bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ageing accuracy with complementary non‐lethal methods for slow‐growing, northern populations of shoal bass
Authors: Long J. M. , Holley C. T. , Taylor A. T.
Published: March 2018

In the upper Chattahoochee River basin, where some populations of shoal bass,Micropterus cataractaeWilliams & Burgess, are imperilled, age and growth data are lacking. Age and growth of shoal bass in this basin were assessed with non‐lethal means using scales and mark–recapture. Mark–recapture data allowed for estimation of accuracy and determination of effects of any scale‐based inaccuracies on growth models. Scale‐based age estimates were accurate for 57% of the samples, and errors of 1 to 3 years included equal numbers of over‐ and underestimates of age. von Bertalanffy growth models based on scale ages were similar to those based on mark–recapture ages for ages 3–8 but noticeably divergent for younger and older fish. Scales provided estimates of longevity up to 12 years of age, and growth models produced from mark–recapture suggest scale ages underestimated age, especially for older fish. These populations of shoal bass live longer and grow slower than other populations, suggesting regional management strategies may be needed.
Differences among patients with Alzheimer's disease, older adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults in finger dexterity
Authors: Suzumura Shota , Osawa Aiko , Maeda Natsumi , Sano Yuko , Kandori Akihiko , Mizuguchi Tomohiko , Yin Ying , Kondo Izumi
Published: March 2018

Aim

We have developed a smart terminal device for screening finger function, and investigated the capability of this tool for detecting abnormalities of finger dexterity.

Methods

Finger dexterity was measured for 31 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD group), 15 people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI group) and 48 family members (healthy older adult group) as the control. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination.

Results

There were significant differences between the AD and control group in response time, rhythm and contact duration (P ≤ 0.05), and a negative correlation was identified between contact duration and Mini‐Mental State Examination score (−0.36 to −0.5; P ≤ 0.05). Also, there were significant differences between the AD and MCI group in response time and contact duration (P ≤ 0.05).

Discussion

These results show that declines in finger dexterity can reflect declining cognitive function, and that measurement of finger dexterity using our smart terminal device can facilitate screening of large groups for MCI or AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 907–914.
Small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol is a promising biomarker for secondary prevention in older men with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Sakai Koshiro , Koba Shinji , Nakamura Yuya , Yokota Yuya , Tsunoda Fumiyoshi , Shoji Makoto , Itoh Yasuki , Hamazaki Yuji , Kobayashi Youichi
Published: March 2018

Aim

The study objective was to investigate whether small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL‐C) is superior to low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and other biomarkers to predict future cardiovascular events (CE) in secondary prevention.

Methods

sdLDL‐C measured by a homogeneous assay, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL particle diameter and other biomarkers were compared in 345 men aged ≥65 years with stable coronary artery disease. Baseline LDL‐C was 100.5 ± 30.1 mg/dL. CE including cardiovascular death, onset of acute coronary syndrome, need for arterial revascularization, hospitalization for heart failure, surgery procedure for cardiovascular disease and hospitalization for stroke were monitored for 5 years.

Results

CE occurred in 96 patients during the study period. LDL‐C, sdLDL‐C non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, glycated hemoglobin and brain natriuretic peptide were significantly higher; LDL particle diameter and apolipoprotein A‐1 were significantly lower in patients with than in those without CE. Age‐adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that sdLDL‐C per 10 mg/dL, but not LDL‐C, was significantly associated with CE (HR 1.206, 95% CI 1.006–1.446). A significant association of sdLDL‐C and incident CE was observed in statin users (HR 1.252, 95% CI 1.017–1.540), diabetes patients (HR 1.219, 95% CI 1.018–1.460), patients without diabetes (HR 1.257, 95% CI 1.019–1.551) and patients with hypertriglyceridemia (HR 1. 376, 95% CI 1.070–1.770).

Conclusions

sdLDL‐C was the most effective predictor of residual risk of future CE in stable coronary artery disease patients using statins and in high‐risk coronary artery disease patients with diabetes or hypertriglyceridemia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 965–972.
Will teenagers today live with and care for their aged parents tomorrow?
Authors: Cheong Chin Y , Ha Ngoc HL , Choo Robin WM , Yap Philip LK
Published: March 2018

Aims

Older adults who live alone are vulnerable physically, emotionally and socially. However, there is a trend towards children not living with their parents. We studied the willingness of teenagers today to live with and care for their aged parents tomorrow, and the reasons for their decision.

Methods

A convenient sample of 1405 teenage students (M
age = 14.9 ± 1.30) in the north region of Singapore completed a purpose‐designed questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationships between teenagers’ closeness to grandparents, challenges faced living with grandparents, positive and negative perceptions towards aging, and willingness to stay with aged parents in the future, stratified by sex. Thematic analysis was used to understand the reasons for their choice.

