Prevalence and clinical presentation at the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus among children and adolescents in AL-Baha region, Saudi Arabia

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


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Outcomes of mitochondrial derived diseases: a single-center experience

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


http://ift.tt/2GbiVBi

New ADCY3 Variants Dance in Obesity Etiology

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Yan Tian, Boqiang Peng, Xianghui Fu
The genetic etiology for obesity-related traits remains elusive. Recent studies link novel ADCY3 variants to obesity and diabetes, and identify an important role of ADCY3-mediated signaling at neuronal primary cilia in the predisposition of obesity. These findings provide new information on obesity etiology and suggest potential anti-obesity therapeutic strategies.



http://ift.tt/2Ck78OZ

Beyond thrombosis: Anti-β2GPI domain 1 antibodies identify late pregnancy morbidity in anti-phospholipid syndrome

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Journal of Autoimmunity
Author(s): Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola, Francesca Pregnolato, Laura Andreoli, Caterina Bodio, Laura Cesana, Chiara Comerio, Maria Gerosa, Claudia Grossi, Rajesh Kumar, Maria Grazia Lazzaroni, Michael Mahler, Elena Mattia, Cecilia Nalli, Gary L. Norman, Maria Gabriella Raimondo, Amelia Ruffatti, Marta Tonello, Laura Trespidi, Angela Tincani, Maria Orietta Borghi, Pier Luigi Meroni
Antibodies against β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) have been identified as the main pathogenic autoantibody subset in anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS); the most relevant epitope is a cryptic and conformation-dependent structure on β2GPI domain (D) 1. Anti-β2GPI domain profiling has been investigated in thrombotic APS, leading to the identification of antibodies targeting D1 as the main subpopulation. In contrast, scarce attention has been paid to obstetric APS, hence this study aimed at characterizing the domain reactivity with regards to pregnancy morbidity (PM).To this end, 135 women with persistently positive, medium/high titre anti-β2GPI IgG, without any associated systemic autoimmune diseases and at least one previous pregnancy were included: 27 asymptomatic carriers; 53 women with obstetric APS; 20 women with thrombotic APS; and 35 women with both thrombotic and obstetric complications. Anti-D1 and anti-D4/5 antibodies were tested using a chemiluminescent immunoassay and a research ELISA assay, respectively (QUANTA Flash^® β2GPI Domain 1 IgG and QUANTA Lite^® β2GPI D4/5 IgG, Inova Diagnostics).Positivity for anti-D1 antibodies, but not anti-D4/5 antibodies, was differently distributed across the 4 subgroups of patients (p < 0.0001) and significantly correlated with thrombosis (χ2 = 17.28, p < 0.0001) and PM (χ2 = 4.28, p = 0.039). Patients with triple positivity for anti-phospholipid antibodies displayed higher anti-D1 titres and lower anti-D4/5 titres compared to women with one or two positive tests (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Reactivity against D1 was identified as a predictor for PM (OR 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–5.0, p = 0.017); in particular, anti-D1 antibodies were predictive of late PM, conveying an odds ratio of 7.3 (95% CI 2.1–25.5, p = 0.022). Positivity for anti-D1 antibodies was not associated with early pregnancy loss. Anti-D4/5 antibodies were not associated with clinical APS manifestations.As a whole, our data suggest that anti-D1 antibodies are significantly associated not only with thrombosis, but also with late PM, while positive anti-D4/5 antibodies are not predictive of thrombosis or PM.



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TGF-β signalling defect is linked to low CD39 expression on regulatory T cells and methotrexate resistance in rheumatoid arthritis

