bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An update on head and neck cancer: new entities and their histopathology, molecular background, treatment, and outcome
Authors: Andreasen Simon , Kiss Katalin , Mikkelsen Lauge Hjorth , Channir Hani Ibrahim , Plaschke Christina Caroline , Melchior Linea Cecilie , Eriksen Jesper Grau , Wessel Irene
Published: February 2019

The head and neck region harbor numerous specialized tissues of all lineages giving rise to a plethora of different malignancies. In recent years, new types and subtypes of cancer has been described here due to the recognition of their histological and molecular characteristics. Some have been formally accepted in the most recent classifications from the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) as distinct diseases due to characteristics in clinical presentation, outcome, and treatment. In particular, this applies to malignancies of the salivary gland, sinonasal tract, and oropharynx. In this overview, we present the most recent developments in the classification, histopathological characteristics, and molecular features of head and neck cancer. The clinical and radiological characteristics, outcome, and treatment options including perspectives for targeted therapies, are discussed.
Economic Change in the Prehistoric Hexi Corridor (4800–2200 bp), North‐West China
Authors: Yang Y. , Ren L. , Dong G. , Cui Y. , Liu R. , Chen G. , Wang H. , Wilkin S. , Chen F.
Published: February 2019

It is widely known that the Hexi Corridor in North‐West China lies at a hub of trans‐Eurasian cultural exchange. Its role became increasingly important during the late prehistoric period, particularly as the ancient Silk Road began to be used. While the profound transformation of local cultural characteristics in the late Neolithic and the Bronze Age is well documented, the detailed economic dynamics of cultural evolution have not yet been clearly illustrated. In this paper, we report on significant new zooarchaeological and faunal isotopic data from the Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in the Hexi Corridor. The primary objective is to systematically reconstruct the prehistoric economic context of this area by combining these new data with previous archaeological studies and radiocarbon dates. We argue that the primary economic activities of local inhabitants changed dramatically in the prehistoric Hexi Corridor. This was marked by agricultural production at c.4800–4000 bp, agro‐pastoral production at c.4000–3000 bp and animal husbandry at c.3000–2200 bp, respectively. The major subsistence strategies of these three periods show considerable variation. It is very likely that these transformations of economic patterns in the prehistoric Hexi Corridor were primarily triggered by transcontinental cultural exchange and, to a lesser extent, by climate change.
Effects of breed and different lipid dietary supplements on beef quality
Authors: Mordenti Attilio L. , Brogna Nico , Canestrari Giorgia , Bonfante Elena , Eusebi Stefano , Mammi Ludovica M. E. , Giaretta Elisa , Formigoni Andrea
Published: March 2019

Focus of this study was to evaluate the most suitable breed/crossbred and the appropriate nutritional strategies to increase marbling in beef muscle and to improve its healthy properties, in particular the n‐3 fatty acids content. One hundred and seventy‐six heifers of three crossbreed commonly reared by Emilia‐Romagna farmers: 48 Bleu Belge × Freisian (ITA), 48 Charolais × Aubrac (FRA), and 80 Angus (ANG) were used. Animals of each breed were randomly subdivided in two experimental groups that received two diets, differing for the dietary lipid source. Control group (C) received a basal diet containing protected vegetable fats, whereas treated one (T) received the same basal diet supplemented with 0.9 kg/head/day of extruded flaxseed. After slaughtering, a sample of Longissimus thoracis was collected from each animal for meat quality analysis. Our results demonstrated that, in a shorter fattening period, ANG animals obtained the best dry matter intake, average daily gain and the best fattening scores. ITA and ANG meat presented the highest marbling scores. ANG breed had the highest amount of C18:1, the highest unsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio and the lowest n‐6/n‐3 ratio. The T animals, independently from breed, showed the highest amount of α‐linolenic acid (ALA). In addition, ANG‐T meat presented the highest ALA content.
Effect of feeding wood kraft pulp on the growth performance, feed digestibility, blood components, and rumen fermentation in Japanese Black fattening steers
Authors: Maeda Yuka , Nishimura Keiko , Kurosu Kazuhiro , Mizuguchi Hitoshi , Sato Shigeru , Terada Fuminori , Kushibiki Shiro
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to examine the effects of feeding kraft pulp (KP) on the growth performance, feed digestibility, and rumen fermentation of Japanese Black fattening steers. Ten Japanese Black fattening steers (aged 26 months) were randomly divided into control and KP groups. The control group (n = 5) was fed concentrate feed without KP, and the KP group (n = 5) was fed concentrate feed containing 10% KP. Both the groups were provided rice straw as roughage. The experiment was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake, daily body weight gain, and nutrient digestibility between both groups. No difference was observed in the ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids among the groups. At weeks 8 and 12 after the onset of the experiment, the acetate‐to‐propionate ratio in the ruminal fluid of the KP group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The average daily pH of ruminal fluid and activity of ruminal lipopolysaccharide did not differ between the groups. Our results suggested that the growth performance and feed digestibility in the Japanese Black fattening steers were not influenced by replacing concentrate feed with KP.
The Consequence of Ethical Criticism of Intelligence on Countering Terrorism in Indonesia
Authors: Wicaksana I Gede Wahyu
Published: February 2019