Results

The majority (85.6%) chose to live with their parents, and the significant predictors were “closeness to grandparents” (P = 0.034) and “positive perceptions towards aging” (P < 0.01), but not “challenges in living with grandparents” (P = 0.391) or “negative perceptions” (P = 0.302). Among teenagers with positive perceptions, boys were more likely to live with their parents (P < 0.01). Conversely, among teenagers with negative perceptions, girls were more likely to do so (P = 0.026). Primary reasons for willingness included: “desire to care,” “expression of love,” “sense of responsibility” and “prompted by moral values.”

Conclusions

Efforts should be undertaken to strengthen teenagers’ relationships with grandparents, and promote positive perceptions towards aging to better sustain the family as a social safety net for aging and frail older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 957–964.
Consumer input into health care: Time for a new active and comprehensive model of consumer involvement
Authors: Hall Alix E. , Bryant Jamie , Sanson‐Fisher Rob W. , Fradgley Elizabeth A. , Proietto Anthony M. , Roos Ian
Published: March 2018

Background

To ensure the provision of patient‐centred health care, it is essential that consumers are actively involved in the process of determining and implementing health‐care quality improvements. However, common strategies used to involve consumers in quality improvements, such as consumer membership on committees and collection of patient feedback via surveys, are ineffective and have a number of limitations, including: limited representativeness; tokenism; a lack of reliable and valid patient feedback data; infrequent assessment of patient feedback; delays in acquiring feedback; and how collected feedback is used to drive health‐care improvements.

Objectives

We propose a new active model of consumer engagement that aims to overcome these limitations. This model involves the following: (i) the development of a new measure of consumer perceptions; (ii) low cost and frequent electronic data collection of patient views of quality improvements; (iii) efficient feedback to the health‐care decision makers; and (iv) active involvement of consumers that fosters power to influence health system changes.
Ethical consumer behaviour in Germany: The attitude‐behaviour gap in the green apparel industry
Authors: Wiederhold Marie , Martinez Luis F.
Published: March 2018

In today's society, the trend of ethical consumerism is undeniable. Yet, even though consumers are ethically concerned, they rarely transform their intentions into a green purchasing behaviour—and this phenomenon is also evident in the sustainable fashion industry. This study aims to understand the prevailing attitude‐behaviour gap and explores the barriers that constrain consumers in purchasing green apparel. A total of 13 in‐depth interviews were conducted and analysed to the principles of grounded theory. The analysis reveals that the following barriers impede consumption of sustainable fashion: price, availability, knowledge, transparency, image, inertia and consumption habits. The impact of each dimension on consumers' purchase decisions might be of interest to apparel manufacturers and retailers who should implement strategies to encourage eco‐conscious apparel acquisition and focus on diminishing these barriers. Accordingly, three major recommendations are made: (a) to concentrate on specific product attributes; (b) to adopt an efficient digital communication strategy; and (c) to make a greater effort on making green apparel attainable. This study contributes to the overall understanding of consumer behaviour in the ethical fashion industry and examines in‐depth the purchasing criteria for sustainable fashion for consumers.
Concepts of Time and Temporality in the Storytelling and Sensemaking Literatures: A Review and Critique
Authors: Dawson Patrick , Sykes Christopher
Published: March 2018

A considerable body of literature exists on narratives and stories in explaining how individuals and groups make and give sense to their experiences in organizations. Classic Aristotelian narratives with a linear time structure (stories with a beginning, middle and end) are prominent in the storytelling literature, whereas retrospection, in drawing on the past in making sense of the present, is a temporal modality central to foundational concepts of sensemaking. In examining time and temporality in these related fields, the authors show how the conventional temporal sequence of a past, present and future dominates, with little consideration being given to time as a multiple rather than singular concept. The authors compare and contrast differences in the temporal aspects of mainstream theories and identify a growing interest in philosophical concepts of time. This review highlights how conventional explanations in these related fields of study are underpinned by linear conceptions of temporality (with an associated causality) and how there is growing recognition of fluidity in the way pasts and futures come together in temporal sensemaking of an emergent present. Although this movement towards explanations that engage with non‐linear modalities deepen insight, they do not explicitly address concepts of time. Time continues to receive scant attention, with temporal but ‘timeless’ theories taking precedence, ultimately constraining theoretical development. In building on this analysis, the authors characterize a range of temporal modalities from which they identify six pathways for charting out an agenda for future research in which multiple concepts of time and temporality are brought to the fore.
National Disability Insurance Scheme, health, hospitals and adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Wallace Robyn A.
Published: March 2018