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Journal of Autoimmunity
Author(s): Raphael S. Peres, Paula B. Donate, Jhimmy Talbot, Nerry T. Cecilio, Patricia R. Lobo, Caio C. Machado, Kalil W.A. Lima, Rene D. Oliveira, Vanessa Carregaro, Helder I. Nakaya, Thiago M. Cunha, José Carlos Alves-Filho, Foo Y. Liew, Paulo Louzada-Junior, Fernando Q. Cunha
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune arthropathy characterized by chronic articular inflammation. Methotrexate (MTX) remains the first-line therapy for RA and its anti-inflammatory effect is associated with the maintenance of high levels of extracellular adenosine (ADO). Nonetheless, up to 40% of RA patients are resistant to MTX treatment and this is linked to a reduction of CD39 expression, an ectoenzyme involved in the generation of extracellular ADO by ATP metabolism, on circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, the mechanism mediating the reduction of CD39 expression on Tregs is unknown. Here we demonstrated that the impairment in TGF-β signalling lead to the reduction of CD39 expression on Tregs that accounts for MTX resistance. TGF-β increases CD39 expression on Tregs via the activation of TGFBRII/TGFBRI, SMAD2 and the transcription factor CREB, which is activated in a p38-dependent manner and induces CD39 expression by promoting ENTPD1 gene transcription. Importantly, unresponsive patients to MTX (UR-MTX) show reduced expression of TGFBR2 and CREB1 and decreased levels of p-SMAD2 and p-CREB in Tregs compared to MTX-responsive patients (R-MTX). Furthermore, RA patients carrying at least one mutant allele for rs1431131 (AT or AA) of the TGFBR2 gene are significantly (p = 0.0006) associated with UR-MTX. Therefore, we have uncovered a molecular mechanism for the reduced CD39 expression on Tregs, and revealed potential targets for therapeutic intervention for MTX resistance.

Graphical abstract

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Listening to the voice of children with developmental speech and language disorders using narrative inquiry: Methodological considerations

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Rena Lyons, Sue Roulstone
There are policy and theoretical drivers for listening directly to children's perspectives. These perspectives can provide insights to children's experiences of their daily lives and ways in which they construct their multiple identities. Qualitative methodology is a useful research paradigm with regard to exploring children's experiences. However, listening to the perspectives of children with speech and language disorders is a relatively new field of research. Therefore, it is important that researchers share their experiences of using methods and reflect on the strengths and limitations of these methods. The authors have used narrative inquiry with children with speech and language disorders to explore ways in which these children make sense of their experiences and construct their identities. In this paper, the authors reflect on methodological considerations when using narrative inquiry with children with speech and language disorders. They critically discuss three methodological considerations: narrative inquiry as a methodological choice, methods for data generation, limitations, and rigour.



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Needs of Students Seeking Careers in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Barriers to Their Success

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Akiko Fuse
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify the needs for and barriers to success of underrepresented students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders field and to determine factors linked to student persistence and academic achievement.MethodAn online survey was completed by 126 undergraduates pursuing graduate studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Data were subjected to Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests.ResultsSurvey responses indicated that financial matters exerted the most influence on students' preparation for and number of choices for graduate-school applications. However, socioeconomic status was associated with needed financial support for paying tuition and completing the admission process. In addition, students at lower socioeconomic status reported spending fewer hours studying for tests and earned lower grade-point averages than peers who self-identified with a relatively high socioeconomic status. The findings also show a relationship between students' grade-point averages and family members' levels of education. The majority reported that mothers had earned the highest degree in their household, followed by siblings, themselves, and fathers.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that students of low socioeconomic status were less academically prepared than those self-reporting a higher status. Moreover, the presence of a role model, such as a college-educated family member, may affect academic performance. Therefore, interventions for students at risk of not gaining admissions to graduate school include financial assistance and mentoring and advising programs.



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A role for epistemic trust in speech-language pathology: A tutorial paper

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Angela Clarke, Pamela J. Meredith, Tanya A. Rose, Michael Daubney
This paper provides an introduction to epistemic trust for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). 'Epistemic trust' describes a specific form of trust that an individual places in others when learning about the world, particularly the social world. To date, the relevance of epistemic trust to SLP clinical practice has received little theoretical or empirical attention. The aim of this paper is to define epistemic trust and explain its relationship with parent-child attachment and mentalization which have, in turn, been linked with language development and use. Suggestions are made for ways in which SLPs may encourage epistemic trusts in clients, emphasizing the need to establish strong therapeutic alliances. The authors conclude that epistemic trust is an important consideration for SLPs and that further research exploring the relationship between epistemic trust and language skills is needed to better understand the interplay of these variables and inform clinical practice.



