bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorectal surgeons should be open to modern surgical technologies for challenging cases
Authors: Hamilton Auerilius E. R. , Stevenson Andrew R. L. , Warren Conor D. , Westwood David A.
Published: August 2018

Today, colorectal surgeons globally are practicing in an exciting era where surgical technologies are constantly emerging. Most of these cutting‐edge technologies are readily available in Australia and New Zealand at present. Thus the ‘modern surgeon’ should always be defined by this open‐minded attitude towards these new and emerging surgical technologies. This review article highlights current modalities that we have been using in our north‐Brisbane public and private hospitals for cases predicted to be technically challenging using minimally invasive approaches for most of them. We examined the current evidence regarding the following modalities and critiqued their use in clinical practice: lighted ureteric stents, minimally invasive surgery approaches of laparoscopy and robotic surgery, pressure barrier insufflation devices, 3D camera systems, hand‐assist device ports and indocyanine green dye fluorescence angiography. The objective of this review paper is to alert colorectal surgeons to new surgical technologies available to them, to encourage colorectal surgeons' familiarization with these many technologies, and to support evidence‐based consideration for the clinical use of such. These technologies should be supplemental aides to the safe, oncologically adequate and efficient operation that they already routinely perform.
Our connection procedure for an EEA™ XL stapler and anvil head using EEA OrVil™ for laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy
Authors: Rino Yasushi , Yukawa Norio , Kano Kazuki , Sato Tsutomu , Yamada Takanobu , Aoyama Toru , Maezawa Yukio , Oshima Takashi , Shiozawa Manabu , Morinaga Soichiro , Cho Haruhiko , Yoshikawa Takaki , Masuda Munetaka
Published: August 2018

Introduction

We describe an easy technique to connect the anvil and center rod of the EEA™ OrVil™.

Materials and Surgical Technique

The bulb tip of EEA OrVil was orally inserted slowly until the valve tip reached the esophageal stump. The surgeon inserted forceps while grasping the anvil from the right abdomen trocar. The circular stapler (EEA XL) was inserted via the cut‐off stump of the lifted jejunum or remnant stomach through the intraumbilical incision. Then, the circular stapler was held with the shaft convex. When the automated stapler and center rod were confirmed to be completely aligned, the anvil and the main unit were connected, and the device was fired.

Discussion

Although we only reversed the direction of the circular stapler’s shaft, this method improved the ease of the operation.
Monitoring, Corporate Performance and Institutional Directors
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , García‐Meca Emma
Published: August 2018

Our main objective is to study the effect of institutional directors on firm performance, distinguishing directors according to whether they maintain business relationships (pressure‐sensitive) or not (pressure‐resistant). Our results show that in weak regulatory and low investor protection environments, institutional directors have a negative impact on corporate performance. Our evidence shows that this negative effect is mainly driven by the role of pressure‐resistant directors and not for those directors representing mainly banks and other financial institutions with a long‐term investment horizon. These findings have implications for numerous parties, such as institutional investors, regulators, potential new board members and other corporate governance reform proponents, who frequently examine board characteristics to assess the effectiveness of boards in value‐creation policies.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of small molecule kinase inhibitors in oncology in a real‐world cohort study: does age matter?
Authors: Crombag Marie‐Rose B.S. , van Doremalen Jacobine G.C. , Janssen Julie M. , Rosing Hilde , Schellens Jan H.M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Steeghs Neeltje , Huitema Alwin D.R.
Published: August 2018

Aim

Pharmacokinetics of small molecule kinase inhibitors (KIs) used in cancer treatment may alter with increasing age, but results are conflicting. This study aims to compare exposure to KIs between older and younger patients (≥70 and <70 years) in clinical practice.

Methods

KI plasma concentrations of routinely treated patients were measured using validated assays. Calculated trough concentrations were compared in both age groups. For KIs with a clinically meaningful target concentration (erlotinib, imatinib, pazopanib, sunitinib and vemurafenib), influence of older age on target attainment was assessed.

Results

We analysed 616 samples from 454 patients (median age: 61; range 20–93 years), treated with dabrafenib (n = 105), erlotinib (n = 49), imatinib (n = 165), pazopanib (n = 63), sunitinib (n = 87), trametinib (n = 95) and vemurafenib (n = 52). Older age did not significantly influence exposure to erlotinib, imatinib, pazopanib, sunitinib, trametinib and vemurafenib. Elderly patients had significantly higher dabrafenib trough concentrations than younger patients (P = 0.02; 62 ng ml−1 (coefficient of variation [CV] 41%), vs. 53 ng ml−1 (CV 46%), respectively). For KIs with a predefined target concentration, 68% of older and 61% of younger patients reached target.

