bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A strong integer linear optimization model to the compartmentalized knapsack problem
Authors: Quiroga‐Orozco John J. , Valério de Carvalho J.M. , V. Hoto Robinson S.
Published: February 2019

The compartmentalized knapsack problem (CKP) is a relatively new type of problem with a wide application in industrial processes, arising, for instance, in the case of cutting steel coils in two phases in the metallurgical industry.

In the literature, there are two mathematical formulations for the CKP: a classical formulation, which is a nonlinear integer programming (IP) model, and a recent (linear) IP formulation, obtained by discretizing the compartments that can be built for each class of items; the latter is an important contribution, because it makes the problem amenable to solution by mixed‐integer linear programming tools. Combinatorial enumeration algorithms and several pseudo‐polynomial decomposition heuristics were also developed for the CKP.

This paper presents a new model for the exact solution of the CKP, denoted as the strong integer linear model, derived from the (linear) IP formulation by strengthening data, reducing symmetry, and lifting, and also a new pseudo‐polynomial heuristic, the heuristic of the strong capacities. Computational experiments are presented with a large set of instances that show the advantage of the new approaches. The strong model solves the CKP exactly more than seven times faster, and the new heuristic is more efficient, presenting a good balance in the terms of effectiveness.
A study on the nursing knowledge, attitude, and performance towards pressure ulcer prevention among nurses in Korea long‐term care facilities
Authors: Kim Jung Y. , Lee Yun J.
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to investigate Korean nurses' level of knowledge, attitude, and performance of pressure ulcer prevention in long‐term care facilities. A descriptive study was performed. Convenience sampling was used, and registered nurses were recruited from the attendees of a continuing education programme for nurses in long‐term care facilities. A total of 282 participants (RN) completed the questionnaire. Data were collected from September to December 2015. Nurses participating in this study demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention (60.1%) and exhibited positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention (33.80 ± 2.48). Nurses regularly assessed the risk factors of pressure ulcers during the hospitalisation period for all patients in the hospital when performing pressure ulcer prevention care. However, the plan for preventive nursing care was not properly reviewed. It was also found that nurses did not consider changes in the patient's condition as important to why they had to change their nursing plans to prevent pressure ulcer. Therefore, this study suggested that appropriate guidelines, education programmes, and an environment that makes it possible to provide continuing education should be created for nurses to prevent pressure ulcers in Korea's long‐term care facilities.
Effects of social support and self‐efficacy on the psychosocial adjustment of Korean ostomy patients
Authors: Nam Keum Hee , Kim Heui Yeoung , Kim Jung Ho , Kang Ki‐Noh , Na Soo Yang , Han Bok Hee
Published: February 2019

This study aims to test which factors influence and aid the psychosocial adjustment of patients with an ostomy and to provide data for the development of programmes for the self‐management of and psychosocial adjustment to intestinal stomas. A total of 150 ostomy patients were recruited between December 1, 2017 and March 26, 2018 in Korea and completed self‐report questionnaires. Data of 25 participants were excluded, resulting in a sample size of 125 participants. Factors, including social support subtypes and self‐efficacy, that influence the psychosocial adjustment were analysed using Cox's regression. Of the factors that influenced the adjustment groups after adjusting for time, the following subtypes of social support were found to influence the patients' adjustment: the patients' psychosocial adjustment increased by 0.4 when the level of medical staff support increased by 1 (Exp[B] = 1.04, P = 0.007), and adjustment decreased by 0.3 when the level of family support increased by 1 (Exp[B] = 0.97, P < 0.001). As medical staff support who have expertise exert more of an influence on the psychosocial adjustment of ostomy patients than self‐efficacy and family support, psychosocial adjustment programmes that reflect this and nurses specialised in care for ostomy patients are required.
Depression and resilience in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients with ostomy
Authors: Hwang Ji H. , Yu Chang S.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify the degree of depression and resilience in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients with ostomy and describe the correlation between depression and resilience in UC and CD patients with ostomy. 24 UC patients and 66 CD patients with ostomy were recruited from Metropolitan Hospital in Seoul, Korea. The total mean scores of depression and resilience in UC patients were 13.42 and 123.75, respectively, and in CD patients with ostomy they were 14.24 and 119.18, respectively. Depression and resilience in UC patients with ostomy were not correlated with general characteristics. Depression in CD patients with ostomy correlated with marital status (t = 2.27, P = 0.027), economic status (F = 3.98, P = 0.012), sleep disorder (t = 4.73, P < 0.001), and sleep time (t = 2.11, P = 0.039). Resilience in UC patients with ostomy correlated with religion (t = 2.47, P = 0.016), marital status (t = −3.61, P = 0.001), economic status (F = 4.06, P = 0.011), and sleep disorder (t = −3.11, P = 0.003). Significant negative correlation was found between depression and resilience in UC (r = −0.668, P < 0.001) and CD patients with ostomy (r = −0.604, P < 0.001). We recommend counselling to wound ostomy continence nurses (WOCNs) about their goal setting, facilitating adaptation of disease and ostomy in clinical setting. And we expect that WOCNs adopt a formalised and tailored long‐term approach or program to follow up for UC and CD patients with ostomy.
Predicting moral attitudes and antisocial behavior in young team sport athletes: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Mallia Luca , Lucidi Fabio , Zelli Arnaldo , Chirico Andrea , Hagger Martin S.
Published: February 2019

