bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covert moral bioenhancement, public health, and autonomy
Authors: Zambrano Alexander
Published: April 2019

In a recent article in this journal, Parker Crutchfield argues that if moral bioenhancement ought to be compulsory, as some authors claim, then it ought to be covert, i.e., performed without the knowledge of the population that is being morally enhanced. Crutchfield argues that since the aim of compulsory moral bioenhancement is to prevent ultimate harm to the population, compulsory moral bioenhancement is best categorized as a public health issue, and should therefore be governed by the norms and values that apply in public health settings. In this article, I argue for two related claims. First, I question the extent to which compulsory moral enhancement should be considered a public health issue that ought to be governed by the norms and values that apply in public health settings. Second, I argue that Crutchfield's argument that covert moral bioenhancement would better respect people's autonomy than an overt program overlooks two important autonomy‐based reasons that, in fact, favor an overt moral enhancement program over a covert one.
Molecular interplay of autophagy and endocytosis in human health and diseases
Authors: Mahapatra Kewal K. , Panigrahi Debasna P. , Praharaj Prakash P. , Bhol Chandra S. , Patra Srimanta , Mishra Soumya R. , Behera Bishnu P. , Bhutia Sujit K.
Published: April 2019

Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved process for maintaining the physio‐metabolic equilibrium of cells, shares many common effector proteins with endocytosis. For example, tethering proteins involved in fusion like Ras‐like GTPases (Rabs), soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), lysosomal‐associated membrane protein (LAMP), and endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) have a dual role in endocytosis and autophagy, and the trafficking routes of these processes converge at lysosomes. These common effectors indicate an association between budding and fusion of membrane‐bound vesicles that may have a substantial role in autophagic lysosome reformation, by sensing cellular stress levels. Therefore, autophagy–endocytosis crosstalk may be significant and implicates a novel endocytic regulatory pathway of autophagy. Moreover, endocytosis has a pivotal role in the intake of signalling molecules, which in turn activates cascades that can result in pathophysiological conditions. This review discusses the basic mechanisms of this crosstalk and its implications in order to identify potential novel therapeutic targets for various human diseases.
Pharmacokinetic study of the oral fluorouracil antitumor agent S‐1 in patients with impaired renal function
Authors: Goto Keiko , Fujiwara Yutaka , Isobe Takeshi , Chayahara Naoko , Kiyota Naomi , Mukohara Toru , Tsubata Yukari , Hotta Takamasa , Tamura Kenji , Yamamoto Noboru , Minami Hironobu
Published: April 2019

Although dose reduction of S‐1 is recommended for patients with impaired renal function, dose modification for such patients has not been prospectively evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of 5‐fluorouracil, 5‐chloro‐2,4 dihydroxypyridine and oteracil potassium, and to review the recommended dose modification of S‐1 in patients with renal impairment. We classified patients receiving S‐1 into 4 groups according to their renal function, as measured using the Japanese estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation. The daily S‐1 dose was adjusted based on the patient's eGFR and body surface area. Blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis. A total of 33 patients were enrolled and classified into 4 groups as follows: 10 patients in cohort 1 (eGFR ≥ 80 mL/min/1.73 m2), 10 patients in cohort 2 (eGFR = 50‐79 mL/min/1.73 m2), 10 patients in cohort 3 (eGFR = 30‐49 mL/min/1.73 m2), and 3 patients in cohort 4 (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Those in cohorts 3 and 4 treated with an adjusted dose of S‐1 showed a similar area under the curve for 5‐fluorouracil (941.9 ± 275.6 and 1043.5 ± 224.8 ng/mL, respectively) compared with cohort 2 (1034.9 ± 414.3 ng/mL). Notably, while there was a statistically significant difference between cohort 1 (689.6 ± 208.8 ng/mL) and 2 (P = 0.0474) treated with an equal dose of S‐1, there was no significant difference observed in the toxicity profiles of the cohorts. In conclusion, dose adjustment of S‐1 in patients with impaired renal function using eGFR is appropriate and safe.
Reminiscing on acute and chronic events in children with cancer and their parents: An exploratory study
Authors: Guidotti Laura , Solari Federica , Bertolini Patrizia , Gebennini Erika , Ghiaroni Giulia , Corsano Paola
Published: April 2019

Background

Children with cancer live through intense emotional experiences that call for coping with stressful events. The narration of these events allows them to construct a detailed memory system, fostering the elaboration and attribution of meaning to the disease experience. In particular, shared memory between the parent and the child about past events (i.e., reminiscing) helps children to deal with negative emotional experiences, encouraging emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies.

The present study aims to investigate reminiscing in parent–child with cancer dyads, focusing on parents' reminiscing habits, parents' reminiscing style about acute and chronic events, and children's well‐being, assessed with respect to emotional regulation and coping skills.

Method

Fifteen children from ages 4 to 8 years admitted to a paediatric haematology and oncology ward of an Italian hospital, and their parents were engaged in a reminiscing conversation about acute and chronic events related to disease. Moreover, some questionnaires have been proposed to evaluate parents' reminiscing habits and children's emotional regulation and coping skills. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were conducted.