Conclusions

In this real‐world study, exposure to most included KIs was comparable in older and younger patients, except for dabrafenib, which showed higher exposure in older patients. In the absence of an absolute target for this KI, clinical relevance remains unclear. For all other included KIs, our data suggest no clinically relevant influence of older age on KI exposure.
Loop diuretics decrease the renal elimination rate and increase the plasma levels of trimethylamine‐N‐oxide
Authors: Latkovskis G. , Makarova E. , Mazule M. , Bondare L. , Hartmane D. , Cirule H. , Grinberga S. , Erglis A. , Liepinsh E. , Dambrova M.
Published: August 2018

Aims

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) is a novel cardiovascular risk marker. We explored the association of commonly used cardiovascular medications with TMAO levels in patients and validated the identified associations in mice.

Methods

Detailed history of drug treatment was recorded in 300 patients with cardiovascular disease without diabetes in an observational, cross‐sectional study. Animal study was performed in CD1 mice.

Results

Median plasma TMAO (interquartile range) level was 2.144 (1.570–3.104) μmol l–1. Among nine cardiovascular drug groups, the use of loop diuretics (0.510 ± 0.296 in users vs. 0.336 ± 0.272 in nonusers, P = 0.008) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (0.482 ± 0.293 in users vs. 0.334 ± 0.272 in nonusers, P = 0.007) was associated with increased log‐TMAO. Acute concomitant administration of furosemide or torasemide with TMAO in mice significantly influenced TMAO pharmacokinetic profile and almost doubled the plasma TMAO area under the curve. Furosemide decreased the TMAO excretion rate by 1.9‐fold during the first 30 min after administration and increased TMAO concentrations in kidney, heart and liver, suggesting the interaction of furosemide and TMAO with efflux transporters. The concentrations of TMAO in blood plasma after the administration of the organic anion transporter inhibitor probenecid were not different from those of the control group, suggesting an effect not mediated by organic anion transporters.

Conclusions

Loop diuretics increased plasma TMAO concentration by decreasing its urinary excretion rate. Loop diuretic use should be considered a potential confounder in TMAO studies.
Idea generation and open innovation in SMEs: When does market‐based collaboration pay off most?
Authors: Gama Fábio , Frishammar Johan , Parida Vinit
Published: August 2018

Small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) largely depend on proficient idea generation activities to improve their front‐end innovation performance, yet the liabilities of newness and smallness often hamper SMEs' ability to benefit from systematic idea generation. To compensate for these liabilities, many SMEs adopt an open innovation approach by collaborating with market‐based partners such as customers and suppliers. This study investigates the relationship between SMEs' systematic idea generation and front‐end performance and investigates the moderating role of market‐based partnership for SMEs. Drawing on a survey of 146 Swedish manufacturing SMEs, this study provides two key contributions. First, the systematic idea generation and front‐end performance relationship in SMEs is non‐linear. Accordingly, higher levels of front‐end performance are achieved when idea generation activities are highly systematic. Second, the returns from higher levels of systematic idea generation are positively moderated by market‐based partnerships. Thus, external cooperation with customers and suppliers pays off most toward front‐end performance when SMEs have highly systematic idea generation processes. These results indicate a contingency perspective on the role of external partnerships. They also have implications for research into the front‐end of innovation and open innovation in the context of SMEs.
Deficiencies in estimating the extinction date of the thylacine with mixed certainty data
Authors: Brook Barry W. , Sleightholme Stephen R. , Campbell Cameron R. , Buettel Jessie C.
Published: August 2018

Article impact statement:Due to reporting biases, it is premature to conclude that thylacine extinction occurred soon after the last captive specimen died.
CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Labarca Gonzalo , Reyes Tomas , Jorquera Jorge , Dreyse Jorge , Drake Lauren
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a prevalent condition across the world; it co‐exists with others metabolic diseases, such as central obesity, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. These associations increase the cardiovascular risk and mortality. Observational studies have reported a strength association between OSA and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended for moderate to severe OSAHS.

Objective

To summarize the evidence of CPAP in T2DM patients with OSAHS.

Methods

A compressive search in Medline, Cochrane, Ovids, Epistemonikos, and DARE was performed. Two reviewers evaluated included studies, extracted data, carried out quality assessment and summarized the result. Pooled data was evaluated by meta‐analysis and summaries of results and evidence grading were performed through the GRADE method.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including a total of 581 participants. Treatment with CPAP showed no effectiveness regarding changing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels at 12 or 24 weeks after treatment; (Mean difference= −0.10; Confidence interval −0.25 to 0.04) (GRADE: MODERATE). Subgroup analysis by adherence to CPAP (> 4 hours or < 4 hours) confirmed these results. Other indirect outcomes, such as change in fasting glucose levels, were similar in CPAP population and placebo.

Discussion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluates the evidence regarding the efficacy of CPAP in patients with T2DM and OSAHS. In conclusion, CPAP does not improve glycemic control measure as HbA1c.
Safety of exertional desaturation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: An electrocardiography study
Authors: Vainshelboim Baruch , Dobin Genady , Myers Jonathan , Oliveira Jose , Unterman Avraham , Izhakian Shimon , Reuven Kramer Mordechai
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Exertional desaturation is a cardinal manifestation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which raises concerns for serious complications.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety of clinically significant desaturation (CSD) during exercise and to assess whether abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are associated with mortality and hospitalizations in patients with IPF.