Preventable poor health outcomes for adults with intellectual disability in health settings have been known about for years. Subsequent analysis and the sorts of reasonable adjustments required in health and disability support settings to address these health gaps are well described, but have not really been embedded in practice in any significant way in either setting. As far as health is concerned, implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS, the Scheme) affords an opportunity to recognise individual needs of people with intellectual disability to provide reasonable and necessary functional support for access to mainstream health services, to build capacity of mainstream health providers to supply services and to increase individual capacity to access services. Together these strands have potential to transform health outcomes. Success of the Scheme, however, rests on as yet incompletely defined operational interaction between NDIS and mainstream health services and inherently involves the disability sector. This interaction is especially relevant for adults with intellectual disability, known high users of hospitals and for whom hospital outcomes are particularly poor and preventable. Keys to better hospital outcomes are first, the receiving of quality person‐centred healthcare from physicians and hospitals taking into account significance of intellectual disability and second, formulation of organised quality functional supports during hospitalisation. Achieving these require sophisticated engagement between consumers, the National Disability Insurance Agency, Commonwealth, State and Territory government leaders, senior hospital and disability administrators, NDIS service providers and clinicians and involves cross fertilisation of values, sharing of operational policies and procedures, determination of boundaries of fiscal responsibility for functional supports in hospital.
Results of a 10‐year follow‐up study of botulinum toxin A therapy for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in Australia
Authors: Rosen Robert , Stewart Thomas
Published: March 2018

Primary hyperhidrosis has a prevalence of 3–5% in the United States. It is a psychosocially disabling condition leading to low self‐esteem, chronic stress and depressive symptoms. Several medical and surgical treatments exist, including botulinum toxin A, which internationally, has been shown effectively and safely to treat this condition achieving high patient satisfaction. In Australia, botulinum toxin A has been available under the Medicare benefits scheme for axillary hyperhidrosis since 2013, but efficacy and treatment satisfaction had not been evaluated. We present the results of the first Australian study on efficacy and patient satisfaction with botulinum toxin A in primary axillary hyperhidrosis with evaluation of possible prognostic factors.
Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in cystic fibrosis in an Australian cystic fibrosis centre
Authors: Sivam Sheila , Dentice Ruth , Reddy Nazmeen , Moriarty Carmel , Yozghatlian Veronica , Mellis Craig , Torzillo Paul , Glanville Allan , Gattas David , Bye Peter
Published: March 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is used in selected patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) as a bridge to transplantation. Our aim was to describe briefly treatment and outcomes of six CF patients who received ECMO. One patient received a lung transplant and another recovered from acute respiratory failure. Four died despite ECMO support. Lack of timely availability of suitable donor lungs and patient selection are contributing factors.
Prevalence of diabetes in Australia: insights from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II
Authors: Davis Wendy A. , Peters Kirsten E. , Makepeace Ashley , Griffiths Shaye , Bundell Christine , Grant Struan F. A. , Ellard Sian , Hattersley Andrew T. , Paul Chubb Stephen A. , Bruce David G. , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: March 2018

Background

Accurate diabetes prevalence estimates are important for health service planning and prioritisation. Available data have limitations, suggesting that the contemporary burden of diabetes in Australia is best assessed from multiple sources.

Aims

To use systematic active detection of diabetes cases in a postcode‐defined urban area through the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2) to complement other epidemiological and survey data in estimating the national prevalence of diabetes and its types.

Methods

People with known diabetes in a population of 157 000 were identified (n = 4639) from a variety of sources and those providing informed consent (n = 1668 or 36%) were recruited to the FDS2 between 2008 and 2011. All FDS2 participants were assigned a type of diabetes based on clinical and laboratory (including serological and genetic) features. Data from people identified through the FDS2 were used to complement Australian Health Survey and National Diabetes Services Scheme prevalence estimates (the proportions of people well controlled on no pharmacotherapy and registering with the National Diabetes Services Scheme respectively) in combination with Australian Bureau of Statistics data to generate the prevalence of diabetes in Australia.

Results

Based on data from multiple sources, 4.8% or 1.1 million Australians had diabetes in 2011–2012, of whom 85.8% had type 2 diabetes, 7.9% type 1 diabetes and 6.3% other types (latent autoimmune diabetes of adults, monogenic diabetes and secondary diabetes).

Conclusions

Approximately 1 in 20 Australians has diabetes. Although most have type 2 diabetes, one in seven has other types that may require more specialised diagnosis and/or management.
A climate‐driven tree line position model in the White Mountains of California over the past six millennia
Authors: Bruening Jamis M. , Bunn Andrew G. , Salzer Matthew W.
Published: March 2018

Aim

Position of the alpine tree line ecotone around the globe corresponds to a growing season isotherm of approximately 6°C. Accordingly, tree lines are important indicators of Holocene global and regional environmental change. A central line of inquiry in tree line ecology is to better understand the mechanisms that dictate tree line position on the landscape, as well as the environmental conditions that cause upslope and downslope shifts in its position at centennial to millennial time‐scales. Here, we present a climate‐driven model to predict tree line position over the past 6,000 years.

