greenness and photosynthetic capacity when Amazon ecosystems experienced an extreme drought in 2015/2016 driven by a strong El Niño event. We found that the drought during August 2015–July 2016 was one of the two most severe meteorological droughts since 1901. Due to the enhanced solar radiation during this drought, overall forest greenness showed a small increase, and 21.6% of forests even greened up (greenness index anomaly ≥1 standard deviation). In contrast, solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), an indicator of vegetation photosynthetic capacity, showed a significant decrease. Responses of forest greenness and photosynthesis decoupled during this drought, indicating that forest photosynthesis could still be suppressed regardless of the variation in canopy greenness. If future El Niño frequency increases as projected by earth system models, droughts would result in persistent reduction in Amazon forest productivity, substantial changes in tree composition, and considerable carbon emissions from Amazon.