Methods

Thirty‐four IPF patients (68 ± 8 years, 35% women) underwent maximal cycle cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) using 12‐lead ECG and pulse oximetry (SpO2) and were followed up to 40 months. CSD was considered as SpO2 <95% or decline from baseline ≥5%. The level of agreement between abnormal ECG changes and CSD was evaluated. Risks for mortality and hospitalizations were assessed in relation to abnormal ECG changes.

Results

All patients completed CPET without adverse events or life‐threating ECG changes. Comparing rest to exercise conditions, the prevalence of mild ventricular arrhythmia rose from 3% to 18% (P = .025) and CSD rose from 21% to 79% (P < .001). There was no agreement between the prevalence of arrhythmia and CSD during exercise (kappa = −.065, χ2 = .72, P = .40). A trend for lower prevalence was observed in ST‐T segment deviation during exercise. Resting and exercise ECG abnormalities were not associated with mortality or hospitalizations during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

CSD during CPET was not associated with ventricular arrhythmias, ischemia, or complications in patients with IPF. These findings suggest that CPET is generally a safe procedure for IPF, although carefully monitoring for signs and symptoms including ECG is strongly recommended. Additional research is warranted to confirm these results.
Views, experience and adherence among pregnant women with gestational diabetes participating in a weight loss study (WELLBABE)
Authors: McParlin C. , Hodson K. , Barnes A. C. , Taylor R. , Robson S. C. , Araujo‐Soares V.
Published: August 2018

Aims

To investigate the views and experience of pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus participating in a 1200 kcal/day diet to achieve moderate weight loss (the WELLBABE study), and to explore barriers to and facilitators of adherence.

Methods

Twelve participants engaged in semi‐structured interviews after completion of the 4‐week diet. An interview schedule was devised using open‐ended questions guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Transcript responses were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants were anxious about their diagnosis of gestational diabetes, but concerns related to dieting in pregnancy were allayed by reassurance from the research team. Participants expected health benefits, improved knowledge and support from enrolling on the study. The participants’ primary motivator to diet adherence was their baby's wellbeing. Other facilitatory factors included improving their own health and reducing any future risk of diabetes. Trying to provide reliable results and receiving extra care also facilitated adherence. Partners, friends and family were an important source of social support and no barrier caused by concern about weight loss in pregnancy was encountered. Observed and experienced physical changes and feedback from the research team positively reinforced adherence. The main barrier was that learning new skills was initially time‐consuming.

Conclusions

Weight loss was acceptable to women with gestational diabetes provided with clear information about likely benefit. A randomized controlled trial of this intervention is now required, employing clear information and feedback of glycaemic benefit to facilitate efficacy.
Capacity Development re‐examined through the lens of Indonesia's learning experiences with international donors
Authors: Shimoda Yukimi
Published: August 2018

Capacity Development (CD) is a long‐term endogenous process. Despite an abundant literature, CD and the length of time required for its realisation are still abstract in practice. The examination of the process of fostering CD contributes to understanding the time required and the role of external actors, such as international donors, in supporting CD. This article aims to reveal part of the process of fostering CD and the time required, and to consider the role of international donors. This qualitative study focuses on Wakatobi district in Southeast Sulawesi province, Indonesia. The data reveal how bottom‐up local development approaches have developed through national and external donor programmes and projects. This study confirms the long endogenous learning process that CD involves. The case of Wakatobi district shows the continual efforts to institutionalize and functionalize bottom‐up local development. The acquired knowledge and skills have gradually developed the core capacities of Wakatobi, with beneficial effects on other districts and society more broadly. The fostering of CD, which resists social transformation, will take longer than donors expect. Continual learning is key and constant for the growth of CD. Donors should consider the provision of training, which makes continual, endless learning possible.
Tracking Tool Helps Deliver ROI from Early‐Stage Design Insights
Authors: Wynn Leslie
Published: August 2018

There is an inflection point at which ambiguity and the definition of project boundaries have to give way to the rigor of implementation—and design's contribution has frequently been positioned to the right of that point. This tool helps bridge the disconnect between early design research and the specifics of design requirements, reducing cost and time to market while delivering a higher quality and more appropriate solution to the end user.

The most successful company is not necessarily the one that spends the most on research and development; rather, it's the company that spends its limited development funds in the right areas. Design can help.
Pseudomyrmex concolor Smith (Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae) as induced biotic defence for host plant Tachigali myrmecophila Ducke (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: Jr Pacheco Paulo S M , Del‐Claro Kleber
Published: August 2018

1. Ants are recognized as induced biotic defence in mutualistic relationships with myrmecophytic plants. Pseudomyrmex concolor is an aggressive Amazonian ant that works as an anti‐herbivory agent for its host plant Tachigali myrmecophila. However, it is not known how this ant maintains the plant on low levels of herbivory.