Identifying the factors associated with prosocial and antisocial behaviors in youth sport may provide evidence to inform interventions aimed at promoting prosocial behaviors and minimizing rule transgressions in young athletes. We investigated relations among social‐contextual factors (e.g., social support), personal motivational factors (e.g., psychological need satisfaction and motivation), young athletes’ attitudes toward prosocial (e.g., keeping winning in proportion) and antisocial (e.g., acceptance of cheating and gamesmanship) behaviors, and their actual rule violations during matches in two samples of athletes. Participants in Sample 1 were young team sport athletes (N = 355) and participants in Sample 2 were young male futsal players (N = 296). Athletes in Sample 1 completed validated self‐report measures of perceived autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and autonomous and controlled motivation from self‐determination theory, moral attitudes, and past cheating behaviors. Athletes in Sample 2 completed identical measures and two additional behavioral measures: athletes’ self‐reported number of yellow cards received during competition in the last 6 months and the number of yellow cards athletes received from referees in the subsequent 2 months from competition records. We found significant relations between psychological need satisfaction and self‐determined motivation, and athletes’ moral attitudes in both samples. These effects held when statistically controlling for past behavior. Importantly, our prospective analysis of Sample 2 indicated that attitudes toward antisocial behaviors predicted athletes’ rule violations during subsequent tournament matches. Findings indicate that promoting autonomous motivation and need satisfaction through autonomy support may foster attitudes toward prosocial behaviors, and minimize rule transgressions, in young athletes.
Does location matter for disclosure? Evidence from geographic segments
Authors: Leung Edith , Verriest Arnt
Published: February 2019

The segment disclosures of multinational companies provide strategic information. We use the location characteristics of geographic segments to identify the reasons for withholding or disclosing segments. We examine segment data from around the adoption of IFRS 8, a reporting standard that requires firms to reveal more disaggregated information. Consistent with a proprietary cost motive for nondisclosure, we find that segments in regions that are deemed better for business tend to be hidden, while higher entry barriers for a segment are positively related to disclosure. These effects appear to be stronger for firms for which proprietary cost motives are more important. Among the previously unrevealed segments, proprietary costs explain the nondisclosure of segment earnings and other relevant financial information for investors.
From the tropics to the pole and back again: Radiation in the flathead fishes (Platycephalidae) across Australia and the Indo‐West Pacific
Authors: Puckridge Melody , Last Peter R. , Gledhill Daniel C. , Andreakis Nikos
Published: February 2019

Aim

To develop a comparative phylogeographic framework to understand the origins, evolution, taxonomic richness, and distribution of Australian demersal fish endemics in the context of the Indo‐West Pacific (IWP).

Location

Southern Australia and the IWP.

Taxon

Platycephalidae (flathead fishes).

Methods

Nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies of flathead fishes were inferred from 46 of 85 nominal species, and 14 additional cryptic species‐level lineages, representing 17 of the 18 genera. Molecular clocks and habitat trait reconstructions were used to infer the palaeoclimatic and geological events responsible for shaping the evolution and diversification of the group.

Results

The family Platycephalidae comprises two sister subfamilies; Platycephalinae and Onigociinae, which diverged in the Eocene into predominantly temperate and tropical assemblages respectively. The basal platycephalin taxa are confined to southern Australia with the most derived groups in the tropics, following a high‐ to low‐latitudinal evolutionary trajectory. In contrast, the onigociins are predominantly associated with the tropics, and have diversified across the region since the early Miocene with very few introductions into temperate Australia.

Main conclusions

Platycephalinae and Onigociinae show contrasting evolutionary scenarios. Platycephalins have a temperate to tropical evolutionary trajectory consistent with their arrival into the region via tectonic rafting and subsequent dispersal. This dispersal was likely facilitated by formation of shallow‐water environments along the Sunda Arc margin following collision of the Australian and Eurasian Plates. In contrast, the Onigociinae has likely maintained a tropical presence across the IWP since the Eocene and has experienced higher diversification rates leading to circa three times the species diversity found in the Platycephalinae. Rounds of dispersal and allopatric speciation have subsequently played out across both low and high latitudes with both subfamilies harbouring cryptic species‐level lineages. This work provides an explicit working hypothesis for exploring origins and diversification in other demersal fishes endemic to the Australian continent.
Zinc and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gray N.A. , Dhana A. , Stein D.J. , Khumalo N.P.
Published: February 2019