Results

The data showed that parents frequently practise reminiscing in everyday life, focusing on directive and socioemotional functions. In reminiscing conversations about acute and chronic events concerning their child's illness, they use an elaborative reminiscing style and an emotional reminiscing style mainly concerning chronic events. A positive correlation between this reminiscing style and children's adaptive coping strategies was found mainly in acute events. A negative correlation emerged between parents' emotional terms (emotional reminiscing) and children's difficulties in emotional regulation.

Conclusion

This study underlines the benefits of elaborative and emotional reminiscing conversation, in order to help children with cancer and their families to cope with acute and chronic stressful events. Reminiscing can be a useful methodology for health professionals with a view to collecting information on patients' memories of illness.
Mycosis fungoides with spongiosis: A potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Shamim Huma , Johnson Emma F. , Gibson Lawrence E. , Comfere Nneka
Published: April 2019

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is characterized by epidermotropic atypical lymphocytes in the absence of spongiosis. However, we describe an unusual presentation of MF with spongiosis, mimicking benign inflammatory dermatoses and highlight the importance of pathologic interpretation for diagnostic confirmation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of consecutive patients diagnosed with MF with spongiosis was conducted. The clinical, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features of cases were reviewed.

Results

We identified nine cases of MF (age range 34‐82 years; mean 75 years), with an initial diagnosis of dermatitis (6/9), psoriasis (4/9), or other inflammatory dermatoses (2/9). Pruritus, pain, and blisters were common clinical manifestations. The most common areas of involvement were the extremities (8/9). Epidermotropism with spongiosis was a central histopathological feature in all cases.

Conclusion

These cases highlight prominent spongiosis in MF and overlap with common benign inflammatory dermatoses. We present these cases to show the diagnostic pitfalls associated with spongiotic presentations of MF. Dermatitis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions not responsive to standard therapy warrant further work‐up including biopsy to rule out MF. Multiple skin biopsies and review by a dermatopathologist with expertise in the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma is highly recommended.
“Cyst” on the forearm of a 28‐year‐old female: Case report of a CIC‐rearranged sarcoma
Authors: Lehane Fiona , Tsikleas George , Bettington Andrew , Limarporn Kunawut , Wilkinson Lisa , Lehane Katie
Published: April 2019

Capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC)‐rearranged sarcomas are part of the group of Ewing‐like sarcomas or atypical Ewing sarcomas which, thanks to the progress in molecular diagnosis, are being defined by particular genetic abnormalities separating this group into distinct entities with their own particular histological and immunohistochemical features, as well as different survival outcomes. We report the case of a healthy 28‐year‐old female presenting with a tender lesion on her forearm which after ultrasound examination was clinically favored to represent an infected sebaceous cyst. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining showed a lobulated neoplasm within the subcutis composed of poorly differentiated epithelioid to round cells with a small amount of amphophilic cytoplasm. Frequent mitotic figures and tumor necrosis were present. Immunohistochemical studies showed patchy focal CD99 membranous positivity, negative WT1 and TLE1 staining and diffuse nuclear positivity for ETV4 (performed at outside laboratory). FISH analysis showed significant CIC rearrangement enabling a final diagnosis of an undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma harboring the t(4;19)(q35;q13.1) and CIC‐DUX4 fusion. This case shows the importance of awareness of this entity as, unlike Ewing sarcoma, these lesions present in the soft tissues rather than bone and may, as in this case, arise in the superficial soft tissues and be submitted to a dermatopathology practice.
Concerns and future preparedness plans of a vulnerable population in New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Burger Joanna , Gochfeld Michael , Lacy Clifton
Published: April 2019

Knowing how people prepare for disasters is essential to developing resiliency strategies. This study examined recalled concerns, evacuation experiences, and the future preparedness plans of a vulnerable population in New Jersey, United States, following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Understanding the responses of minority communities is key to protecting them during forthcoming disasters. Overall, 35 per cent of respondents were not going to prepare for an event. Intended future preparedness actions were unrelated to respondents' ratings of personal impact. More Blacks and Hispanics planned on preparing than Whites (68 versus 55 per cent), and more Hispanics planned on evacuating than did others who were interviewed. A higher percentage of respondents who had trouble getting to health centres were going to prepare than others. Respondents' concerns were connected to safety and survival, protecting family and friends, and having enough food and medicine, whereas future actions included evacuating earlier and buying sufficient supplies to shelter in place.
Disaster journalism: fostering citizen and community disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience across the disaster cycle
Authors: Houston J. Brian , Schraedley Megan K. , Worley Mary E. , Reed Katherine , Saidi Janet
Published: April 2019