2. Tachigali myrmecophila provides no food for P. concolor making this model appropriate to test the hypothesis that ants associated with myrmecophytes act as induced biotic defence by herbivory. Based on Optimal Defence Theory, we tested whether the response to herbivory and the ant daily activity rhythm is more frequent in most valuable parts of the plant, such as young leaves.

3. Ants were observed in young and mature leaves exposed to herbivory by experimental manipulation. Results suggest that ants act as induced biotic defence in T. myrmecophila: number of ants was significantly higher in manipulated leaflets, as well as the daily activity rhythm was increased in young leaves. The time to detect herbivory in young and mature leaves did not differ. However, leaf extracts signs were identified more quickly by the ants.

4. Induced ant responses in the ant–myrmecophytic plants system can be considered constitutive defence because ants are present throughout the development of their host plant from seedling to adulthood, responding aggressively to any intruder. In the Pseudomyrmex–Tachigali system, the presence of ants on the plants is, per se, a constitutive defence. However, the patrolling activity is an induced response, being the result of several plant‐related cues (chemical and physical) associated with herbivory activity.
An innovative educational approach in using instructional videos to teach dental local anaesthetic skills
Authors: Wong Grace , Apthorpe Heather C. , Ruiz Kate , Nanayakkara Shanika
Published: August 2018

Objective

Good clinical skills are crucial for all dental practitioners. The transfer of knowledge from didactic lectures to daily clinical application can be challenging for current millennial learners. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using instructional videos to teach dental local anaesthesia in an undergraduate oral health programme in 2017.

Methods

The philosophical basis of this study relies on the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course which has been proven effective in practical education. Video clips were made in 3 different formats, with the addition of a quiz‐embedded version to reinforce learning and revision for practical assessments.

Results

All the students agreed that their motivation to watch the videos was to refresh their memories before assessments. 90% of students agreed the videos helped them to learn psychomotor skills that required accuracy. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of views of the videos on the administration of block injections and the marks received for practical assessment (r = 0.36, P = 0.05), and correlation between participating in online quizzes and theory assessment (r = 0.371, P = 0.044). Videos with narration and background music were found to be popular amongst oral health students.

Conclusion

The use of instructional videos has been found effective in complementing the ATLS approach for teaching psychomotor skills in the administration of local anaesthetics by oral health students. Further studies are required to measure the students’ retention of knowledge and application of skills on a patient in clinical settings.
Genomics and conservation units: The genetic basis of adult migration timing in Pacific salmonids
Authors: Waples Robin S. , Lindley Steven T.
Published: August 2018

It is now routinely possible to generate genomics‐scale datasets for nonmodel species; however, many questions remain about how best to use these data for conservation and management. Some recent genomics studies of anadromous Pacific salmonids have reported a strong association between alleles at one or a very few genes and a key life history trait (adult migration timing) that has played an important role in defining conservation units. Publication of these results has already spurred a legal challenge to the existing framework for managing these species, which was developed under the paradigm that most phenotypic traits are controlled by many genes of small effect, and that parallel evolution of life history traits is common. But what if a key life history trait can only be expressed if a specific allele is present? Does the current framework need to be modified to account for the new genomics results, as some now propose? Although this real‐world example focuses on Pacific salmonids, the issues regarding how genomics can inform us about the genetic basis of phenotypic traits, and what that means for applied conservation, are much more general. In this perspective, we consider these issues and outline a general process that can be used to help generate the types of additional information that would be needed to make informed decisions about the adequacy of existing conservation and management frameworks.
Comparing genomic signatures of domestication in two Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) populations with different geographical origins
Authors: López Maria E. , Benestan Laura , Moore Jean‐Sebastien , Perrier Charles , Gilbey John , Di Genova Alex , Maass Alejandro , Diaz Diego , Lhorente Jean‐Paul , Correa Katharina , Neira Roberto , Bernatchez Louis , Yáñez José M.
Published: August 2018

Selective breeding and genetic improvement have left detectable signatures on the genomes of domestic species. The elucidation of such signatures is fundamental for detecting genomic regions of biological relevance to domestication and improving management practices. In aquaculture, domestication was carried out independently in different locations worldwide, which provides opportunities to study the parallel effects of domestication on the genome of individuals that have been selected for similar traits. In this study, we aimed to detect potential genomic signatures of domestication in two independent pairs of wild/domesticated Atlantic salmon populations of Canadian and Scottish origins, respectively. Putative genomic regions under divergent selection were investigated using a 200K SNP array by combining three different statistical methods based either on allele frequencies (LFMM, Bayescan) or haplotype differentiation (Rsb). We identified 337 and 270 SNPs potentially under divergent selection in wild and hatchery populations of Canadian and Scottish origins, respectively. We observed little overlap between results obtained from different statistical methods, highlighting the need to test complementary approaches for detecting a broad range of genomic footprints of selection. The vast majority of the outliers detected were population‐specific but we found four candidate genes that were shared between the populations. We propose that these candidate genes may play a role in the parallel process of domestication. Overall, our results suggest that genetic drift may have override the effect of artificial selection and/or point toward a different genetic basis underlying the expression of similar traits in different domesticated strains. Finally, it is likely that domestication may predominantly target polygenic traits (e.g., growth) such that its genomic impact might be more difficult to detect with methods assuming selective sweeps.
Candidate long‐range regulatory sites acting on the IL17 pathway genes TRAF3IP2 and IL17RA are associated with psoriasis
Authors: Nititham Joanne , Fergusson Calum , Palmer Colin , Liao Wilson , Foerster John
Published: August 2018