Location

Sheep Mountain, located in the White Mountain Range of California, USA.

Time period

4750 bce to present.

Major taxa studied

Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva BK Bailey).

Methods

We use a climate‐driven tree line position model that utilizes a topoclimate raster surface of growing season average temperature to predict the spatial position and area of the alpine tree line ecotone across the mountain range. We then produce a time series of tree line position predictions at 500‐year intervals from 4750 bce to present, and compare the predictions to the growth dates and spatial locations of 61 remnant bristlecone pine samples from above modern tree line.

Results

The model indicates that tree line position in the White Mountains, CA migrated downslope throughout the Holocene until approximately 750 ce, rebounded slightly upslope by 1250 ce, and has since likely remained stationary. Applying the model under present‐day climatic conditions suggests the current tree line at Sheep Mountain may be out of climatic equilibrium by up to 250 vertical metres in some places.

Conclusion

The results support independent conclusions from global tree line analyses, underscore the temperature sensitivity of the tree line ecotone, and further develop our understanding of climate‐driven tree line dynamics.
The importance of marginal population hotspots of cold‐adapted species for research on climate change and conservation
Authors: Abeli Thomas , Vamosi Jana C. , Orsenigo Simone
Published: March 2018

Areas hosting hotspots of low‐latitude marginal populations of cold‐adapted plant species could be key areas for understanding geographical attributes that result in refugia during climatic shifts as well as the conservation of genetic diversity in the face of climate change. Low‐latitude populations of cold‐adapted plants are important because they may harbour the combination of alleles that foster persistence in a warmer climate. Consequently, identification of areas where arctic‐alpine, circumpolar and circumboreal species reach the low‐latitude ends of their distribution will present a unique opportunity to uncover processes that shaped current biogeographical patterns, as well as prepare for future scenarios. Here, we identify 35 main marginal population hotspots (19 and 16 areas in North America and Europe, respectively) of 183 plant taxa. These hotspots represent areas where southern marginal populations of cold‐adapted species co‐occur. The identification of hotspots was based on geographic overlap of southernmost locations of the target species, in a 50 × 50 km grid. With a threshold of two species in a single grid cell or in two contiguous cells, the analysis revealed that hotspots are in most cases located in the southern portion of major mountain chains. However, hotspots also occur in lowland areas at high latitudes (Fennoscandia, Alaska, Hudson Bay) which do not necessarily correspond to known cold‐ or warm‐stage refugia (e.g. Alps). Rockies and Sierra Nevada both in California and Spain, Apennines, and the southern Scandes, maintain their hotspot status even with more stringent cut‐off thresholds (>3 and >5 species per cell group). From a conservation point of view, our analysis reveals that only a small portion of the hotspots are currently included within protected areas. We discuss the importance of marginal population hotspots to future research on climate change and, finally, outline how conservation strategies can capitalize on the knowledge gained from studying climate change effects on cold‐adapted plants.
Resveratrol protects mice against SEB‐induced acute lung injury and mortality by miR‐193a modulation that targets TGF‐β signalling
Authors: Alghetaa Hasan , Mohammed Amira , Sultan Muthanna , Busbee Philip , Murphy Angela , Chatterjee Saurabh , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash
Published: March 2018

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus that triggers a strong immune response, characterized by cytokine storm, multi‐organ failure, and often death. When inhaled, SEB can cause acute lung injury (ALI) and respiratory failure. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol (RES), a phytoallexin, on SEB‐driven ALI and mortality in mice. We used a dual‐exposure model of SEB in C3H/HeJ mice, which caused 100% mortality within the first 5 days of exposure, and treatment with RES resulted in 100% survival of these mice up to 10 days post‐SEB exposure. RES reduced the inflammatory cytokines in the serum and lungs, as well as T cell infiltration into the lungs caused by SEB. Treatment with RES also caused increased production of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) in the blood and lungs. RES altered the miRNA profile in the immune cells isolated from the lungs. Of these, miR‐193a was strongly induced by SEB and was down‐regulated by RES treatment. Furthermore, transfection studies and pathway analyses revealed that miR‐193a targeted several molecules involved in TGF‐β signalling (TGFβ2, TGFβR3) and activation of apoptotic pathways death receptor‐6 (DR6). Together, our studies suggest that RES can effectively neutralize SEB‐mediated lung injury and mortality through potential regulation of miRNA that promote anti‐inflammatory activities.
Modulation of the oxidative plasmatic state in gastroesophageal reflux disease with the addition of rich water molecular hydrogen: A new biological vision
Authors: Franceschelli Sara , Gatta Daniela Maria Pia , Pesce Mirko , Ferrone Alessio , Di Martino Giuseppe , Di Nicola Marta , De Lutiis Maria Anna , Vitacolonna Ester , Patruno Antonia , Grilli Alfredo , Felaco Mario , Speranza Lorenza
Published: March 2018