Natural and human‐caused disasters pose a significant risk to the health and well‐being of people. Journalists and news organisations can fulfil multiple roles related to disasters, ranging from providing warnings, assessing disaster mitigation and preparedness, and reporting on what occurs, to aiding long‐term recovery and fostering disaster resilience. This paper considers these possible functions of disaster journalism and draws on semi‐structured interviews with 24 journalists in the United States to understand better their approach to the discipline. A thematic analysis was employed, which resulted in the identification of five main themes and accompanying subthemes: (i) examining disaster mitigation and preparedness; (ii) facilitating recovery; (iii) self‐care and care of journalists; (iv) continued spread of social media; and (v) disaster journalism ethics. The paper concludes that disaster journalism done poorly can result in harm, but done well, it can be an essential instrument with respect to public disaster planning, management, response, and recovery.
How justified is abandoning money in the conduct of monetary policy in Australia on the grounds of instability in the money‐demand function?
Authors: Hossain Akhand Akhtar
Published: April 2019

The role of money in the design and conduct of monetary policy has reemerged as an important issue in both advanced and developing economies, especially since the 2007 global financial crisis. A growing body of recent literature suggests that the causal relationship between money supply growth and inflation remains intact across countries and over time and that this relation is not conditional on the stability of the money‐demand function or whether money is endogenous or exogenous. Moreover, critical for a rule‐based monetary policy is the presence of a long‐run stable money‐demand function, rather than a short‐run money‐demand model that may exhibit instability for many reasons, including problems with estimating a money‐demand model with high‐frequency data. Provided that a stable money‐demand function exists, it could be useful to establish long‐run equilibrium relations among money, output, prices, and exchange rates, as the classical monetary theory suggests. Within this analytical framework, this paper addresses the question of whether money has any role in the conduct of monetary policy in Australia. The conventional wisdom is that the money‐demand function in Australia has been unstable since the mid‐1980s due to financial deregulation and reforms; this led to a change in the strategy of monetary policy for price stability in the form of inflation targeting that ignores money insofar as inflation and its control are concerned. This paper reports empirical findings for Australia, obtained from a longer quarterly data series over the period 1960Q1–2015Q1, which suggest that instability in the narrow‐money‐demand function in Australia was primarily due to the exclusion of variables which have become important in the deregulated environment since the 1980s. These findings are confirmed by an expanded form of the narrow‐money‐demand function that was found stable over the past two decades, although it experienced multiple structural breaks over the study period. The paper draws the conclusion that abandoning the monetary aggregate as an instrument of monetary policy in Australia, under a rule‐based monetary policy such as inflation targeting, cannot be justified by instability in the money‐demand function or even by lack of a causal link between money supply growth and inflation.
Social collateral, dynamic incentives, and joint liability in a two‐step trust game: Lending to the unbankable
Authors: Barboza Gustavo
Published: April 2019

Asymmetric information and lack of collateral creates a suboptimal allocation of financial resources to those in most need. When uncollateralised borrowers approach financial institutions, the presence of moral hazard and adverse selection results in no lending. Conversely, group‐lending contracts—joint liability, dynamic lending, and social cost for defaulting—control for information asymmetries and create a co‐operative trust game between borrowers leading to an undominated optimal strategy to repay, and therefore, for the lender to Give. Group lending proves superior to typical individual borrowing and lending when no collateral is available. Social collateral and trust are fundamental pieces of the successful work of MicroFinance. Resulting contracts and correspondent payoffs are Pareto efficient.
Bubbles and rationality in bitcoin
Authors: Waters George A.
Published: April 2019

Periodically collapsing rational bubbles model speculative demand in asset markets. The price and quantity of bitcoin are integrated of different orders, which is evidence of a bubble. Cointegration tests that allow for the potential presence of such bubbles with alternative proxies for fundamentals cannot reject a bubble in bitcoin.
Race performance following epiglottic entrapment surgery in Thoroughbred yearlings
Authors: Curtiss A. L. , Aceto H. , Embertson R. M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Epiglottic entrapment can occur in yearling Thoroughbreds (TB); however, race performance following surgical correction is unknown.

Objectives

To determine the race performance of horses treated surgically for epiglottic entrapment as yearlings as compared to an untreated cohort. A second objective was to identify risk factors for treated horses not racing post‐operatively.

Study design

Retrospective cohort and case–control studies.

Methods

Medical (1989–2014) and race records of 66 treatedTBracehorses were reviewed. Observed abnormalities on pre‐ and post‐operative endoscopic images and surgical method were recorded. Race records (EquineLine) were recorded. Racing performance of treated yearlingTBs and two of their maternal half‐siblings, which were used as the untreated cohort, was evaluated in a cohort study. A case–control study was used to investigate risk factors for not racing post‐operatively among treated horses. Quarterly starts and earnings were compared to an untreated cohort. Survival analysis was used to assess career longevity. Rates of racing and earnings were compared between groups using Poisson and negative binomial regression respectively. Associations between clinical variables and not racing post‐surgery were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

Sixty‐six treated horses were identified, 65 of which had at least one half‐sibling. Proportions of horses that raced were similar for treated and maternal cohorts (70.0 vs. 70.8%, P = 0.9). Treated horses performed similarly to untreated horses. In treated horses, epiglottic entrapment with abnormal right arytenoid movement was associated with never racing (OR15.40, 95%CI1.64–144.23, P = 0.02). More females were affected by epiglottic entrapment than males (47/66 vs. 19/66 respectively, P<0.001).