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Factors affecting premature plantarflexor muscle activity during hemiparetic gait

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Kazuki Fujita, Hiroichi Miaki, Akira Fujimoto, Hideaki Hori, Hitomi Fujimoto, Yasutaka Kobayashi
In hemiparetic stroke survivors, premature plantarflexor muscle activity (PPF) often appears as a gait abnormality from terminal swing to the loading response on the paretic side. This study aimed to discern factors giving rise to PPF. Lower extremity function, spasticity magnitude, and gait electromyograms were assessed in 31 hemiparetic stroke survivors. Mean amplitudes during gait phases were determined for the paretic soleus, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris. The subjects were classified into PPF and non-PPF groups based on their relative soleus amplitude at different phases of gait, and group differences in each measurement were calculated and subjected to logistic regression. The PPF group showed less activity of the tibialis anterior during the swing phase but greater activity of the rectus femoris during the swing phase and of the biceps femoris, both prematurely and during the loading response. Logistic regression revealed premature activity of the biceps femoris to be a significant variable related to presence of PPF (odds ratio = 1.054). PPF in hemiparetic gait may work with the biceps femoris to supplement compromised lower extremity extension strength. PPF might be reduced by attaining enhanced strength of the hip and knee extensors at the time of initial contact during gait.



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An Unusual Cause of Haematemesis

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Christos D. Karkos, Ioannis Goulis




http://ift.tt/2Ge6iWk

A New Bifurcation Inside the Old One

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Christos D. Karkos, Konstantinos O. Papazoglou




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An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes Following Eversion vs. Conventional Carotid Endarterectomy in Randomised Controlled Trials and Observational Studies

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Kosmas I. Paraskevas, Vaux Robertson, Athanasios N. Saratzis, A. Ross Naylor
IntroductionA 2011 meta-analysis comparing eversion (eCEA) with conventional (cCEA) carotid endarterectomy in 16,251 patients concluded that eCEA was associated with lower rates of peri-operative stroke and late occlusion compared with cCEA. However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) showed no difference in outcomes. Since then, the literature contains outcome data on 49,500 patients undergoing eCEA or cCEA. An updated meta-analysis was performed to establish whether eCEA confers significant benefit over cCEA.MethodsThis was a systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for RCTs and observational studies (OSs) comparing eCEA with cCEA. A sensitivity analysis was also performed using data from OSs with a Newcastle-Ottawa score >5.ResultsThere were 25 eligible studies (5 RCTs, 20 OSs) involving 49,500 CEAs (16,249 eCEAs; 33,251 cCEAs). RCT data: Compared with cCEA, eCEA did not confer significant reductions in 30 day stroke, death, death/stroke, death/stroke/MI, or neck haematoma. However, eCEA was associated with reduced late restenosis (OR 0.40; p = .001). OS data: eCEA was associated with significant reductions in 30 day death (OR 0.46; p < .0001), stroke (OR 0.58; p < .0001), death/stroke (OR 0.52; p < .0001), death/stroke/MI (OR 0.50; p < .0001), and late restenosis (OR 0.49; p = .032) compared with cCEA. RCT and OS data combined: eCEA was associated with significant reductions in 30 day death (OR 0.55; p < .0001), stroke (OR 0.63; p = .004), death/stroke (OR 0.58; p < .0001), and late restenosis (OR 0.45; p = .004) compared with cCEA. eCEA vs. patched cCEA (RCT and OS data): There were no differences between the two procedures except for neck haematoma, where eCEA was better than patched cCEA.ConclusionsUsing combined RCT and OS data, eCEA was superior to cCEA regarding peri-operative outcomes (stroke, death, death/stroke) and late restenosis, but was similar to patched CEA in both early and late outcomes. This updated meta-analysis suggests that early and late outcomes following cCEA are similar to eCEA, provided the arteriotomy is patched.



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Clinician surveys – time to make better use of this valuable resource for dermatologists

Abstract

Clinician surveys can be a useful resource to identify uncertainties in practice, determine expert or current opinion, define research priorities (as part of a priority setting partnership) and demonstrate feasibility of undertaking randomised clinical trials (RCT). Online survey programs such as SurveyMonkey^™ or Google surveys provide a simple step-by-step process to develop electronic surveys at little or no cost. These can be distributed using an email link to a nationwide audience via society membership groups.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Metal microparticle – Polymer composites as printable, bio/ecoresorbable conductive inks

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2018
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Seungae Lee, Jahyun Koo, Seung-Kyun Kang, Gayoung Park, Yung Jong Lee, Yu-Yu Chen, Seon Ah Lim, Kyung-Mi Lee, John A. Rogers
Biologically and environmentally resorbable electronic devices support application possibilities that cannot be addressed with conventional technologies. This paper presents highly conductive, water-soluble composites that can be printed to form contacts, interconnects, antennas, and other important features that are essential to nearly all systems of this type. An optimized material formulation involves in situ polymerization to yield a polyanhydride containing a dispersion of molybdenum microparticles at appropriate concentrations. Comparisons of essential physical and electrical properties of these materials to those of composites formed with other polymers and other metal microparticles reveal the relevant considerations. Various functional demonstrations of screen-printed test structures and devices illustrate the suitability of these conductive inks for use in water-soluble electronic devices. A key advantage of the material introduced here compared to alternatives is its ability to maintain conductance over significant periods of time while immersed in relevant aqueous solutions. Studies involving live animal models establish the biocompatibility.