Zinc plays a central role in skin integrity via barrier and immune mechanisms and may also be relevant in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, little is known about the relationship between zinc and AD. We performed a systematic review to determine (i) the association between zinc levels or zinc deficiency and AD and (ii) the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in the treatment of AD. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and article references for observational studies on zinc levels or zinc deficiency in participants with AD vs. controls and for randomized control trials (RCTs) on zinc supplementation in AD. For observational studies, we calculated pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. We included 14 observational studies and two RCTs. The pooled SMD demonstrated significantly lower serum (SMD 0.66, 95% CI 0.21–1.10, P = 0.004), hair (SMD 0.95, 95% CI 0.38–1.52, P = 0.001) and erythrocyte (SMD 0.95, 95% CI 0.38–1.52, P = 0.001) zinc levels in participants with AD compared to controls. Pooled unadjusted data from three studies showed a non‐significant increased odds of AD in those with zinc deficiency compared with those without zinc deficiency (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.71–3.16, P = 0.28). One RCT of oral zinc supplementation among AD patients with zinc deficiency showed improvement in extent and severity of AD, while another RCT among all AD patients showed no significant improvement. All the studies were of low or moderate quality. We conclude that low serum, hair and erythrocyte zinc levels are associated with AD. However, the poor quality of included studies makes interpretation of these results problematic. High‐quality observational studies are needed to confirm the association between low zinc levels and AD, and RCTs are required to evaluate the merit of zinc supplementation for the treatment or prevention of AD.
Ingenol mebutate‐mediated reduction in p53‐positive keratinocytes in skin cancerization field directly correlates with clinical response in patients with multiple actinic keratoses
Authors: Grandi V. , di Gennaro P. , Torrigiani S. , Basco L. , Lastrucci I. , Pimpinelli N.
Published: February 2019

Background

UV radiation represents the main risk factor for non‐melanoma skin cancers. Chronic UV exposure induces ‘p53 patches’, i.e. clonal outgrowths of keratinocytes with high nuclear expression of mutated p53, which might progress to actinic keratosis (AK) and ultimately squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

Aims

Analysis of ingenol mebutate gel (150 and 500 mcg/g) effects in the reduction in ‘p53 patches’ inside skin cancerization field (CF) in patients with multiple AKs of face/scalp or trunk/extremities, in order to investigate whether the expected reduction in p53+ keratinocytes might have a direct role in the long‐term AK reduction in treated areas.

Results

We enrolled n = 10 patients, treated with ingenol mebutate and evaluated at 2 and 6 months after treatment. We observed clinical responses in the majority of patients (n = 7), with AK reduction or complete clearance (n = 6 and n = 1, respectively). Notably, two patients did not respond to the treatment, and in one patient, after initial partial response, new lesion was recorded. In untreated skin CF samples (n = 3), we observed numerous p53+ keratinocytes, similar to those observed in invasive SCC samples (53.56 ± 8.79 and 74.34 ± 22.05, respectively; P = 0.2). After treatment, we observed a variable p53+ keratinocyte reduction in CF samples at 2 months (24.67 ± 31.19; P = 0.19). Importantly, the amount of p53+ keratinocytes strongly and directly correlated with AK number (R2 = 0.81).

Conclusion

Untreated skin CF expresses high level of p53+ keratinocytes as invasive SCC. Ingenol mebutate is able to reduce p53+ keratinocytes with variable efficacy, this reduction degree directly correlating with clinical efficacy.
Post‐Acute Care After Joint Replacement in Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative
Authors: Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Orav E. John , Zheng Jie , Epstein Arnold M.
Published: February 2019

IMPORTANCE

Bundled payments, in which services provided around a care episode are linked together, are being tested under Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) program. Reducing post‐acute care (PAC) is critical under bundled payment, but little is known about whether this is done through provider selection or consolidation, and whether particular patterns of changes in PAC are associated with success under the program.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize patterns of change in PAC under lower‐extremity joint replacement episodes in BPCI.

DESIGN

Retrospective difference‐in‐differences study.

SETTING

US Medicare, 2013 to 2015.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 264 US hospitals participating in BPCI for lower‐extremity joint replacement and matched controls.

EXPOSURES

Participation in BPCI.

MEASUREMENTS

Use and duration of institutional PAC (proportion discharged to a skilled nursing facility, an inpatient rehabilitation facility, and a long‐term care hospital), dispersion of PAC (proportion of discharges to commonly used providers), and quality of PAC (Star Ratings, readmission rates, length of stay, and nurse staffing); part A Medicare payments.