Main limitations

The retrospective design over a prolonged period of time with cases obtained from a single hospital population. Low case numbers likely influenced the outcome of the multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Thoroughbred racehorses treated in their yearling year for epiglottic entrapment had no differences in performance variables compared to their untreated cohort. Epiglottic entrapment with abnormal right arytenoid movement might decrease odds of racing post‐operatively.
Broader niches revealed by fossil data do not reduce estimates of range loss and fragmentation of African montane trees
Authors: Ivory Sarah J. , Russell James , Early Regan , Sax Dov F.
Published: April 2019

Aim

The climate tolerances of many species are broader than those estimated from current native ranges. Indeed, the niches of some Afromontane trees are up to 50% larger after incorporation of fossil data. This expansion could reduce estimates of species' future range loss owing to climate change but also implies strong non‐climatic limitations on species' current ranges. One such limitation is land use, which fossil data suggest influences Afromontane tree distribution, preventing these trees from occupying warmer conditions than they do currently. We aimed to assess the degree to which the broader climatic tolerances revealed by fossil data buffer projected range loss from climate and land use for Afromontane trees.

Location

Africa.

Time period

Last 21,000 years.

Major taxa studied

Afromontane trees.

Methods

We used species distribution models informed by both current and fossil distributions to project future ranges under climate and land‐use projections.

Results

We found that projected range reductions are only slightly ameliorated by incorporation of fossil distributions, and these improvements diminish further under severe land‐use or climate change scenarios. Taxa that are less impacted by climate are more impacted by intense land use. Depending on the severity of climate and land use, the geographical extent of Afromontane tree species' ranges will contract by 40–85%, and the trees will be completely lost from large portions of Africa. We projected that the surviving species' ranges will become increasingly fragmented.

Main conclusions

Maintaining Afromontane ecosystems will require mitigation of both climate and land‐use change and protection of areas to optimize connectivity. Our findings caution that species with climate tolerances broader than their current range might not necessarily fare better under strong changes in climate or land use.
Small mammals have big tails in the tropics
Authors: Alroy John
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim was to test whether large‐scale patterns of variation in the bodily proportions of small mammals relate to latitude and climate.

Location

The New World.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Marsupials, lipotyphlans and rodents.

Methods

Distributional, morphological and phylogenetic data were compiled for 149 faunal samples including 360 species of New World small mammals. Phylogenetic autocorrelation was addressed using phylogenetic generalized least squares regression.

Results

The faunal data show that tails are systematically larger in the tropics relative to head and body lengths. Furthermore, the data for individual species demonstrate a negative relationship between tail length and the distance of the midpoint of a geographical range from the equator. Hind foot and ear length also decline at high latitudes, but the relationships are much weaker. Allen's rule states that all extremities, including ears, feet and tails, should be larger at low latitudes because heat loss is not a limiting factor. However, no correlation between any measurement and mean annual temperature is found in two major groups (cricetid rodents and didelphid marsupials) or in all mammals combined.

Main conclusions

Allen's rule does not apply at the macroevolutionary scale, and a new one does. Given that long tails stabilize movement between tree branches and are better suited for being prehensile, this rule might relate to increasing arboreality in the tropics.
A consistent species richness–climate relationship for oaks across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Xu Xiaoting , Dimitrov Dimitar , Shrestha Nawal , Rahbek Carsten , Wang Zhiheng
Published: April 2019

Aim

Although the effects of climate on species richness are known, regional processes may lead to different species richness–climate relationships across continents resulting in species richness anomalies, especially for tropical groups. Phylogenetic niche conservatism may also influence species richness–climate relationships of different lineages. Here, we tested whether regional effects also exist for temperate lineages using the genus Quercus.

Location

Northern Hemisphere.

Time period

Present day.

Major taxa studied

Quercus (Fagaceae).

Methods

We used a dated phylogeny and distribution data for Quercus to evaluate its global species richness patterns and phylogenetic niche conservatism. To evaluate the consistency in species richness–climate relationships across continents of the genus Quercus as a whole and the temperate subgenus Quercus, we conducted analyses of covariance with continent as the categorical variable and climate variables as the covariate. We calibrated four widely used models using the global data or data from each continent separately and evaluated the predictive power of each model for different continents using the root mean squared error.

Results

The relationships between species richness and climate were not significantly different among continents for both the genus Quercus as a whole and the subgenus Quercus. Unlike the models based on European data, those based on North American and eastern Asian data predicted both the global species richness and the richness in other continents. The species richness of a subtropical subgenus Cyclobalanopsis was most influenced by water availability, while that of a temperate subgenus Quercus was most influenced by environmental temperature.