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a clinical condition characterized by reflux of gastroduodenal contents in the oesophagus, has proved to demonstrate a strong link between oxidative stress and the development of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been universally accepted as first‐line therapy for management of GERD. The potential benefits of electrolysed reduced water (ERW), rich in molecular hydrogen, in improving symptoms and systemic oxidative stress associated with GERD was assessed. The study was performed on 84 GERD patients undergoing control treatment (PPI + tap water) or experimental treatment (PPI + ERW) for 3 months. These patients were subjected to the GERD‐Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire as well as derivatives reactive oxigen metabolites (d‐ROMs) test, biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test, superoxide anion, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde assays, which were all performed as a proxy for the oxidative/nitrosative stress and the antioxidant potential status. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between scores and laboratory parameters. Overall results demonstrated that an optimal oxidative balance can be restored and GERD symptoms can be reduced rapidly via the integration of ERW in GERD patients. The relative variation of heartburn and regurgitation score was significantly correlated with laboratory parameters. Thus, in the selected patients, combination treatment with PPI and ERW improves the cellular redox state leading to the improvement of the quality of life as demonstrated by the correlation analysis between laboratory parameters and GERD symptoms.
Mediation analysis of systemic inflammation on the association between periodontitis and glycaemic status
Authors: Torrungruang Kitti , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong , Jitpakdeebordin Supawadee , Sarujikumjornwatana Somchai
Published: March 2018

Aim

This cross‐sectional study investigated the associations between periodontitis, systemic inflammation and glycaemic status.

Materials and Methods

The participants were divided into three groups: normoglycaemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between periodontitis severity and glycaemic status, adjusting for potential confounders. Mediation analysis of four systemic inflammatory biomarkers, C‐reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), was performed.

Results

This study comprised 2,036 participants, aged 39‐66 years. Severe periodontitis was associated with IFG and diabetes with odds ratios of 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1‐2.4, p = .023) and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.3‐4.5, p = .006), respectively. The CRP, WBC and PLR were associated with both periodontitis severity and glycaemic status (p < .05). In contrast, the NLR was associated with periodontitis severity (p < .05) but not glycaemic status (p > .05). The CRP, WBC and PLR mediated 8%, 13% and 6%, respectively, of the association between severe periodontitis and diabetes. Similar proportions mediated were observed for the periodontitis‐IFG association.

Conclusions

Our findings support the role of systemic inflammation as mediators of the associations between periodontitis and IFG or diabetes.
Investigation of factors that influence pain experienced and the use of pain medication following periodontal surgery
Authors: Beaudette Jennifer R. , Fritz Peter C. , Sullivan Philip J. , Piccini Assunta , Ward Wendy E.
Published: March 2018

Aims

To determine the relationship between anticipated pain and actual pain experienced following soft tissue grafting or implant surgery; to identify the factors that predict actual pain experienced and the use of pain medication following soft tissue grafting or implant surgery.

Materials and Methods

Prior to dental implant placement (n = 98) or soft tissue grafting (n = 115) and for seven days following the procedure, patients completed a visual analog scale indicating anticipated or experienced pain, respectively. The use of pain medication and alcohol, and smoking were measured.

Results

Actual pain experienced on day 1 was lower (p < .01) than anticipated pain and continued to decrease (p ≤ .01) for each of the 7 consecutive days. Anticipated and actual pain were positively correlated. Increasing age (p < .05), having sedation during the surgery (p < .05), and lower use of pain pills (p < .01) predicted lower pain experienced. Actual pain experienced was a predictor of pain pill use (p < .01). Greater nervousness (p < .01) prior to surgery was a predictor of greater anticipated pain.

Conclusions

Patients anticipated more pain than they actually experienced. Sedation, age and number of pain pills used predicted pain experienced. This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03064178.
Patient‐reported symptoms and signs of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis treated with guselkumab or adalimumab: results from the randomized VOYAGE 1 trial
Authors: Papp K.A. , Blauvelt A. , Kimball A.B. , Han C. , Randazzo B. , Wasfi Y. , Shen Y.‐K. , Li S. , Griffiths C.E.M.
Published: March 2018

Background

How patients experience the symptoms/signs of psoriasis is highly relevant for assessing treatment response.

Objectives

Compare outcomes with guselkumab, placebo and adalimumab utilizing the novel, validated Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD).