RESULTS

BPCI participants decreased the use and duration of institutional PAC compared to controls: overall institutional PAC declined 4.4% in BPCI hospitals vs 2.1% in non‐BPCI hospitals (difference = −2.2%; P = .033), and duration decreased by 1.6 days in BPCI hospitals compared to 0.0 days in non‐BPCI hospitals (difference in differences = −1.5 days; P < .001). However, BPCI participants did not change their PAC referral patterns to reduce dispersion or refer patients to higher‐quality PAC providers. Hospitals that were more successful in reducing Medicare payments started with higher payments and higher use of institutional PAC settings and demonstrated greater drops in use and duration of institutional PAC, but no differences in dispersion or referral to high‐quality providers.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Reductions in spending under BPCI were driven by a shift from higher‐ to lower‐cost discharge settings, and by shortening the duration of institutional PAC. Hospitals that reduced payments the most had the highest spending at baseline. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1027–1035, 2019.
Linking city‐level input–output table to urban energy footprint: Construction framework and application
Authors: Zheng Heran , Meng Jing , Mi Zhifu , Song Malin , Shan Yuli , Ou Jiamin , Guan Dabo
Published: February 2019

Multiregion input–output (MRIO) models have become increasingly important in economic and environmental analysis. However, the current resolution of most MRIO models fails to capture the heterogeneity between subregions, especially in cities. The lack of city‐level MRIO tables has impeded the accomplishment of city‐level studies and hampered the understanding of the relationship between urban growth and consumption, and teleconnections to other regions. In this paper, we propose a partial survey‐based multiple‐layer framework for MRIO table compilation of a Chinese province that distinguishes city‐based regions. This framework can effectively address a large number of data processes and retain consistency between layers. Using the framework, we first compile a nested Hebei‐China city‐level MRIO table and then apply city‐level energy footprint accounting of the North China urban agglomeration. Our results present the critical role of Hebei cities in energy supply in 2012 and quantify energy use embodied in goods for the domestic trade. Tangshan, Shijiazhuang, and Handan are distinctive cities in the energy supply chain of other regions, for both less developed and developed regions. This multiple‐layer framework represents a feasible approach for developing subregional‐level MRIO models and offers the possibility to analyze global trade at the subregional level with limited data. The data and results from the analysis in this article are available for download from China Emission Accounts and Datasets.
Genome‐wide association study dissects the genetic bases of salt tolerance in maize seedlings
Authors: Luo Xi , Wang Bingcai , Gao Shan , Zhang Fei , Terzaghi William , Dai Mingqiu
Published: February 2019

Excess salinity is a natural stress that causes crop yield losses worldwide. The genetic bases of maize salt tolerance remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the survival rates of 445 maize natural accessions after salt treatments. A skewed distribution of the salt‐tolerant phenotypes was observed in this population. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) revealed 57 loci significantly associated with salt tolerance. Forty‐nine candidate genes were detected from these loci. About 10% of these genes were co‐localized with loci from QTL mapping. Forty four percent of the candidate genes were involved in stress responses, ABA signaling, stomata division, DNA binding/transcription regulation and auxin signaling, suggesting that they are key genetic mechanisms of maize salt tolerance. Transgenic studies showed that two genes, the salt‐tolerance‐associated‐gene 4 (SAG4, GRMZM2G077295) and SAG6 (GRMZM2G106056), which encode a protein transport protein and the double‐strand break repair protein MRE11, respectively, had positive roles in plant salt tolerance, and their salt‐tolerant haplotypes were revealed. The genes we identified in this study provide a list of candidate targets for further study of maize salt tolerance, and of genetic markers and materials that may be used for breeding salt‐tolerance in maize.
Reporting and Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses of Nursing Interventions in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: General Implications of the Findings
Authors: Sun, Xiao , Zhou, Xiaobin , Zhang, Yuan , Liu, Haihua
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reporting characteristics as well as the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses (MAs) of nursing interventions in patients with Alzheimer's disease and determine potential factors for high quality.

Methods

Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we searched the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library from inception through October 1, 2017. Two reviewers independently selected articles and extracted data. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist were adopted to evaluate reporting and methodological quality, respectively.

Results

A total of 64 eligible articles, published from 2001 to 2017, were included. The mean PRISMA and AMSTAR scores were 19.310 ± 4.167 and 6.390 ± 2.208, respectively. For the PRISMA checklist, the following characteristics had less than 50% compliance: protocol or registration, full electronic search strategy, summary measures, risk for bias across studies, and synthesis of results. For the AMSTAR checklist, the following characteristics had less than 50% compliance: a priori study design, comprehensive literature search, status of publication used as inclusion criteria, scientific quality, publication bias, and conflicts of interest stated. Logistic regression analyses indicated that systematic reviews including meta‐analyses that followed PRISMA guidelines, had a protocol or registration, and had funding support were related to higher reporting quality; systematic reviews including meta‐analyses that had a protocol or registration were related to higher methodological quality.

Conclusions

The reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of nursing interventions in patients with Alzheimer's disease were suboptimal, with some areas needing further improvement. More endorsement by journals of the reporting guidelines for SRs and MAs may improve article quality and the dissemination of reliable evidence to nurses. We recommend that authors, readers, reviewers, and editors become better acquainted with and adhere more strictly to the PRISMA and AMSTAR checklists.
Patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in implant‐supported overdentures retained by milled bars: Two‐year follow‐up
Authors: Toia Marco , Wennerberg Ann , Torrisi Paolo , Farina Vittorio , Corrà Enrico , Cecchinato Denis
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This observational clinical study evaluated the patient satisfaction and the clinical outcomes of edentulous arches rehabilitated with overdentures retained by CAD‐CAM milled titanium bars.