Main conclusions

In contrast to the subtropical subgenus Cyclobalanopsis, our results showed a consistent richness–climate relationship and absence of regional effects on species richness across continents for the temperate subgenus Quercus, likely suggesting that the species richness of temperate lineages, for example subgenus Quercus, may have reached equilibrium with the contemporary climate in the Northern Hemisphere.
Fermentation and chemical composition of high‐moisture lucerne leaf and stem silages harvested at different stages of development using a leaf stripper
Authors: Sikora Miranda C. , Hatfield Ronald D. , Kalscheur Kenneth F.
Published: April 2019

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) requires four or more cuttings at early bud stage per growing season to optimize the amount of crude protein and digestible fibre for feeding high‐producing dairy cows. However, there is potential to generate a nutrient‐dense feed from lucerne regardless of developmental stage by harvesting its protein‐rich leaves separate from its fibrous stems. In order to determine whether fractionated lucerne can be effectively ensiled under high‐moisture conditions and be nutritionally competitive with wilted whole‐plant silage, leaf and stem fractions, harvested at three developmental stages (early bud, 10%–20% bloom and >50% bloom), were directly ensiled in mini‐silos. At day 0, 1, 3, 21 and 140 of ensiling, silages were analysed for protein and non‐protein nitrogen fractions as well as their fermentation products and carbohydrate composition. Silages from unwilted leaves and stems were more heterofermentative than wilted whole‐plant silages; their fermentation shifted from primarily lactic acid to acetic acid production after 21 days. In leaf silages, the high degree of protein degradation into non‐protein nitrogen (~55%) was most likely due to fermentation quality. Nevertheless, at 140 days of ensiling, leaf silages had 21%–25% higher (p < 0.01) available protein (peptide amino acids, soluble and insoluble protein) content than wilted whole‐plant silages, regardless of developmental stage. Achievement of a more rapid pH decline and improved fractionation may further increase the nutritional value of leaf silages.
Spasmolytic polypeptide‐expressing metaplasia associated with higher expressions of miR‐21, 155, and 223 can be regressed by Helicobacter pylori eradication in the gastric cancer familial relatives
Authors: Kuo Hsin‐Yu , Chang Wei‐Lun , Yeh Yi‐Chun , Cheng Hsiu‐Chi , Tsai Yu‐Ching , Wu Chung‐Tai , Lin Sheng‐Hsiang , Yang Hsiao‐Bai , Lu Cheng‐Chang , Sheu Bor‐Shyang
Published: April 2019

Background and aims

Spasmolytic polypeptide‐expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is a preneoplastic gastric cancer lesion related to epigenetic microRNA (miRNA) expression. This study elucidated whether Helicobacter pylori‐infected first‐degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer (GCF) are susceptible to have SPEM and correlated with miR‐21, 155, and 223 expressions. We also validated whether SPEM and these miRNAs can be regressed after H pylori eradication.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 148 GCF and 148 nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) subjects without gastric cancer familial history as controls. Each case had received a panendoscopy to determine H pylori status and gastric histology, including SPEM. The cases with SPEM were followed after H pylori eradication to determine SPEM regression. The total RNA was extracted to analyze tissues miR‐21, 155, and 223 before and after eradication.

Results

GCF subjects had a higher prevalence of H pylori infection (73% vs 32%) and SPEM (42% vs 14%, P < 0.01) than controls. The tissue miR‐21, 155, and 223 in antrum were higher in cases with SPEM than in those without SPEM (P <= 0.05). There was similar SPEM reversibility after H pylori eradication between GCF subjects and controls (72% vs 69%, P = 0.852). In the SPEM regressed cases, tissue miR‐21, 155, and 223 decreased after H pylori eradication (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The H pylori‐infected GCF subjects were prone to have SPEM with higher tissues miR‐21, 155, and 223 expressions. H pylori eradication can result in a 70% SPEM regression, accompanied by a decline in miR‐21, 155, and 233 expression levels.
Systematic review: Would susceptibility‐guided treatment achieve acceptable cure rates for second‐line Helicobacter pylori therapy as currently practiced?
Authors: Baylina Mireia , Muñoz Neus , Sánchez‐Delgado Jordi , López‐Góngora Sheila , Calvet Xavier , Puig Ignasi
Published: April 2019

Background

Susceptibility‐guided treatment has been proposed as a way to improve Helicobacter pylori eradication rates. Evidence on its efficacy for rescue therapy is very scarce. The aim of this study was to indirectly assess the applicability and effectiveness of susceptibility‐guided treatment by evaluating (a) the rate of acceptance of endoscopy, (b) its success in detecting resistances, and (c) infection cure rates in patients harboring strains found to be susceptible to the antibiotics administered in clinical trials in which the efficacy of second‐line treatments was reported.

Methods

A systematic review of studies evaluating second‐line H pylori treatment was carried out in multiple databases. Studies reporting antibiotic susceptibility evaluation and/or cure rates in patients harboring sensitive and resistant strains were selected. Data were extracted in duplicate.