Background

Drug‐mediated disruption of IL17A, IL17F and IL17RA proteins is effective in psoriasis. However, disruption of the IL17 pathway by functional mutations has so far only been shown to affect risk in IL23R and TRAF3IP2. It is unclear whether this is due to rarity of disruptive mutations. Objective: (a) To delineate the prevalence of mutations in key IL17 pathway genes and (b) to identify candidate regulatory sites acting on IL23R, IL17A, IL17RA and TRAF3IP2 from a distance.

Methods

Extraction of mutation frequencies from ExAc data, evolutionary sequence alignment; mapping of long‐range interacting (LRI) enhancers; and genetic association testing in a novel psoriasis cohort.

Results

The prevalence of disruptive mutations in genes such as IL17RA is sufficient to have been detectable by existing data sets. Therefore, lack of their association with psoriasis indicates that genetic risk primarily resides in variants acting from a distance. We identify two LRI enhancer sites, regulating IL17RA and TRAF3IP2, respectively. The TRAF3IP2 regulator localizes to the TRAF3IP2 antisense promoter, suggesting feedback regulation. Both LRI sites are associated with psoriasis in a novel Scottish psoriasis cohort and the TRAF3IP2‐LRI at rs71562294 replicates in the WTCCC cohort.

Conclusion

Genetic risk for psoriasis may be encoded at LRI sites regulating IL17 pathway genes from a distance.
Nitrogen Mass Fraction and Isotope Determinations in Geological Reference Materials Using Sealed‐Tube Combustion Coupled with Continuous‐Flow Isotope‐Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Feng Lianjun , Li Hongwei , Liu Wei
Published: August 2018

A method using a high‐temperature sealed‐tube combustion technique coupled with a continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer (CF‐IRMS) was developed in this study to accurately determine the nitrogen mass fractions and δ15N of silicate rocks with a low nitrogen mass fraction of < 200 μg g−1. Analysis of reference material (HBa3) demonstrated that the nitrogen mass fraction and δ15N results using the developed method were in agreement with data obtained using classical sealed‐tube combustion coupled to a dual‐inlet MS. Given the lack of commercially accessible reference materials usable for interlaboratory comparisons, two igneous reference materials (BCR‐2 and BHVO‐2) obtained from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were analysed for nitrogen mass fractions and δ15N using the new method. Due to their homogenous characteristics, they can potentially be used as test materials for inter‐laboratory comparisons. The sealed‐tube combustion technique yielded higher N mass fractions than the elemental analyser, suggesting that previous nitrogen mass fractions measured using EA‐IRMS were underestimated. Thus, the nitrogen mass fractions and δ15N of BCR‐2 and BHVO‐2 may not have been correctly determined using EA‐IRMS.
Risk factors and outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome in critically ill patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Yang Philip , Formanek Perry , Scaglione Steven , Afshar Majid
Published: August 2018

Aim

Prior randomized controlled trials of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) excluded critically ill patients with cirrhosis. Data regarding risk factors for ARDS development and outcomes from ARDS in patients with cirrhosis are scarce. We sought to characterize outcomes from ARDS in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

An observational cohort of patients with cirrhosis admitted to an intensive care unit at a high‐volume liver transplant center between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014 were reviewed. ARDS cases were identified according to the Berlin definition. Potential risk factors were examined in multivariable logistic regression analysis for ARDS development. Outcomes including in‐hospital mortality were compared between ARDS and non‐ARDS patients.

Results

A total of 559 patients met the inclusion criteria and 45 (8.1%) developed ARDS. Differences between ARDS and non‐ARDS patients included sepsis, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease – Sodium score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. In‐hospital mortality was higher in cirrhotic patients with ARDS compared with those without ARDS (82.2% vs. 27.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (OR 8.69, 95% CI 2.28–33.18, P < 0.01) and shock on intensive care unit admission (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.57–6.24, P = 0.001) were associated with ARDS development, whereas etiology of cirrhosis or alcohol use were not.