The global war on terror has raised debates between liberals and realists on the position of ethics in intelligence operations. On the one hand, liberal ethicists insist that the conduct of intelligence gathering to counter terrorism must not violate the security rights of citizens. On the other hand, proponents of realism consider national security to be of greater importance than ethical principles governing individual freedom. This article tries to present an alternative point of view by examining the consequence of ethical criticisms of intelligence activities on the Indonesian government’s counterterrorism measures. It proposes two approaches to understanding the connection between ethics and intelligence: examining the nature of the terror threat, and looking at the sociopolitical situations which affect the role of the state’s security agencies. Arguably, securitizing intelligence by enforcing an ethical reconceptualization of intelligence roles increases the challenges facing Indonesia’s intelligence operatives and damages the effectiveness of the government’s counterterrorism policy.
Iran and Saudi Arabia: Emotionally Constructed Identities and the Question of Persistent Tensions
Authors: Soltaninejad Mohammad
Published: February 2019

The persistence of tensions in Iran—Saudi Arabia relations is the result of negative emotional predispositions that have formed the identities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia vis‐à‐vis each other. The national component of the Iranian identity enforces disinclination towards Saudi Arabia, whereas its religious component is mired in a feeling of pain inherited from mistreatment that the Shi’a have tolerated throughout history. This pain translates into resentment against Saudi Arabia, a state seen as oppressing Shi’a populations. This is aggravated by the feeling of being humiliated by the western powers, with Iran’s emotional perception of Saudi Arabia becoming more negative due to close cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Western great powers. Saudi identity also inherits Arabism’s reluctance to accept Iran. As a result, both countries live in an atmosphere of mutual mistrust and fear that explains the persistence of tensions in their relations.
Whose tweets? The rhetorical functions of social media use in developing the Black Lives Matter movement
Authors: Wilkins Denise J. , Livingstone Andrew G. , Levine Mark
Published: March 2019

Research on collective action frequently characterizes social media as a tool for mobilization. However, social media activity can fulfil a variety of different functions for social change. In particular, the rhetorical functions of social media use by social movements are not well understood. We address this shortfall by analysing the rhetorical functions of Twitter use during an early stage of the Black Lives Matter social movement. We examine how activists used Twitter to balance competing aims for social change, such as growing the movement beyond disadvantaged‐group members, while preventing appropriation or dilution of their message by advantaged‐group ‘allies’. We find that although Twitter users promote different, and often competing, definitions of the issues that the movement represents, rhetorical strategies are used to advance inclusive definitions that focus on racism. When activists address alternative definitions of movement actors and issues, representations of Otherness are used to characterize the proponents of these definitions as in opposition to the movement. Finally, we find that one way of resolving the tension between growing the movement and promoting disadvantaged‐group control is by using identity and technology resources to explicitly define (1) how different groups can be movement advocates, and (2) action strategies for social change.
Zinc and vitamin A deficiency in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sweetman Deirdre U. , O'Donnell Sinead M. , Lalor Annette , Grant Tim , Greaney Hilary
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Studies suggest that trace element and vitamin deficiencies are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Data describing the rates of vitamin and trace element deficiencies in the ASD population of the northwest of Ireland is lacking. We wished to determine the prevalence of zinc and vitamin A deficiency in the ASD population compared with controls within this geographical area.

Methods

Parents of children aged 2–18 years with ASD were invited to participate in the study. The control group consisted of well children attending the paediatric department for routine blood sampling. Children on vitamin supplements were excluded from both ASD and control groups. Informed written consent was obtained prior to recruitment. Samples were analysed for zinc and vitamin A levels according to standardized laboratory procedures.