Results

The systematic review identified 36 eligible studies. Acceptance was evaluated in only one study of 60 patients, of whom only 38 agreed to endoscopy. Among the 2890 patients who received endoscopy and culture, resistances were finally determined in 86.5%. Cure rate was 72.5% in the 113 patients harboring a clarithromycin‐susceptible strain after previous clarithromycin treatment, 93.5% in the 765 patients harboring a metronidazole‐susceptible strain, and 83.8% in the 192 patients harboring a levofloxacin‐susceptible strain. No studies with repeated administration of levofloxacin or metronidazole were found.

Conclusion

Even if the culture shows a clarithromycin‐sensitive strain, repeating clarithromycin after a first failure should be discouraged. Susceptibility‐guided treatment alone did not achieve adequate cure rates for rescue therapies. Additional measures are needed to design rescue treatments that consistently achieve excellent cure rates.
SEQUENTIAL EXPERT ADVICE: SUPERIORITY OF CLOSED‐DOOR MEETINGS
Authors: Bag Parimal K. , Sharma Tridib
Published: April 2019

Two career‐concerned experts sequentially give advice to a Bayesian decision maker (D). We find that secrecy dominates transparency, yielding superior decisions for D. Secrecy empowers the expert moving late to be pivotal more often. Further, (i) only secrecy enables the second expert to partially communicate her information and its high precision to D and swing the decision away from first expert's recommendation; (ii) if experts have high average precision, then the second expert is effective only under secrecy. These results are obtained when experts only recommend decisions. If they also report the quality of advice, fully revealing equilibrium may exist.
Intralesional radiofrequency treatment for venous lake
Authors: Poonia Kavita , Kumar Anand , Thami Gurvinder P.
Published: April 2019

Background

Venous lakes are asymptomatic, cosmetically unacceptable vascular malformations commonly present over the lips. Most of the lesions do not warrant any therapeutic intervention.

Objective

We herein report a 20‐year‐old male patient with venous lake who was treated using intralesional radiofrequency (RF) by modified insulated intravenous cannula as an extended probe.

Methods

An RF ablation was performed under local infiltration anesthesia using intravenous infusion cannula as an extended insulated probe to deliver current.

Results

The venous lake was obliterated immediately post‐procedure with minimal inflammatory change. It showed good cosmetic results with minimal scarring and no recurrence at 18 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Intralesional RF using modified insulated probe is a useful alternative treatment and may be considered to treat small venous lakes.
Factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among children seeking treatment for obesity: A social‐ecological approach
Authors: Sheinbein Daniel H. , Stein Richard I. , Hayes Jacqueline F. , Brown Mackenzie L. , Balantekin Katherine N. , Conlon Rachel P. Kolko , Saelens Brian E. , Perri Michael G. , Welch R. Robinson , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Epstein Leonard H. , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Children with overweight/obesity are more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety than are their peers without overweight/obesity; however, the rates and correlates of depression and anxiety symptoms among children seeking obesity treatment remain unclear.

Objectives

Examine the prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety symptoms among treatment‐seeking children with overweight/obesity.

Methods

Children 7 to 11 years old (N = 241) and their parents completed assessments before beginning family‐based behavioral weight‐loss treatment. Disorder‐specific self‐report questionnaires assessed child depression and anxiety. The social‐ecological model served as a framework for examining factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms.

Results

Among our sample, 39.8% (96/241) met clinical cutoffs for depression and/or anxiety symptomatology. Specifically, of these 96, 48 met criteria for both depression and anxiety, 24 for depression only, and 24 for anxiety only. Child eating disorder pathology, parents' use of psychological control (ie, a parenting style characterized by emotional manipulation), and lower child subjective social status were significantly associated with greater child depression symptomatology. Child eating disorder pathology and parent psychological control were significantly associated with greater child anxiety symptomatology.

Conclusion

Nearly 40% of children exhibited psychopathology symptoms, and a variety of correlates were found. Thus, pediatric weight‐loss providers may consider screening for and addressing mental health concerns (and associated factors) prior to and during treatment.
Tool use by the graphic tuskfish Choerodon graphicus
Authors: Pryor Kimberley J. , Milton Ashley M.
Published: April 2019

We describe how the graphic tuskfish Choerodon graphicus in New Caledonia uses rocks and coral heads as anvils to break open bivalves to obtain food. Video revealed that C. graphicus can make as many as 28 strikes on two anvils over 6 min in a single event. This example of tool use in fishes extends the behaviour taxonomically and geographically and supports the hypothesis that tool use may be widespread in wrasses, particularly those in the Choerodon genus.
Structure of winter groundfish feeding guilds in Pacific herring Clupea pallasii and walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus nursery fjords
Authors: Gray Benjamin P. , Bishop Mary Anne , Powers Sean
Published: April 2019