Materials and Methods

Edentulous patients were treated with a full‐arch removable overdenture anchored on two milled bars based on a friction retention system. Patient satisfaction was tested using the validated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaire at the pre‐ and post‐treatment visits, up to two years after prosthesis delivery (possible score range: 0‐56. Best: 0). The prosthodontist satisfaction was also assessed through a designed questionnaire (best possible range 0‐4. Best:0). Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed at baseline and after 2 years of function. Implant and prostheses complications were recorded.

Results

Forty (25 mandible) edentulous patients, mean age 69 ± 9.5 (SD) (52% males, 10% smokers), were treated with a total of 185 implants. The mean difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment OHIP‐14 score was 20.6 ± 8.0 (P < 0.0001) showing a high level of satisfaction for aesthetics, functional and psychological outcomes. This perception was not influenced by patient's age or gender. The clinicians' mean score was 3.4 ± 4.0. There was a marginal bone level (MBL) gain of 0.02 ± 0.22 mm between the two time points. Minor complications were reported in five patients.

Conclusions

This procedure may lead to satisfaction regarding aesthetics and mastication function. One of the most relevant aspects is the versatility, which allows selection of the most suitable treatment option according to patient needs. The prosthodontist satisfaction questionnaire showed that this procedure met the clinical expectations.
Housing choices, sorting, and the distribution of educational benefits under deferred acceptance
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: February 2019

I study the welfare and distributional consequences of introducing the student‐proposing deferred acceptance in a model where schools have exogenous qualities and the benefit from attending a school is supermodular in school quality and student type. Unlike neighborhood assignment, deferred acceptance induces nonpositive assortative matching where higher type students do not necessarily choose neighborhoods with better schools. Student types are more heterogeneous within neighborhoods under deferred acceptance. Assuming an elastic housing supply, deferred acceptance benefits residents in lower quality neighborhoods with more access to higher quality schools. Moreover, more parents will “vote with their feet” for deferred acceptance, other things equal, than for neighborhood assignment.
Effect of pectin oligosaccharides and zinc chelate on growth performance, zinc status, antioxidant ability, intestinal morphology and short‐chain fatty acids in broilers
Authors: Wang Zhongcheng , Yu Huimin , Xie Jingjing , Cui Hu , Gao Xiuhua
Published: February 2019

A 42‐day trial was conducted to investigate the effect of pectin oligosaccharides (POS) and zinc chelate (Zn‐POS) on growth performance, antioxidant ability, zinc status, intestinal morphology and short‐chain fatty acids in broilers. A total of 324 1‐day‐old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments with six cages of 18 chicks. Treatments were: (a) Control, 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4; (b) POS, 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4 + 482 mg/kg POS (the same amount of POS as treatment 3); and (c) Zn‐POS, 80 mg/kg zinc from Zn‐POS. Compared to the Control, both POS and Zn‐POS supplementation increased average daily gain and reduced the mortality during day 22–42, and only Zn‐POS supplementation decreased the ratio of feed to gain during day 22–42 and 1–42. Moreover, both POS and Zn‐POS supplementation improved Zn status and gut function as evidenced by increased metallothionein concentrations in the pancreas, villus height in the duodenum and isobutyrate concentrations in the caecal digesta. Additionally, Zn‐POS supplementation increased gene expressions of metallothionein, Zn transporter 1, Zn transporter 2 in the pancreas, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 in the liver, the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total SCFA in the caecal digesta and the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum, whereas decreased the crypt depth in these two tissues. Altogether, our results revealed that dietary POS or Zn‐POS supplementation benefited growth performance, Zn status, antioxidant ability and gut function of broilers. Supplementing Zn‐POS in the form of chelate was more effective than feeding POS or ZnSO4 separately.
Activation of vitamin D in the gingival epithelium and its role in gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss
Authors: Menzel Lorenzo P. , Ruddick Willam , Chowdhury Mobaswar H. , Brice David C. , Clance Ryan , Porcelli Emily , Ryan Lisa K. , Lee Jungnam , Yilmaz Özlem , Kirkwood Keith L. , McMahon Laura , Tran Amy , Diamond Gill
Published: February 2019

Background and Objective

Both chronic and aggressive periodontal disease are associated with vitamin D deficiency. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, induces the expression of the antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 and innate immune mediators in cultured human gingival epithelial cells (GECs). The aim of this study was to further delineate the mechanism by which vitamin D enhances the innate defense against the development of periodontal disease (PD).