Graphical abstract

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Controllable and reversible tuning of material rigidity for robot applications

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2018
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): Liyu Wang, Yang Yang, Yonghua Chen, Carmel Majidi, Fumiya Iida, Erin Askounis, Qibing Pei
Tunable rigidity materials have potentially widespread implications in robotic technologies. They enable morphological shape change while maintaining structural strength, and can reversibly alternate between rigid, load bearing and compliant, flexible states capable of deformation within unstructured environments. In this review, we cover a range of materials with mechanical rigidity that can be reversibly tuned using one of several stimuli (e.g. heat, electrical current, electric field, magnetism, etc.). We explain the mechanisms by which these materials change rigidity and how they have been used for robot tasks. We quantitatively assess the performance in terms of the magnitude of rigidity, variation ratio, response time, and energy consumption, and explore the correlations between these desired characteristics as principles for material design and usage.

Graphical abstract

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Optimization of culture conditions for kefiran production in whey: The structural and biocidal properties of the resulting polysaccharide

Publication date: Available online 14 February 2018
Source:Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre
Author(s): Lina M. Blandón, Miguel D. Noseda, German A. Islan, Guillermo R. Castro, Gilberto Vinícius de Melo Pereira, Vanete Thomaz-Soccol, Carlos R. Soccol
In this study, the culture conditions necessary for the effective production of kefiran, using whey as a substrate, were evaluated through the one-factor-at-a-time and central-composite design methods. Using the optimal factors (whey supplemented with 15% (w/v) glucose fermented at 30°C for 10h without shaking), 0.20g·L⁻¹·h⁻¹ kefir grains composed of 18.57% (w/w) kefiran was obtained. The resulting polysaccharide was analyzed by high-pressure size-exclusion chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Altogether, the results indicated that the purified polymer was homogenous and composed of galactose and glucose. The biocidal properties of the resulting kefiran were assessed, for the first time, using Live/Dead BacLight® real-time analysis, which indicated antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium strains. Additionally, the kefiran, when applied to various S. typhimurium strains, showed diverse biocidal results when in the presence of antibiotic multiresistance markers. In summary, these results demonstrated that kefiran can be produced from whey-supplemented media with high productivity and without losing its structural or biocidal properties.

Graphical abstract

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Ridge sowing of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) in a minimum till system improves the productivity, oil quality, and profitability on a sandy loam soil under an arid climate

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a major oilseed crop grown for its edible oil across the globe including Pakistan. In Pakistan, the production of edible oil is less than the required quantity; the situation is being worsened with the increasing population. Thus, there is dire need to grow those sunflower genotypes which perform better under a given set of agronomic practices. In this 2-year study, we compared four sunflower genotypes, viz., Armoni, Kundi, Sinji, and S-278 for their yield potential, oil contents, fatty acid composition, and profitability under three sowing methods, viz., bed sowing, line sowing, and ridge sowing and two tillage system, viz., plow till and minimum till. Among the sunflower genotypes, the genotype Armoni produced the highest plant height, number of leaves, head diameter, 1000-achene weight, and achene yield; the oil contents and oleic acid were the highest in genotype Sinji. Among the sowing methods, the highest number of leaves per plant, head diameter, number of achenes per head, achene yield, and oil contents were recorded in ridge sowing. Among the tillage systems, the highest head diameter 16. 2 cm, 1000-achene weight (57.2 g), achene yield (1.8 t ha⁻¹), oil contents (35.2%), and oleic acid (15.2%) were recorded in minimum till sunflower. The highest net benefits and benefit to cost ratio were recorded in minimum till ridge sown Armoni genotype. In conclusion, the genotype Armoni should be grown on ridges to achieve the highest achene yield, oil contents, and net profitability.