The contents of 1056 stomachs were included in a trophic‐guild analysis to document separation amongst 16 groundfish species inhabiting Pacific herring Clupea pallasii and walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus nursery fjords in Prince William Sound, Alaska and to determine the relative contribution of C. pallasii and G. chalcogrammus to that separation. A total of five multi‐species feeding guilds and one outlier species were determined through multivariate analyses. Major gradients of trophic separation spanned from invertebrates (mostly shrimps, crabs and unidentified decapods) to fishes (mostly unidentified fishes, C. pallasii and G. chalcogrammus) a pattern that was influenced by intra and interspecific differences in predator lengths. While C. pallasii and G. chalcogrammus were important to the overall guild structure, within‐guild similarities were consistently highest due to unidentified fishes. In general, larger predators consumed the largest C. pallasii and G. chalcogrammus, with the smaller‐on‐average predators consuming smaller C. pallasii and fewer or smaller G. chalcogrammus. Regardless of guild inclusion, groundfishes primarily consumed pre‐recruit C. pallasii and G. chalcogrammus (i.e., younger than age 3 years fishes), which has the potential to negatively influence recruitment of these forage fishes to the adult, spawning population.
Functional Neurosonology Reveals Impaired Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Krogias Christos , Christou Ioannis , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Koutroulou Ioanna , Schroeder Christoph , Lantinioti Chrissoula , Richter Daniel , Karapanayiotides Theodoros , Haghikia Aiden , Gold Ralf , Voumvourakis Konstantinos
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Vascular aspects like global cerebral hypoperfusion are frequently reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although mechanistic question remains unanswered, this hemodynamic impairment may be caused by a widespread endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) has been described in patients with MS by means of hypercapnic perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We sought to further evaluate potential hemodynamic restriction in patients with MS using functional sonographic methods.

METHODS

We evaluated consecutive patients with MS and healthy controls with adequate bilateral transtemporal window. CVR was assessed by bilateral transcranial Doppler monitoring of proximal middle cerebral arteries. Mean flow velocities were recorded before and after 30 seconds of breath holding. Vasomotor response was quantified by breath holding index (BHI).

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients with MS (mean age 39 ± 12 years; 69% women) were compared to 31 healthy controls (mean age 35 ± 11 years; 71% women). BHI was lower in patients with MS compared to healthy controls (.70 ± .43 vs. .93 ± .55; P = .006), documenting a lower cerebrovascular response to hypercapnia. There was no correlation between patient age (r = .1254; P = .277), expanded disability status scale (r = .1838; P = .109), and disease duration (r = .1882; P = .101) with BHI in patients with MS.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary sonographic findings appear to independently corroborate the previously reported observation of impaired CVR on brain MRI in patients with MS. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms as well as the clinical impact of this observation remain elusive.
Time pressure and proactive work behaviour: A week‐level study on intraindividual fluctuations and reciprocal relationships
Authors: Urbach Tina , Weigelt Oliver
Published: April 2019

Recent research on proactive work behaviours (PWBs) pointed out that these behaviours can have negative consequences for the proactive individual. We add to this perspective by showing that PWBs may be a source of strain at work and result in elevated time pressure. Challenging the view of time pressure as a challenge stressor, we hypothesize that over the course of work weeks, time pressure will result in less (rather than more) PWB. We investigate these reciprocal effects as within‐person, week‐level fluctuations of time pressure and PWB based on experience sampling data (N = 52 participants,k = 274 observations). Over the course of three consecutive work weeks, results show a positive lagged effect of PWB in the first week on experiencing time pressure in the second week; in turn, time pressure in the second week had a negative lagged effect on PWB in the third week. Results further suggest that PWB is lowest in work weeks of low time pressure when following a week of high time pressure, indicating a conservation of resources interpretation of the results.

Practitioner points

Above and beyond the many positive effects of employees’ proactive work behaviour (PWB), organizations need to be aware that these behaviours can have costs for employees, for example, in increasing their experience of time pressure.

Over consecutive work weeks, time pressure seems to impede rather than facilitate employees’ PWBs.

When work weeks characterized by high time pressure were followed by work weeks of low time pressure, employees used the latter to ‘recharge their batteries’ instead of engaging in more PWB.
Influence of the postharvest processing of the “Garnica” coffee variety on the sensory characteristics and overall acceptance of the beverage
Authors: Partida‐Sedas José Gervasio , Muñoz Ferreiro Mª Nieves , Vázquez‐Odériz Mª Lourdes , Romero‐Rodríguez Mª Ángeles , Pérez‐Portilla Emiliano
Published: April 2019

Evaluating how the postharvest processes of coffee influence the sensory characteristics of the obtained beverage makes it possible to innovate to satisfy niche markets, increase cost–benefit advantages, and comply with environmental and quality standards. In this study, four postharvest processes (“natural,” “depulping,” “fermenting,” and “washing”) were carried out on the “Garnica” variety coffee fruit. The beverage resulting from each process underwent a sensory evaluation by (a) expert cuppers to characterize it with a descriptive analysis, as well as by (b) consumers to find out its overall acceptance. The red wine bouquet of the beverage, as obtained through the “natural” process, conditioned the overall acceptance of consumers, and the acceptance of the other coffees was conditioned by the fragrance having a note of lemon. The “depulping” and “fermentation” processes represented viable options to the “washed” coffee: These processes resulted in similar sensory characteristics and general acceptance but had a lower environmental impact. With an acceptance map from a multiple factor analysis of the sensory and hedonistic data, it was found that, when applied to Garnica variety coffee, the “depulping” process represents a viable option to replace “washed” coffee processing.