Conclusions

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure and shock on intensive care unit admission were risk factors for ARDS development, whereas etiology of cirrhosis and alcohol were not. Mortality from ARDS was markedly increased in patients with cirrhosis. Early recognition and treatment for infection might be important for improving the high mortality in this group of patients.
Highly effective free‐radical‐catalyzed curing of hyperbranched polycarbosilane for near stoichiometric SiC ceramics
Authors: Li Xu , Pei Xueliang , Zhong Xiqiang , Mo Gaoming , He Liu , Huang Zhengren , Huang Qing
Published: August 2018

Liquid hyperbranched polycarbosilane (LHBPCS) is an excellent preceramic polymer of SiC. Before thermolysis, curing of LHBPCS is favorable for higher ceramic yield and molding. In order to avoid some unfavorable factors arising from traditional thermal curing, we introduced a free‐radical initiator tert‐butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB) to trigger the crosslinking of allyl group on LHBPCS in this study. FT‐IR, NMR and DSC measurements indicated only allyl group was consumed during the cross‐linking process. The cross‐linking reaction rate was monitored by a rotational rheometer, and results confirmed LHBPCS could be cured in 4 minutes with the help of 1 wt% TBPB at 80°C. TGA and SEM demonstrated the catalytic‐cured LHBPCS had a high ceramic yield of 79.0 wt% and dense structure. The effect of TBPB on crystallization behavior of the obtained SiC was also explored by XRD, and little impact was detected. After 1600°C thermolysis, a near stoichiometric and crystalline SiC with ceramic yield of 77.5 wt% was obtained.
Ho3+‐doped (K, Na)NbO3‐based multifunctional transparent ceramics with superior optical temperature sensing performance
Authors: Wu Xiao , Lin Jinfeng , Chen Pengfei , Liu Chunwen , Lin Mei , Lin Cong , Luo Laihui , Zheng Xinghua
Published: August 2018

Ho3+‐doped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐based transparent ceramics have been prepared via pressureless solid‐state method. The ceramics possess moderate optical transparency with the energy band gap of ~2.9 eV and submicron‐sized grains (<500 nm). The temperature‐dependent dielectric properties and ferroelectric polarization‐electric field hysteresis loops demonstrate that the ceramics own relaxor‐like characteristics. The up‐conversion photoluminescence and optical temperature sensing properties of the ceramics have been investigated. The temperature dependence of photoluminescence provides a fluorescent method to detect phase transitions, which can be expanded to other ferroelectric systems. The outstanding optical temperature sensitivity (~0.0075/K at 430 K) of the ceramic is higher than many other rare‐earth‐doped ceramics or glasses. These results suggest that the Ho3+‐doped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐based transparent ceramics are promising lead‐free transparent materials for multifunctional applications, especially in temperature sensing devices.
Hepatocyte growth factor alleviates hepatic insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Jing Yali , Sun Qingmin , Xiong Xiaolu , Meng Ran , Tang Sunyinyan , Cao Shu , Bi Yan , Zhu Dalong
Published: August 2018

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is frequently accompanied by fatty liver disease. Lipid accumulation within the liver is considered as one of the risk factors for insulin resistance. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is used to treat liver dysfunction; however, the effect and mechanism of HGF on hepatic lipid metabolism are still not fully understood.

Materials and Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were induced with a high‐fat diet for 12 weeks, followed by a 4‐week treatment of HGF or vehicle saline. The levels of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were calculated for insulin sensitivity. Biochemical plasma parameters were also measured to assess the effect of HGF on lipid accumulation. Additionally, genes in the lipid metabolism pathway were evaluated in palmitic acid‐treated HepG2 cells and high‐fat diet mice.

Results

HGF treatment significantly decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents. Additionally, HGF‐regulated expression levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c/fatty acid synthase, peroxidase proliferator‐activated receptor‐α, and upstream nuclear receptors, such as farnesoid X receptor and small heterodimer partner. Furthermore, c‐Met inhibitor could partially reverse the effects of HGF.

Conclusions

HGF treatment can ameliorate hepatic insulin resistance and steatosis through regulation of lipid metabolism. These effects might occur through farnesoid X receptor–small heterodimer partner axis‐dependent transcriptional activity.
Mohs micrographic surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: comparison of frozen and paraffin techniques
Authors: Lee S.H. , Oh Y. , Nam K.A. , Oh B. , Roh M.R. , Chung K.Y.
Published: August 2018

Background

Due to the propensity for local recurrence, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has been suggested for the treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and it has shown improved clinical outcomes. Recently, some authors suggested that MMS using paraffin‐embedded sections (paraffin MMS) is superior in DFSP treatment compared with the conventional frozen MMS method. However, there have been no studies comparing frozen and paraffin MMS for the treatment of DFSP.

Objectives

To compare the outcomes between DFSP patients who underwent frozen MMS and paraffin MMS.

Methods

Seventy‐one DFSP patients treated with frozen MMS (n = 30) or paraffin MMS (n = 41) from 2003 to 2017 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence rate and recurrence‐free survival between frozen and paraffin MMS were assessed.

Results

During the mean follow‐up duration of 25.4 months, four patients (frozen MMS, n = 1; and paraffin MMS, n = 3) showed recurrence after MMS. Although the local recurrence rate of the frozen MMS group (3.3%) was lower than that of the paraffin MMS group (7.3%), the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, recurrence‐free survival was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.168).