Results

Seventy‐four of the 150 children with ASD who were invited and 72 controls underwent blood sampling. Mean zinc and vitamin A levels were normal in both groups. There were significantly more males in the ASD group (88% versus 56%,pvalue < 0.001). The mean (SD) zinc level was not different between the groups (ASD 11.7 [1.7] versus control 11.6 [2.1] μmol/L,pvalue = 0.86). The mean (standard deviation) vitamin A level was higher in the ASD group (ASD 350.6 [82.6] versus 319.2 [82.8] μg/L,pvalue = 0.03), but this was likely confounded by age.

Conclusion

Children with ASD in the northwest of Ireland have mean zinc and vitamin A levels within the normal range. It is important that these findings are relayed to health professionals and to parents of children with ASD so that informed decisions on vitamin supplementation can be made.
Prognostic biomarkers for immunotherapy with ipilimumab in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Nyakas M , Aamdal E , Jacobsen K D , Guren T K , Aamdal S , Hagene K T , Brunsvig P , Yndestad A , Halvorsen B , Tasken K A , Aukrust P , Mælandsmo G M , Ueland T
Published: March 2019

New therapies, including the anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 antibody, ipilimumab, is approved for metastatic melanoma. Prognostic biomarkers need to be identified, because the treatment has serious side effects. Serum samples were obtained before and during treatment from 56 patients with metastatic or unresectable malignant melanoma, receiving treatment with ipilimumab in a national Phase IV study (NCT0268196). Expression of a panel of 17 inflammatory-related markers reflecting different pathways including extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, vascular inflammation and monocyte/macrophage activation were measured at baseline and the second and/or third course of treatment with ipilimumab. Six candidate proteins [endostatin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), C-reactive protein (CRP), pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and galectin-3 binding-protein (Gal3BP)] were persistently higher in non-survivors. In particular, high Gal3BP and endostatin levels were also independently associated with poor 2-year survival after adjusting for lactate dehydrogenase, M-stage and number of organs affected. A 1 standard deviation increase in endostatin gave 1·74 times [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·10–2·78, P = 0·019] and for Gal3BP 1·52 times (95% CI = 1·01–2·29, P = 0·047) higher risk of death in the adjusted model. Endostatin and Gal3BP may represent prognostic biomarkers for patients on ipilimumab treatment in metastatic melanoma and should be further evaluated. Owing to the non-placebo design, we could only relate our findings to prognosis during ipilimumab treatment.
Buccal fat pad‐derived stem cells with anorganic bovine bone mineral scaffold for augmentation of atrophic posterior mandible: An exploratory prospective clinical study
Authors: Khojasteh Arash , Hosseinpour Sepanta , Rezai Rad Maryam , Alikhasi Marzieh , Zadeh Homayoun H.
Published: March 2019

Background

Application of adipose‐derived stem cells originated from buccal fat pad (BFP) can simplify surgical procedures and diminish clinical risks compared to large autograft harvesting.

Purpose

This study sought to evaluate and compare the efficacy of buccal fat pad‐derived stem cells (BFPSCs) in combination with anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) for vertical and horizontal augmentation of atrophic posterior mandibles.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients with atrophic posterior mandible were elected for this prospective exploratory study. BFP (3‐5 mL) was harvested and BFPSCs were isolated and combined with ABBM at 50% ratio. The vertical and horizontal alveolar deficiencies were augmented by 50% mixture of ABBM with either BFPSCs (group 1) or particulated autologous bone (group 2). Titanium mesh was contoured to the desired 3D shape of the alveolar ridge and fixated to the host sites over the graft material of the two groups. At first, the amount of new bone areas was calculated by quantitative analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images that were taken 6 months postoperatively according to regenerative techniques (group 1 vs group 2 without considering the type of bone defects). Second, these amounts were calculated in each group based on the type of defects.