Practical applications

The results obtained allow for the presentation of information about the possibility of transitioning to postharvest processes that represent an alternative to the traditional “washed” method for the agents and organisms that manage the coffee sector to raise awareness among them. These results also offer information to consumers regarding the existence of other coffee options with similar sensory characteristics to “washed” coffee, but which have a lower environmental impact.
Infant feeding practices and sleep development in pre‐schoolers from the EDEN mother–child cohort
Authors: Murcia Luisa , Reynaud Eve , Messayke Sabine , Davisse‐Paturet Camille , Forhan Anne , Heude Barbara , Charles Marie‐Aline , de Lauzon‐Guillain Blandine , Plancoulaine Sabine
Published: April 2019

Sleep problems affect 20%–30% of toddlers and preschoolers. Few longitudinal studies focused on the impact of infant feeding practices on sleep. We aimed to study the associations between feeding practices up to 8 months and trajectories of sleep quantity or quality from 2 to 5–6 years. Analyses included 1,028 children from the EDEN mother–child cohort. Data were collected by self‐administered questionnaires. Associations between feeding practices (breastfeeding, complementary feeding, use of thickened infant formula, night feeding) and sleep trajectories (sleep‐onset difficulties, night waking, nighttime in bed) were analysed by multiple logistic regressions. Predominant breastfeeding for more than 4 months was associated with lower risk for belonging to the persistent sleep‐onset difficulties trajectory. Night feeding at 4 months or at 2 years old was associated with higher risk for belonging to the persistent sleep‐onset difficulties trajectory, and night feeding at 8 months was associated with higher risk for night waking and higher risk for short nighttime in bed. Early introduction (< 4 months) to complementary foods (excluding baby cereals) was related to lower risk for short nighttime in bed. Use of baby cereals or thickened infant formula was related neither to sleep quality nor to sleep quantity. In conclusion, infant feeding practices are associated with sleep trajectories in preschoolers, with notably a potential protective role of breastfeeding. Further researches are needed to clarify the mechanisms of these relationships.
Effects of magnesium with or without boron on headshaking behavior in horses with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking
Authors: Sheldon Shara A. , Aleman Monica , Costa Lais R. R. , Weich Kalie , Howey Quinn , Madigan John E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Oral administration of magnesium and boron might have a beneficial effect on headshaking behavior in horses.

Objective

Evaluate the effects of oral magnesium alone or in combination with boron on headshaking behavior in affected horses.

Animals

Twelve geldings (6 healthy controls and 6 affected).

Methods

Prospective randomized controlled dietary trial over 42 days in 12 horses (6 horses diagnosed with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking and 6 unaffected healthy controls). All horses received a hay diet and were randomized into 3 treatment groups: pelleted feed combination (PF), pelleted feed combination with magnesium (M), and pelleted feed combination with magnesium‐boron (MB) with a week washout of hay only between treatments. Headshaking behavior and biochemical blood variables were assessed at baseline (hay only) and then after each week of supplementation.

Results

All 3 diet interventions increased blood ionized and total magnesium. Groups M and MB further increased Mg2+ when compared to PF. Horses receiving treatments had a significant reduction in headshaking behavior, as measured by incidence rate ratio (IRR), when compared to unsupplemented hay diet (44% for PF, IRR, 0.558; CI, 0.44, 0.72; P < .001; 52% for M, IRR, 0.476; CI, 0.37, 0.62; P < .001; and 64% for MB, IRR, 0.358; CI, 0.27, 0.48; P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Magnesium in combination with boron had the greatest decrease in headshaking. Oral supplementation with magnesium or magnesium in combination with boron should be considered in horses affected with headshaking.
Effects of Pointing Gestures on Memory for (In)Congruent Stimuli in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Ouwehand Kim , Dijkstra Katinka , van Gog Tamara , Paas Fred
Published: April 2019

We investigated whether finger pointing toward picture locations can be used as an external cognitive control tool to guide attention and compensate for the immature cognitive control functions in children compared with young adults. Item and source memory performance was compared for picture‐location pairs that were either semantically congruent (e.g., a cloud presented at the upper half of the screen) or incongruent (e.g., a cloud presented at the lower part of the screen). Contrary to our expectations, pointing had an adverse effect on source memory compared to visual observation only, in both age groups. As expected, superior source memory performance was found for congruent compared to incongruent picture‐locations pairs in both age groups. These findings suggest that pointing toward pictures compared to only viewing may hamper memory, and that congruent picture locations are easier to remember than incongruent ones.