Materials and Methods

Wild‐type C57Bl/6 mice were made deficient in vitamin D by dietary restriction. Cultured primary and immortalized GEC were stimulated with 1,25(OH)2D3, followed by infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, and viable intracellular bacteria were quantified. Conversion of vitamin D3 to 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 was quantified by ELISA. Effect of vitamin D on basal IL‐1α expression in mice was determined by topical administration to the gingiva of wild‐type mice, followed by qRT‐PCR.

Results

Dietary restriction of vitamin D led to alveolar bone loss and increased inflammation in the gingiva in the mouse model. In primary human GEC and established human cell lines, treatment of GEC with 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the intracellular growth of P. gingivalis. Cultured GEC expressed two 25‐hydroxylases (CYP27A1 and CYP2R1), as well as 1‐α hydroxylase, enabling conversion of vitamin D to both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3. Topical application of both vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 to the gingiva of mice led to rapid inhibition of IL‐1α expression, a prominent pro‐inflammatory cytokine associated with inflammation, which also exhibited more than a 2‐fold decrease from basal levels in OKF6/TERT1 cells upon 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, as determined by RNA‐seq.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency in mice contributes to PD, recapitulating the association seen in humans, and provides a unique model to study the development of PD. Vitamin D increases the activity of GEC against the invasion of periodontal pathogens and inhibits the inflammatory response, both in vitro and in vivo. GEC can convert inactive vitamin D to the active form in situ, supporting the hypothesis that vitamin D can be applied directly to the gingiva to prevent or treat periodontal disease.
Therapeutic vaccination for chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim Seng Gee , Agcaoili Jennielyn , De Souza Nurun Nisa Amatullah , Chan Edwin
Published: February 2019

Therapeutic vaccines may be promising treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but their clinical efficacy and safety are unclear. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for the efficacy and safety of therapeutic vaccines in CHB patients. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar from 1990 until present and abstracts from EASL, APASL and AASLD from 2012 to 2017 and selected randomized controlled trials of CHB patients, comparing therapeutic vaccines with no treatment or standard of care. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool v2.0 and GRADE method were used. Analyses were stratified by hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status and the comparator (therapeutic vaccines vs no treatment, or therapeutic vaccines + standard of care vs standard of care). Efficacy outcomes were HBeAg seroconversion, hepatitis B virus DNA reduction and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, measured at the end of treatment or end of follow‐up. Effects were reported as risk differences with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model. Fifteen studies were included. A wide variety of therapeutic vaccines were tested. For HBeAg clearance at the end of follow‐up, when comparing therapeutic vaccines vs no therapy, RD = 0.01, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.07, and when comparing therapeutic vaccines + standard of care vs standard of care, RD = 0.03, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.09. For HBVDNA reduction at the end of follow‐up, when comparing therapeutic vaccines vs no therapy, RD = −0.03, 95% CI −0.08 to 0.02, and when comparing therapeutic vaccines + standard of care, RD = 0.15, 95% CI 0.02‐0.28. There were only a few studies on HBsAg loss, and hence, the findings were inconclusive. The only efficacy finding was HBVDNA reduction at the end of follow‐up for therapeutic vaccines + standard of care vs standard of care; otherwise, therapeutic vaccines do not appear to be efficacious for the treatment of CHB, but were limited by few RCTs, suboptimal therapeutic vaccines and patient selection.
Genetic diversity of hepatitis D virus genotype‐1 in Europe allows classification into subtypes
Authors: Karimzadeh Hadi , Usman Zainab , Frishman Dmitrij , Roggendorf Michael
Published: February 2019

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is an RNA virus which leads to both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis. At present, HDV isolates have been classified into eight major genotypes distributed over different geographical regions. Recent increase in HDV sequences in Europe and worldwide has enabled us to revisit the taxonomic classification of HDV. A total of 116 large hepatitis delta antigen (L‐HDAg) nucleotide sequences and 13 full‐length HDV genome sequences belonging to genotype‐1 from our European cohort, as well as 621 L‐HDAg nucleotide sequences belonging to genotype‐1 to genotype‐8 retrieved from the GenBank NCBI were included in this study. All 116 isolates of our cohort and 341 of 621 isolates (60%) account for genotype‐1, while the remaining 40% of isolates were unevenly distributed across genotype‐2 to genotype‐8. Phylogenetic analysis of 98 L‐HDAg sequences selected after elimination of redundant sequences of all 737 isolates was performed to identify plausible subtypes within HDV genotype‐1. Pairwise genetic distances for L‐HDAg sequences were calculated to estimate the inter‐genotype and inter‐subtype differences. The HDV genotype‐1 isolates phylogenetically formed five distinct clusters (genotype 1a‐1e), each of them corresponding to a distinct geographic region. Two distinct subtypes for HDV genotype‐2 and ‐4 (ie ‐2a and ‐2b; ‐4a and ‐4b, respectively) could be identified based on isolate sequences from GenBank. The previously defined genotype‐1 to genotype‐8 have an inter‐genotypic difference of ≥10%, while the newly defined subtypes of genotype‐1, ‐2 and ‐4 show an inter‐subtype difference of ≥3% to <10% from the average diversity. In addition, we identified unique amino acid residues, known as specificity‐determining positions, amongst the proposed subtypes.
Biological basis for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Martinez Maria G. , Testoni Barbara , Zoulim Fabien
Published: February 2019