Methods

VOYAGE 1 is an ongoing, phase III, double‐blinded, controlled trial of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Patients were randomized to guselkumab 100 mg every 8 weeks; placebo‐to‐guselkumab 100 mg every 8 weeks; or adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks. The PSSD was self‐administered to assess symptoms (i.e. itch, skin tightness, burning, stinging and pain) and signs (i.e. dryness, cracking, scaling, shedding/flaking, redness and bleeding) of psoriasis (0–10 [absent‐to‐worst‐imaginable]) every 24 h. Symptom and sign summary scores were derived (0–100) based on average scores of the individual symptoms and signs. Proportions of patients with clinically meaningful improvements and symptom‐ and sign‐free scores of 0 were evaluated across treatment groups at weeks 16, 24 and 48.

Results

At baseline, 652 of 837 randomized patients had PSSD scores. The proportion of patients achieving clinically meaningful improvements in PSSD summary scores was significantly higher in the guselkumab group compared with the placebo group at week 16 (P < 0.001) and compared with the adalimumab group at weeks 24 (P = 0.002) and 48 (P < 0.001). The proportions of patients achieving PSSD symptom and sign summary scores of 0 (i.e. symptom‐ and sign‐free) were significantly higher for guselkumab vs. placebo at week 16 and vs. adalimumab at weeks 24 and 48 (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on PSSD scores, greater improvements in symptoms and signs of psoriasis were reported by patients treated with guselkumab compared with placebo at week 16 or adalimumab through 48 weeks.
Determination of multiple mycotoxin residues in Panax ginseng using simultaneous UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Bi Bo , Bao Jingshan , Xi Guangsheng , Xu Yonghua , Zhang Lianxue
Published: March 2018

Presented here is an optimized and validated high‐throughput method for the simultaneous determination of 11 different classes of mycotoxins from the popular traditional Chinese medicine Panax ginseng. The selected mycotoxins included the aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 and the fumonisins B1 and B2, as well as CIT, HT‐2, T‐2, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A. This high‐throughput analysis was achieved using a simple pretreatment procedure with no clean‐up and featured the convenient and fast‐speed determination provided by LC‐MS/MS within 12 min, for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of 11 selected mycotoxins. We sought to optimize the MS parameters and UPLC conditions and multiple reaction monitoring was used in both positive and negative electrospray ionization mode. Matrix‐matched calibration was applied for the quantification of the 11 mycotoxins in P. ginseng, within the range of 0.5–250 ng/ml. Validation of this method was performed by analyzing samples spiked at three different levels (low, medium, and high). The limits of detection and quantification of the method was within the ranges of 0.25–50 ng/ml and 0.1–25 ng/ml, respectively. Finally, this analytical method was successfully used to assess 10 separate batches of P. ginseng samples obtained from local markets and only one sample detected FB2.

Practical applications

Panax ginseng has been widely used as a highly valued and popular medicinal herb for thousands of years. The potential presence of multiple mycotoxins in P. ginseng is a key issue for its safety and has caused great public concern. In this study, a fast and easy UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS analytical method coupled with a simple pretreatment procedure was established and validated for simultaneous determination of 11 of the most crucial mycotoxins (AFG2, AFG1, AFB2, AFB1, CIT, FB1, FB2, HT‐2 T‐2 ZON, and OTA) in 10 batches of P. ginseng samples, to ensure the quality of TCMs as well as protect the health of humans and animals.
Association between pathologic grade and multiphase computed tomography enhancement in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm
Authors: Kang Jinwoo , Ryu Ji Kon , Son Jun Hyuk , Lee Jae Woo , Choi Jin Ho , Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Yong‐Tae
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare diseases but gradually increasing in prevalence with different prognosis. Multiphase contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) is known as widely used imaging modality for the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. We aimed to investigate whether CT enhancement pattern is associated with the pathologic tumor grade and can predict that of PanNEN.

Methods

Ninety PanNEN patients who underwent multiphase enhanced CT before pathologic diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. CT enhancement values at each phase were measured, and its relation with pathologic grade was assessed.

Results

Ninety PanNENs included 62 G1 (68.9%), 21 G2 (23.3%), and 7 G3 (7.8%). The enhancement values of the early arterial phase were significantly different among three groups (G1 119.4 HU, G2 94.7 HU, and G3 64.8 HU; G1 vs G2, P = 0.043; G1 vs G3, P = 0.001; and G2 vs G3, P = 0.027). In the late arterial phase, there was a difference between grade 1/2 and 3 but no significant difference between grade 1 and grade 2 (G1 164.3 HU, G2 142.9 HU, and G3 94.1 HU; G1 vs G2, P = 0.804; G1 vs G3, P = 0.016; and G2 vs G3, P = 0.022). The enhancement value of the portal phase did not differ significantly among the three groups. Diagnostic ability of the early arterial enhancement value for the differentiation of the G1 (cutoff 109.5 HU, sensitivity 73.3%, and specificity 62.5%) was comparable with that of the tumor size (cutoff 20.5 mm, sensitivity 68.9%, and specificity 66.7%).