Results

Quantitative analysis of CBCT images revealed the areas of new bone formation were 169.5 ± 5.90 mm2 and 166.75 ± 10.05 mm2 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The area of new bone formation for vertical defects were 164.91 ± 3.74 mm2 and 169.36 ± 12.09 mm2 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The area of new bone formation for horizontal deficiencies were 170.51 ± 4.54 mm2 and 166.98 ± 9.36 mm2 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the pair‐wise comparisons (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study demonstrated lack of difference in bone volume formation between BFPSCs and autologous particulate bone in combination with ABBM. If confirmed by future large‐scale clinical trial, BFPSCs may provide an alternative to autogenous bone for reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects.
Isotopes in teeth and a cryptic population of coastal freshwater seals
Authors: Brennan Sean R. , Fernandez Diego P. , Burns Jennifer M. , Aswad Stephanie , Schindler Daniel E. , Cerling Thure E.
Published: March 2019

Human activities threaten the biodiversity of aquatic mammals across the globe. Conservation of these species hinges on the ability to delineate movements and foraging behaviors of animals, but gaining such insights is hampered by difficulties in tracing individuals over their lives. We determined isotope ratios in teeth (87Sr/86Sr, 13C/12C, and 18O/16O) to examine lifelong movement and resource‐use patterns of a unique freshwater population of a wide‐ranging pinniped species (harbor seal [Phoca vitulina]) that resides in Iliamna Lake, Alaska (U.S.A.). This population's potentially unique migratory behavior and use of different trophic resources are unknown. The isotope ratios we measured in teeth showed that seals were born in the lake, remained lifelong residents, and relied principally on resources produced from in the lake, even when seasonally abundant and nutrient‐dense spawning anadromous fish (i.e., sockeye salmon [Oncorhynchus nerka]) were available in the lake. Our results illustrate how serial isotope records in teeth, particularly 87Sr/86Sr ratios, can be used to quantify how coastal mammal populations exploit both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Understanding lifelong patterns of habitat and resource use is essential information when designing effective conservation plans for threatened coastal mammals. We present the Iliamna Lake harbor seals as a unique case study into how isotope records within teeth can help reveal the cryptic ecology of such a population residing in an intact ecosystem. The results also provide critical baseline information for the Kvichak River system, which is facing an uncertain future due to proposed large‐scale industrial development and a rapidly changing climate.
A comparative study of ultrasonic degumming of silk sericin using citric acid, sodium carbonate and papain
Authors: Wang Wuchao , Pan Yi , Gong Kang , Zhou Qi , Zhang Tonghua , Li Qing
Published: March 2019

The utilisation of ultrasonics has been shown to enable efficient and environmentally friendly textile wet processing. This study conducted a comparative investigation of silk degumming by using a conventional heating bath and ultrasonic irradiation at a range of ultrasonic frequencies. Citric acid, sodium carbonate and papain were used as degumming agents. Sericin degumming rate, fibre whiteness, fibre surface morphology, fibre structure characteristics and fibre tensile properties were measured and analysed. Results showed that ultrasonics at a lower frequency produced a greater degumming rate than at a higher frequency. Ultrasonics is a more effective way than the conventional heating bath of improving degumming efficiency, especially at a lowered temperature of 60 °C. When sodium carbonate was applied at 90 °C, a conventional heating bath was found to be more effective than ultrasonics. Papain was found to be more effective in sericin removal than citric acid and sodium carbonate, with a degumming rate of 22% achieved at 60 °C under ultrasonic irradiation at 40 kHz. The use of papain can, however, cause a possible overreaction to silk under certain severe conditions, resulting in a loss of fibre whiteness. Negligible changes in fibre structure characteristics were measured by Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction after ultrasonic degumming with papain. Slightly reduced fibre strength and increased fibre extensibility were observed in ultrasonically degummed silk samples compared with un‐degummed and conventionally degummed silk samples.
Rethinking access: how humanitarian technology governance blurs control and care
Authors: Jacobsen Katja Lindskov , Fast Larissa
Published: March 2019

Surprisingly little attention is paid to the role of digital technology and related forms of data production, storage, processing, and sharing in humanitarian governance. This paper uses Michael Barnett's () conceptualisation of humanitarian governance when arguing for a better accounting of technology in literature on humanitarian governance. Specifically, it proposes a two‐fold alertness to governance of (a) the uses of new technology and (b) that which is produced by digital technologies. This elucidates important issues, including that of access to digitalised data collected from humanitarian subjects, with implications for their (in)security. The paper concludes by suggesting that access is no longer ‘only’ about challenges of gaining access to vulnerable populations, but also about challenges of preventing access to vulnerable digital bodies and their use for aggressive purposes. In short, access and protection acquire a new dimension and analyses of humanitarian governance must be more attentive to the role of digital technology.
Clinical pharmacology study of ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A phase 2, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kaku Kohei , Isaka Hiroyuki , Toyoshima Junko , Sakatani Taishi
Published: March 2019

Aim

To evaluate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety of the novel oral sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, ipragliflozin, in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

We conducted a multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Patients were randomized to receive 25, 50, or 100 mg/day ipragliflozin or placebo for 2 weeks. Key pharmacokinetic endpoints included area under the concentration‐time curve 24 hours postdose (AUC24h), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and renal clearance. Key pharmacodynamic endpoints included 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion, mean plasma glucose AUC0‐24h, and mean renal glucose clearance. Changes in total, basal, and bolus insulin dosages were recorded. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored for safety.