Conclusions

Frozen MMS, which has the advantages of shorter surgery time and immediate closure, is as effective as paraffin MMS in the treatment of DFSP.
Patient and Public Involvement in Identifying Dementia Research Priorities
Authors: Bethell Jennifer , Pringle Dorothy , Chambers Larry W. , Cohen Carole , Commisso Elana , Cowan Katherine , Fehr Phyllis , Laupacis Andreas , Szeto Paula , McGilton Katherine S.
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVES

To engage persons with dementia, friends, family, caregivers, and health and social care providers to identify and prioritize their questions for research related to living with dementia and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia.

DESIGN

The Canadian Dementia Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) followed James Lind Alliance PSP methods. Results were compared with the World Health Organization research prioritization exercise and the United Kingdom Dementia PSP.

SETTING

Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

In the first survey, 1,217 individuals and groups from across Canada submitted their questions about dementia. 249 participated in the interim prioritization. For the final prioritization workshop, the 28 participants included persons with dementia, friends, family, caregivers, health and social care providers, Alzheimer Society representatives, and members of an organization representing long‐term care home residents.

RESULTS

The Canadian Dementia PSP top 10 priorities relate to health, quality of life, societal issues, and dementia care. Five priorities overlap with one or both of the other two prioritization initiatives.

CONCLUSION

These results provide researchers and research funding agencies with topics that individuals with personal or professional experience of dementia prioritize, but they are not intended to preclude research into other aspects of dementia.
Whole exome sequencing approach to analysis of the origin of cancer stem cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Salazar‐García Lorena , Pérez‐Sayáns Mario , García‐García Abel , Carracedo Ángel , Cruz Raquel , Lozano Antonio , Sobrino Beatriz , Barros Francisco
Published: August 2018

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global public health problem, which increases in prevalence every year. Evidence brings up that small populations of stem cells, the cancer stem cells (CSC), are responsible for tumour initiation, tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. These cells play a crucial role in cancer development and treatment response, but the origin of CSCs remains unclear. In this research, we have sequenced the entire exome of the three different groups of cells of primary squamous cell carcinoma tumour from different patients, with the aim to understand their main genetic changes and to elucidate the possible origin of tumour cells and tumour stem cells.

Material and Methods

We performed a whole exome sequencing in the germinal line, tumour cells, and CSC ALDH+ samples from four HNSCC patients. An analysis pipeline was used to filter, score, rank, and prioritize candidate variants according to its effect on protein structure and phylogenetic conservation using available information on pathways and protein function databases.

Results

Results showed variations in genes involved in oncogenic pathways and shed light on the evolution model of the CSC and tumour cells for each patient in which stem cells (CS) triggered the formation of CSC and these in turn become tumour cells.

Conclusions

These findings support the idea that it is possible to identify in each individual patient if the CS are of tumour origin or vice versa, thus being possible a more personalized treatment.
Expression of FGF‐2/FGFR‐1 in normal mucosa, salivary gland, preneoplastic, and neoplastic lesions of the oral cavity
Authors: Mariz Bruno A. L. A. , Soares Ciro D. , Morais Thayná M. L. , Fonseca Felipe P. , de Carvalho Maria G. F. , Jorge Jacks
Published: August 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) is a multifunctional cytokine expressed in several tissues and involved in a wide variety of biologic activities, with one low molecular weight (LMW) protein present in the cytosol, which is secreted, acting via its receptors (FGFRs), and four high molecular weight (HMW) proteins located in the nucleus. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family has four (FGFR1‐4) transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors expressed on several cell types, and FGFR‐1 has been indicated as a potential molecular target in several types of cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The FGF‐2/FGFR‐1 expression has been studied in the oral cavity, and it was associated with the wound repair process, the development of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, besides being related to oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and OSCC. Hence, we critically review the currently available data on FGF‐2/FGFR‐1 expression in the normal mucosa and lesions of the oral cavity.
Passionately motivated reasoning: Biased processing of passion‐threatening messages
Authors: Schellenberg Benjamin J. I. , Bailis Daniel S.
Published: August 2018

Objective

When facing setbacks and obstacles, the dualistic model of passion outlines that obsessive passion, and not harmonious passion, will predict greater levels of defensiveness. Our aim was to determine whether these passion dimensions predicted defensiveness in the same way when confronted with threatening messages targeting the decision to pursue a passion.

Method

Across four studies with passionate Facebook users, hockey fans, and runners (total N = 763), participants viewed messages giving reasons why their favorite activity should not be pursued. Participants either reported their desire to read the messages (Studies 1 and 2) or evaluated the messages after reading them (Studies 3 and 4).

Results

Harmonious passion consistently predicted higher levels of avoidance or negative evaluations of the messages. These responses were attenuated for participants who had previously affirmed an important value (Study 1), or who were told that they do not control the passions they pursue (Study 4).