Conclusions

Computed tomography enhancement value at early arterial phase and its changing pattern can be a useful predictor for the differentiation of pathologic grade of PanNENs.
Influences on Care Preferences of Older People with Advanced Illness: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis
Authors: Etkind Simon N. , Bone Anna E. , Lovell Natasha , Higginson Irene J. , Murtagh Fliss E. M.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To determine and explore the influences on care preferences of older people with advanced illness and integrate our results into a model to guide practice and research.

Design

Systematic review using Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and OpenGrey databases from inception to February 2017 and reference and citation list searching. Included articles investigated influences on care preference using qualitative or quantitative methodology. Thematic synthesis of qualitative articles and narrative synthesis of quantitative articles were undertaken.

Setting

Hospital and community care settings.

Participants

Older adults with advanced illness, including people with specific illnesses and markers of advanced disease, populations identified as in the last year of life, or individuals receiving palliative care (N = 15,164).

Measurements

The QualSys criteria were used to assess study quality.

Results

Of 12,142 search results, 57 articles were included. Family and care context, illness, and individual factors interact to influence care preferences. Support from and burden on family and loved ones were prominent influences on care preferences. Mechanisms by which preferences are influenced include the process of trading‐off between competing priorities, making choices based on expected outcome, level of engagement, and individual ability to form and express preferences.

Conclusion

Family is particularly important as an influence on care preferences, which are influenced by complex interaction of family, individual, and illness factors. To support preferences, clinicians should consider older people with illnesses and their families together as a unit of care.
Barriers to Implementation of Geriatric Medicine Programs: When Advocacy Meets Reality
Authors: Rowe John W.
Published: March 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Boustani et al.
Success rates and factors associated with failure of temporary anchorage devices: A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Aly Shehab A. , Alyan Doha , Fayed Mona S. , Alhammadi Maged S. , Mostafa Yehya A.
Published: March 2018

Aim

The objective of the present study was to investigate success rates and associated factors affecting temporary anchorage device (TAD) failure in different biomechanical applications.

Methods

A total of 180 TADs were used as a part of 82 patients’ treatment plan (24 males and 58 females); their mean age was 21.41 years. Three types of TADs were used: 50 (3M ESPE, Neuss, Germany), 56 (Bone screw; Jeil Medical, Seoul, Korea), and 74 (Morelli, Sorocaba, Brazil). Eight maxillary and four mandibular sites were selected for insertion. Three different lengths (6, 8, and 10 mm) and three different diameters (1.5, 1.6, and 1.8 mm) were used. The force levels were set at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 g. Patient‐, implant‐, and operator‐dependent factors were evaluated throughout the 266 days of function. Qualitative variables were described by proportions and percentages and analyzed using χ2 test.

Results

The overall success rate was 82.2%. The higher age group showed a significantly higher success rate. Oral hygiene showed a statistically‐significant (P ˂ .05) difference between both success and failure groups. All other patient‐related factors showed no significant differences. Regarding force levels used, the highest success rate was in 250 g and the lowest was in 100 g. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding other implant‐ and operator‐related factors.

Conclusions

Temporary anchorage devices have a good success rate and are beneficial to be integrated in orthodontic treatment planning. Patient age, oral hygiene, and force level are the most significant factors affecting TAD success.
Determinants of health‐related quality of life among outpatients with acute coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Kim Hee Sun , Kim Hyun Kyung , Kang Kyung Ok , Kim Yi Sik
Published: March 2018

Aim

This study aimed to identify health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants in outpatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used and a total of 124 Korean participants was enrolled. The HRQoL (physical limitations, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception), symptom experience (frequency, severity, and distress), physiological (left ventricular ejection fraction and lipids), psychological (depression and anxiety), and situational (social support) factors were measured, selected on the basis of the theory of unpleasant symptoms. The HRQoL was assessed by using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire‐Korean, designed to evaluate disease‐specific health outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 61.73 years. The HRQoL was moderate. Among the HRQoL domains, disease perception showed the lowest level. The most intense symptoms that were experienced by the participants were fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. More than half of the participants had depression and anxiety. The determinants of worse HRQoL were severe symptom experience, higher depression, higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, a lower educational level, and lower social support.