http://ift.tt/2srbOTC

Using network to enhance the insights on correlation and pollution assessment of co-occurring metals in marine sediments, the East China Sea

Abstract

In this study, sediment samples were collected from 24 sites in the East China Sea (ECS) to investigate the distribution characteristics, co-occurrence correlations, and ecological risks of metals. In surface sediments, metals presented a homologous banding distribution pattern decreasing seaward with distance. With network analysis, it indicated metals in this area might directly derive from the coastal river inputs. According to geo-accumulation indexes (I_geo), Cd was classified as moderate pollution at 58% sites, far above other metals. In addition, the potential ecological risk index (RI) was clustered with the ecological risk (ER) of Cd, which was regarded as considerable or high-risk level for most coastal stations. Thus Cd pollution in the ESC sediment should be paid more attention. In sum, the visualization of statistical analyses combined with geochemical approaches could reveal the potential sources of contaminants and ecological risks, thus facilitate the pollution evaluation in marine sediments.

http://ift.tt/2C0c4gn

Continuously sustained elimination of iodine deficiency: a quarter of a century success in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

Background

Iodine deficiency and related disorders were very common in Iran prior to 1996, when universal salt iodization (USI) was implemented and in 2000 Iran was declared iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) free. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of iodine intake by Iranian households in all 30 provinces of Iran, a quarter of a century after the intervention.

Methods

A total of 18,000 school-aged children (8–10 years with mean 8.7 ± 1 year) were included in this study. Urine samples were collected from all children for measurement of urinary iodine excretion and 1800, 210 and 3000 salt samples were randomly collected from the family kitchen, production site of 73 salt factories and distribution circles of 30 provinces, respectively.

Results

The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of participants was 161 μg/L. The proportion of children with UIC of, 20–49, 50–99 and ≥ 100 μg/L were 10.3, 15.9 and 73.7%, respectively. The mean (± SD) and median salt iodine values were 28.2 (± 12.6) and 31.7 ppm, at the production site, and 31.5 (± 13.6) and 29.6 ppm at the distribution circles, respectively. About 80% of factory salts had more than 20 ppm iodine. 98% of households consumed iodized salt, 80% had appropriate salt storage, and 83% of the household salts contained ≥ 20 ppm.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, Iranian populations are consuming adequate iodine. The well-maintained and monitored USI program has improved the dietary iodine intakes of the population, and the country has achieved all criteria of a well-controlled IDD program.

http://ift.tt/2F40xuX

Uptake and distribution of organo-iodine in deep-sea corals

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
Author(s): Nancy G. Prouty, E. Brendan Roark, Leslye M. Mohon, Ching-Chih Chang
Understanding iodine concentration, transport, and bioavailability is essential in evaluating iodine's impact to the environment and its effectiveness as an environmental biogeotracer. While iodine and its radionuclides have proven to be important tracers in geologic and biologic studies, little is known about transport of this element to the deep sea and subsequent uptake in deep-sea coral habitats. Results presented here on deep-sea black coral iodine speciation and iodine isotope variability provides key information on iodine behavior in natural and anthropogenic environments, and its geochemical pathway in the Gulf of Mexico. Organo-iodine is the dominant iodine species in the black corals, demonstrating that binding of iodine to organic matter plays an important role in the transport and transfer of iodine to the deep-sea corals. The identification of growth bands captured in high-resolution scanning electron images (SEM) with synchronous peaks in iodine variability suggest that riverine delivery of terrestrial-derived organo-iodine is the most plausible explanation to account for annual periodicity in the deep-sea coral geochemistry. Whereas previous studies have suggested the presence of annual growth rings in deep-sea corals, this present study provides a mechanism to explain the formation of annual growth bands. Furthermore, deep-sea coral ages based on iodine peak counts agree well with those ages derived from radiocarbon (¹⁴C) measurements. These results hold promise for developing chronologies independent of ¹⁴C dating, which is an essential component in constraining reservoir ages and using radiocarbon as a tracer of ocean circulation. Furthermore, the presence of enriched ¹²⁹I/¹²⁷I ratios during the most recent period of skeleton growth is linked to nuclear weapons testing during the 1960s. The sensitivity of the coral skeleton to record changes in surface water ¹²⁹I composition provides further evidence that iodine composition and isotope variability captured in proteinaceous deep-sea corals is a promising geochronometer as well as an emerging tracer for continental material flux.



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