Conclusions

Harmonious passion entails a sense of autonomy and control over activity engagement, which usually leads to nondefensive behavior. However, this sense of control may elicit more defensive responses from more harmoniously passionate individuals when the decision itself to pursue an activity is under attack.
Response of host–bacterial colonization in shrimp to developmental stage, environment and disease
Authors: Xiong Jinbo , Dai Wenfang , Qiu Qiongfen , Zhu Jinyong , Yang Wen , Li Chenghua
Published: August 2018

The host‐associated microbiota is increasingly recognized to facilitate host fitness, but the understanding of the underlying ecological processes that govern the host–bacterial colonization over development and, particularly, under disease remains scarce. Here, we tracked the gut microbiota of shrimp over developmental stages and in response to disease. The stage‐specific gut microbiotas contributed parallel changes to the predicted functions, while shrimp disease decoupled this intimate association. After ruling out the age‐discriminatory taxa, we identified key features indicative of shrimp health status. Structural equation modelling revealed that variations in rearing water led to significant changes in bacterioplankton communities, which subsequently affected the shrimp gut microbiota. However, shrimp gut microbiotas are not directly mirrored by the changes in rearing bacterioplankton communities. A neutral model analysis showed that the stochastic processes that govern gut microbiota tended to become more important as healthy shrimp aged, with 37.5% stochasticity in larvae linearly increasing to 60.4% in adults. However, this defined trend was skewed when disease occurred. This departure was attributed to the uncontrolled growth of two candidate pathogens (over‐represented taxa). The co‐occurrence patterns provided novel clues on how the gut commensals interact with candidate pathogens in sustaining shrimp health. Collectively, these findings offer updated insight into the ecological processes that govern the host–bacterial colonization in shrimp and provide a pathological understanding of polymicrobial infections.
Assessment, feedback and the alchemy of learning
Authors: Watling Christopher J , Ginsburg Shiphra
Published: August 2018

Context

Models of sound assessment practices increasingly emphasise assessment's formative role. As a result, assessment must not only support sound judgements about learner competence, but also generate meaningful feedback to guide learning. Reconciling the tension between assessment's focus on judgement and decision making and feedback's focus on growth and development represents a critical challenge for researchers and educators.

Methods

We synthesise the literature related to this tension, framed around four trends in education research: (i) shifting perspectives on assessment; (ii) shifting perspectives on feedback; (iii) increasing attention on learners’ perceptions of assessment and feedback, and (iv) increasing attention on the influence of culture on assessment and feedback. We describe factors that produce and sustain this tension.

Results

The lines between assessment and feedback frequently blur in medical education. Models of programmatic assessment deliberately use the same data for both purposes: low‐stakes individual data points are used formatively, but then are added together to support summative judgements. However, the translation of theory to practice is not straightforward. Efforts to embed meaningful feedback in programmes of learning face a multitude of threats. Learners may perceive assessment with formative intent as summative, restricting their engagement with it as feedback, and thus diminishing its learning value. A learning culture focused on assessment may limit learners’ sense of safety to explore, to experiment, and sometimes to fail.

Conclusions

Successfully blending assessment and feedback demands clarity of purpose, support for learners, and a system and organisational commitment to a culture of improvement rather than a culture of performance.
De Pulchritudine non est Disputandum? A cross‐cultural investigation of the alleged intersubjective validity of aesthetic judgment
Authors: Cova Florian , Olivola Christopher Y. , Machery Edouard , Stich Stephen , Rose David , Alai Mario , Angelucci Adriano , Berniūnas Renatas , Buchtel Emma E. , Chatterjee Amita , Cheon Hyundeuk , Cho In‐Rae , Cohnitz Daniel , Dranseika Vilius , Lagos Ángeles E. , Ghadakpour Laleh , Grinberg Maurice , Hannikainen Ivar , Hashimoto Takaaki , Horowitz Amir , Hristova Evgeniya , Jraissati Yasmina , Kadreva Veselina , Karasawa Kaori , Kim Hackjin , Kim Yeonjeong , Lee Minwoo , Mauro Carlos , Mizumoto Masaharu , Moruzzi Sebastiano , Ornelas Jorge , Osimani Barbara , Romero Carlos , Rosas Alejandro , Sangoi Massimo , Sereni Andrea , Songhorian Sarah , Sousa Paulo , Struchiner Noel , Tripodi Vera , Usui Naoki , del Mercado Alejandro V. , Volpe Giorgio , Vosgerichian Hrag A. , Zhang Xueyi , Zhu Jing
Published: August 2018

Since at least Hume and Kant, philosophers working on the nature of aesthetic judgment have generally agreed that common sense does not treat aesthetic judgments in the same way as typical expressions of subjective preferences—rather, it endows them with intersubjective validity, the property of being right or wrong regardless of disagreement. Moreover, this apparent intersubjective validity has been taken to constitute one of the main explananda for philosophical accounts of aesthetic judgment. But is it really the case that most people spontaneously treat aesthetic judgments as having intersubjective validity? In this paper, we report the results of a cross‐cultural study with over 2,000 respondents spanning 19 countries. Despite significant geographical variations, these results suggest that most people do not treat their own aesthetic judgments as having intersubjective validity. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for theories of aesthetic judgment and the purpose of aesthetics in general.