Results

Dose‐dependent increases were observed in AUC24h and Cmax on days 1 and 14 for 25‐, 50‐, and 100‐mg ipragliflozin. The mean plasma glucose AUC0‐24h was lower than that of placebo and the mean renal glucose clearance increased in a dose‐dependent manner from baseline, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. The mean (standard deviation) change from baseline in total daily insulin dose was greater in the ipragliflozin 25‐, 50‐, and 100‐mg groups (−14.77 ± 14.04%, −18.40 ± 12.49% and −19.25 ± 16.77%, respectively), than placebo (−4.51 ± 16.28%). Most AEs were mild in severity; no patients discontinued the study because of treatment‐emergent AEs.

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were confirmed. Increases in urinary glucose excretion lead to dose‐dependent decreases in plasma glucose. Concomitant insulin dose decreased with ipragliflozin treatment. No clinically relevant safety concerns were identified.
Genetic and epigenetic alteration of the programmed cell death 1 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tseng Chia‐Chun , Lin Yuan‐Zhao , Lin Chia‐Hui , Li Ruei‐Nian , Tsai Wen‐Chan , Ou Tsan‐Teng , Wu Cheng‐Chin , Sung Wan‐Yu , Yen Jeng‐Hsien
Published: February 2019

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where both genetics and epigenetics are contributing factors. In order to discover genetic and epigenetic associations with RA and its phenotypes, we analysed RNA expression, DNA variations and DNA methylation of programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1) in a cohort of RA patients and healthy controls.

Methods

RA patients (n = 206) and healthy controls (n = 234) were included for analysis of PDCD1 expression, PDCD1 polymorphisms and PDCD1 methylation. Differences in continuous variables between groups were compared by applying t tests. Associations between phenotypes and genotypes were evaluated with contingency tables. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of results, considering potential confounding factors and different treatment response definitions. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated.

Results

Higher expression of PDCD1 was found in RA compared to controls (P < 0.001), with similar PDCD1 polymorphisms in RA and controls. rs36084323 decreased inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19‐0.72, P = 0.003), and rs41386349 increased rheumatoid factor seropositivity (OR = 11.89, 95% CI = 1.57‐89.87, P = 0.003). Sensitivity analysis adjusting for further potential confounders and using different treatment response definition indicated similar results. Additionally, DNA methylation change at regulatory region of PDCD1 was detected in RA (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

Altogether, this was the first study to suggest genetic and epigenetic changes of PDCD1 in RA subsets and RA. Independent prospective cohorts are awaited to address the implications of these genetic and epigenetic changes in disease pathogenesis and phenotypes of RA.
SOCIAL HIERARCHIES: A LABORATORY STUDY ON PUNISHMENT PATTERNS ACROSS NETWORKS
Authors: Fatas Enrique , Meléndez‐Jiménez Miguel A. , Solaz Hector
Published: March 2019

We experimentally study punishment patterns across network structures, and their effect on cooperation. In a repeated public goods setting, subjects can only observe and punish their neighbors. Centralized structures (like the star network) outperform other incomplete networks and reach contribution levels like the ones observed in a complete network. Our results suggest that hierarchical network structures with a commonly observed player benefit more from sanctions not because central players punish more, but because they follow, and promote, different punishment patterns. While quasi‐central players in other incomplete architectures (like the line network) retaliate, and get trapped in the vicious circle of antisocial punishment, central players in the star network do not punish back, increase their contributions when sanctioned by peripheral players, and sanction other participants in a prosocial manner. Our results illustrate recent field studies on the evolutionary prevalence of hierarchical networks. We document a network‐based rationale for this positive effect in an identity‐free, fully anonymous environment. (JEL C72, C91, C92, D90, H41)
MINIMUM LEVELS AND FRAMING IN PUBLIC GOOD PROVISION
Authors: Martinsson Peter , Medhin Haileselassie , Persson Emil
Published: March 2019