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection affects over 250 millon people worldwide and 800000 are expected to die yearly due to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current antiviral therapies include nucleoside analogs (NAs) that target the viral retrotranscriptase inhibiting de novo viral production. Pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) is also effective in reducing the viral DNA load in serum. However, both treatments remain limited to control the infection, aiming for viral suppression and improving the quality of life of the infected patients. Complete cure is not possible due to the presence of the stable DNA intermediate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Attempts to achieve a functional cure are thus ongoing and novel targets and molecules, together with different combination therapies are currently in the pipeline for early clinical trials. In this review we discuss novel treatments both targeting directly and indirectly cccDNA. As we gain knowledge in the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcriptional control, and newer technologies emerge that could potentially allow the destruction of cccDNA, exciting new possibilities for curative therapies are discussed.
ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats
Authors: Garden Oliver A. , Kidd Linda , Mexas Angela M. , Chang Yu‐Mei , Jeffery Unity , Blois Shauna L. , Fogle Jonathan E. , MacNeill Amy L. , Lubas George , Birkenheuer Adam , Buoncompagni Simona , Dandrieux Julien R. S. , Di Loria Antonio , Fellman Claire L. , Glanemann Barbara , Goggs Robert , Granick Jennifer L. , LeVine Dana N. , Sharp Claire R. , Smith‐Carr Saralyn , Swann James W. , Szladovits Balazs
Published: February 2019

Immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. IMHA also occurs in cats, although less commonly. IMHA is considered secondary when it can be attributed to an underlying disease, and as primary (idiopathic) if no cause is found. Eliminating diseases that cause IMHA may attenuate or stop immune‐mediated erythrocyte destruction, and adverse consequences of long‐term immunosuppressive treatment can be avoided. Infections, cancer, drugs, vaccines, and inflammatory processes may be underlying causes of IMHA. Evidence for these comorbidities has not been systematically evaluated, rendering evidence‐based decisions difficult. We identified and extracted data from studies published in the veterinary literature and developed a novel tool for evaluation of evidence quality, using it to assess study design, diagnostic criteria for IMHA, comorbidities, and causality. Succinct evidence summary statements were written, along with screening recommendations. Statements were refined by conducting 3 iterations of Delphi review with panel and task force members. Commentary was solicited from several professional bodies to maximize clinical applicability before the recommendations were submitted. The resulting document is intended to provide clinical guidelines for diagnosis of, and underlying disease screening for, IMHA in dogs and cats. These should be implemented with consideration of animal, owner, and geographical factors.
The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and its suppression
Authors: Ames Marisa K. , Atkins Clarke E. , Pitt Bertram
Published: February 2019

Chronic activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) promotes and perpetuates the syndromes of congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Excessive circulating and tissue angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone levels lead to a pro‐fibrotic, ‐inflammatory, and ‐hypertrophic milieu that causes remodeling and dysfunction in cardiovascular and renal tissues. Understanding of the role of the RAAS in this abnormal pathologic remodeling has grown over the past few decades and numerous medical therapies aimed at suppressing the RAAS have been developed. Despite this, morbidity from these diseases remains high. Continued investigation into the complexities of the RAAS should help clinicians modulate (suppress or enhance) components of this system and improve quality of life and survival. This review focuses on updates in our understanding of the RAAS and the pathophysiology of AngII and aldosterone excess, reviewing what is known about its suppression in cardiovascular and renal diseases, especially in the cat and dog.
Resistant cutoff values and optimal scheme establishments for florfenicol against Escherichia coli with PK‐PD modeling analysis in pigs
Authors: Lei Zhixin , Liu Qianying , Khaliq Haseeb , Cao Jiyue , He Qigai
Published: February 2019