Conclusion

This study proposes a comprehensive approach to health care that incorporates symptom experience, as well as the physiological, psychological, and situational aspects based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, to improve the HRQoL among outpatients with ACS. Nurses should play a key role to help patients with ACS to deal with the symptoms, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and depression and to promote social support, particularly in less‐educated patients, in order to improve their HRQoL.
Role of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 in oxidative and nitrosative stress‐related neurohistopathological changes in a mouse model of sepsis‐associated encephalopathy
Authors: Kawakami Masaaki , Hattori Mizuki , Ohashi Wakana , Fujimori Toshio , Hattori Kohshi , Takebe Mariko , Tomita Kengo , Yokoo Hiroki , Matsuda Naoyuki , Yamazaki Mitsuaki , Hattori Yuichi
Published: March 2018

Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE), characterized as diffuse brain dysfunction and neurological manifestations secondary to sepsis, is a common complication in critically ill patients and can give rise to poor outcome, but understanding the molecular basis of this disorder remains a major challenge. Given the emerging role of G protein‐coupled receptor 2 (GRK2), first identified as a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) regulator, in the regulation of non‐G protein‐coupled receptor‐related molecules contributing to diverse cellular functions and pathology, including inflammation, we tested the hypothesis that GRK2 may be linked to the neuropathogenesis of SAE. When mouse MG6 microglial cells were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), GRK2 cytosolic expression was highly up‐regulated. The ablation of GRK2 by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) prevented an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in LPS‐stimulated MG6 cells. Furthermore, the LPS‐induced up‐regulation of inducible nitric‐oxide synthase expression and increase in nitric oxide production were negated by GRK2 inhibitor or siRNAs. However, GRK2 inhibition was without effect on overproduction of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐1β in LPS‐stimulated MG cells. In mice with cecal ligation and puncture‐induced sepsis, treatment with GRK2 inhibitor reduced high levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress in the mice brains, where GRK2 expression was up‐regulated, alleviated neurohistological damage observed in cerebral cortex sections, and conferred a significant survival advantage to CLP mice. Altogether, these results uncover the novel role for GRK2 in regulating cellular oxidative and nitrosative stress during inflammation and suggest that GRK2 may have a potential as an intriguing therapeutic target to prevent or treat SAE.

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Purinergic receptor types in the hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial system
Authors: Lemos J. R. , Custer E. E. , Ortiz‐Miranda S.
Published: March 2018

Many different types of purinergic receptors are present in the hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial system (HNS), which synthesises and releases vasopressin and oxytocin. The specific location of purinergic receptor subtypes has important functional repercussions for neuronal activity and synaptic output. Yet, until the advent of receptor knockouts, this had been hindered by the low selectivity of the available pharmacological tools. The HNS offers an excellent opportunity to differentiate the functional properties of these purinergic receptors in cell bodies vs terminals of the same physiological system. P2X2, P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors are present in vasopressin terminals, whereas oxytocin terminals exclusively express the P2X7 subtype. The latter is not functional in the cell bodies of the HNS. These purinergic receptor subtypes are permeable to sodium vs calcium in varying amounts and this could play an important role in the release of vasopressin vs oxytocin during bursting activity. Endogenous ATP and its metabolite, adenosine, have autocrine and paracrine modulatory effects on the release of these neuropeptides during physiological stimulation. Finally, we hypothesise that, during such action potential bursts, ATP potentiates the release of vasopressin but not of oxytocin, and that adenosine, via A1 receptors, inhibits the release of both neuropeptides.
A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE TOP FIVE ECONOMICS JOURNALS DURING 2012–2016
Authors: Wei Guangyue
Published: March 2018

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the top five economics journals during the period 2012–2016 and provides helpful insights into the document types, the distribution of country/territories, the distribution of institutions, the geographical distribution of authors, the most active authors and their research interests or fields, the co‐authorship network, and global/local cooperation. This paper also provides valuable information about the core historical references and the hottest new papers through co‐citation analysis and citation analysis. A co‐word analysis based on the keywords and thematic noun‐phrases in the titles and abstracts of the sample papers was used to explore the hot research topics in the top five journals (e.g. ‘price’, ‘game’, ‘consumption’, ‘income’, ‘international trade’, ‘employment’, ‘monetary policy’, ‘welfare effects’ and ‘developing countries’). In addition, a comparative keyword analysis was used to explore the differences in the directions and characteristics of each journal and the changes in research focuses between ‘new’ and ‘old’ studies. The analytical methods of this study differ from those of reviews or previous studies, and the results fill the gaps not covered by those works.
CONDITIONAL DURATION MODELS FOR HIGH‐FREQUENCY DATA: A REVIEW ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: Bhogal Saranjeet Kaur , Thekke Variyam Ramanathan
Published: March 2018

This paper reviews the recent literature on conditional duration modeling in high‐frequency finance. These conditional duration models are associated with the time interval between trades, price, and volume changes of stocks, traded in a financial market. An earlier review by Pacurar provides an exhaustive survey of the first and some of the second generation conditional duration models. We consider almost all of the third‐generation and some of the second‐generation conditional duration models. Notable applications of these models and related empirical studies are discussed. The paper may be seen as an extension to Pacurar.