Florfenicol, a structural analog of thiamphenicol, has broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological, pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic cutoff, and the optimal scheme of florfenicol against Escherichia coli (E. coli) with PK‐PD integrated model in the target infectious tissue. 220 E. coli strains were selected to detect the susceptibility to florfenicol, and a virulent strain P190, whose minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was similar to the MIC50 (8 μg/ml), was analyzed for PD study in LB and ileum fluid. The MIC of P190 in the ileum fluid was 0.25 times lower than LB. The ratios of MBC/MIC were four both in the ileum and LB. The characteristics of time‐killing curves also coincided with the MBC determination. The recommended dosages (30 mg/kg·body weight) were orally administrated in healthy pigs, and both plasma and ileum fluid were collected for PK study. The main pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters including AUC24 hr, AUC0–∞, Tmax, T1/2, Cmax, CLb, and Ke were 49.83, 52.33 μg*h/ml, 1.32, 10.58 hr, 9.12 μg/ml, 0.50 L/hr*kg, 0.24 hr−1 and 134.45, 138.71 μg*hr/ml, 2.05, 13.01 hr, 16.57 μg/ml, 0.18 L/hr*kg, 0.14 hr−1 in the serum and ileum fluid, respectively. The optimum doses for bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and elimination activities were 29.81, 34.88, and 36.52 mg/kg for 50% target and 33.95, 39.79, and 42.55 mg/kg for 90% target, respectively. The final sensitive breakpoint was defined as 16 μg/ml. The current data presented provide the optimal regimens (39.79 mg/kg) and susceptible breakpoint (16 μg/ml) for clinical use, but these predicted data should be validated in the clinical practice.
Primordial, thermal, and shock features of ordinary chondrites: Emulating bulk X‐ray diffraction using in‐plane rotation of polished thin sections
Authors: Imae Naoya , Kimura Makoto , Yamaguchi Akira , Kojima Hideyasu
Published: February 2019

Using an X‐ray diffractometer, powder‐like diffraction patterns were acquired from in‐plane rotation of polished thin sections (PTSs) of 60 ordinary chondrites (23 H, 21 L, and 16 LL), in order to explore the thermal and shock metamorphism and its modifications of primordial features. The olivine (Ol) 130 peak position shown as Bragg indices clearly correlates with the chemical group for equilibrated ordinary chondrites (EOCs), while the peak is split or broad for unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs). The intensity ratio of kamacite may be useful for distinguishing the chemical group between H and L‐LL, but it is not definite because of heterogeneous terrestrial weathering of kamacite, especially in H chondrites. The summed intensities of the orthoenstatite (Oen) 511 and 421 peaks positively correlates with the metamorphic sequence from 3 to 6, while that of clinoenstatite (Cen) 22 is inversely correlated. The shock stage positively correlates with the summed full width of half maximum values of the Oen 511 and 421 peaks and the FWHM of Ol 130 peak for each class. Significant amount of Oen (Pbca) transformed through Cen (C2/c) finally to Cen (P21/c) is stable at high pressure for shock stage S6 (Tenham and NWA 4719). The shock melted LL chondrite is characterized by the occurrence of Cen and abundant homogeneous olivine. The effects of both thermal and shock metamorphism are thus incorporated into the bulk X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data. The bulk XRD method is useful for determining the bulk mineralogy, resulting in the classification of ordinary chondrites. The method is also applicable to samples other than PTS.
Development of the peripheral and central venous catheter‐related bloodstream infection prevention knowledge and attitudes scale
Authors: Bakan Ayse B. , Arli Senay K.
Published: February 2019

Background

Because of the necessities of modern medicine, catheters are frequently used for patients today. Mistakes made in catheter implementation frequently cause nosocomial infections.

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to be used for the evaluation of nurses' knowledge and attitudes about peripheral and central venous catheter‐related bloodstream infection prevention.

Design and methods

This methodological study was conducted between July 2016 and December 2017, with 150 nurses who worked in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in hospitals located in two different cities in the eastern part of Turkey and who consented to participate in the study.

Results

Item total correlation values of the scale ranged between 0.515 and 0.703. Correlation coefficient between the two measurements as a result of the test–retest reliability was found to be 0.64, and there was a linear relationship between the measurements. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value was found to be0.875, which indicates the adequacy of the sample. Barlett's test results indicated a correlation between the items (P < .01). Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.86.

Conclusions

Results showed that the 5‐point Likert scale was formed with 14 items and two factors, which included “general precautions” and “catheter care.” Scale total score is obtained by collecting all the items. Higher scores indicate higher knowledge and attitudes. This scale could be used for assessing the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about peripheral and central venous catheter‐related bloodstream infection prevention precautions.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention Knowledge and Attitudes Scale could be used for infection prevention in the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses with a view of preventing infections. The scale can be used in intensive care units and surgical, internal and paediatric clinics in order to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes.
Necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Bellodas Sanchez Jenny , Kadrofske Mark
Published: February 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an acute inflammatory disease of the intestine which primarily affects preterm infants and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit. From a clinical standpoint, and during the early course of the disease, NEC can be difficult to distinguish from other diseases and conditions common to the preterm infant, and this warrants the need for specific disease biomarkers. The pathogenesis of NEC is only partly understood but likely involves an altered intestinal barrier immune response to feeding and the developing microbiome. Recent evidence points toward a role of the enteric nervous system in NEC pathogenesis. In this issue, Meister and colleagues use a rodent model of NEC to demonstrate that NEC is associated with diminished vagal tone, as determined by decreased high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV), and altered myenteric nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmission. These results augment their previous findings that describe decreased HF‐HRV in human preterm infants with NEC. This mini‐review provides a brief summary of clinical and pathophysiologic aspects of NEC with focus on certain aspects of neurogastroenterology.