Using a laboratory experiment in the field, we examine how the framing of a social dilemma,give toortake froma public good, interacts with a policy intervention that enforces a minimum contribution level to the public good. We find significantly higher cooperation in the give frame than in the take frame in our standard public goods experiment. When a minimum contribution level is introduced, contributions are crowded out in the give frame but crowded in in the take frame. Our results show the importance of choosing the frame when making policy recommendations. (JELC91, H41)
Frame Logic‐based specification and discovery of semantic web services with application to medical appointments
Authors: Sharifi Omid , Ataee Shahin Mehdipour , Bayram Zeki
Published: March 2019

Matching web services and client requirements in the form of goals is a significant challenge in the discovery of semantic web services. The most common but unsatisfactory approach to matching is set‐based, where both the client and web services declare what objects they require and what objects they can provide. Matching then becomes the simple task of comparing sets of objects. This approach is inadequate because it says nothing about the functionality required by the client or the functionality provided by the web service. As an alternative, we use the Frame Logic as implemented in Flora‐2 to specify web service capabilities and client requirements, including their preconditions, postconditions, and ontologies, implement a logic‐based discovery agent using Flora‐2, demonstrate its usefulness in a medical appointment making scenario, and show its efficiency both theoretically and by benchmarking. The result is an expressive yet concise representation scheme for semantic web services, and a practical, efficient, powerful, and fully implemented matching engine based purely on logical inference for web service discovery, with direct applicability to Web Service Modeling Ontology and Web Service Modeling Language, because both are based on Frame Logic.
Patients' self‐reported measures of oral health—A validation study on basis of oral health questions used in a large multi‐country survey for populations aged 50+
Authors: Sekundo Caroline , Stock Christian , Jürges Hendrik , Listl Stefan
Published: March 2019

Objective

To assess the validity of patient self‐reported oral health measures as used in a large multi‐country survey for populations aged 50+.

Background

Information on people's oral health status is important for assessing oral health needs within populations. However, clinical examination is not always possible. Patient self‐reported measures may provide an alternative when time and other resources are scarce.

Materials and methods

Using oral health items from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), self‐reported measures were collected from 186 patients receiving treatment at Heidelberg University Hospital. Self‐reports were compared with subsequent clinical examinations. Analyses were conducted for patients of all age groups and separately for patients aged 50+ (analogous to the SHARE study population). Diagnostic accuracy, agreement and correlation of patient‐reported information were examined using descriptive statistics and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Patient‐reported presence or absence of a full tooth count was closely related to clinical measurement, both for all age groups (sensitivity: 93%; specificity: 92%) and persons aged 50+ (sensitivity: 100% specificity: 94%). Bland‐Altman plots indicate good agreement between patient‐ and clinical reports of the number of teeth at age 50+ (Concordance Correlation Coefficient = 0.95). Discriminatory power of patient‐reporting was good regarding presence vs absence of artificial teeth, but less robust regarding partial vs full replacement of missing teeth.

Conclusion

Patient self‐evaluations provide reasonable estimates of clinical measures and appear sufficiently accurate for examining variations in the number of teeth, including among populations aged 50+. However, patient reports of the extent of replacement of missing teeth may not constitute reliable reflections of clinical conditions.
Depressive symptoms, frailty, and mortality among dialysis patients
Authors: Sy John , McCulloch Charles E. , Johansen Kirsten L.
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Frailty and depression are highly prevalent in the dialysis population, but the association between them, the risk factors for their development, and their independent associations with mortality have not been studied.

Methods: We examined 771 patients enrolled in the ACTIVE/ADIPOSE prevalent dialysis cohort study. Fried's frailty phenotype and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression score were used to determine frailty and presence of depressive symptoms, respectively. We assessed the baseline association between frailty and depressive symptoms, whether one entity is a risk factor for development of the other, and associations between frailty and depressive symptoms with mortality.

Findings: At baseline, 13.1% of our population screened positive for depressive symptoms, 21.8% met criteria for frailty, and 10.0% met criteria for both. During follow‐up, 26.6% of our population developed frailty and 12.7% developed depressive symptoms. Using multivariable logistic regression, baseline depressive symptoms were associated with 2.14‐fold higher odds of being frail at baseline (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–3.17) and with a 2.16‐fold higher odds of incident frailty during follow‐up (95% CI 1.22–3.82). However, baseline frailty was not associated with incident depressive symptoms. Frailty and depressive symptoms were independent predictors of mortality in time‐varying survival analysis (meeting frailty criteria: hazard ratio [HR] 1.53, 95% CI 1.05–2.23; depressive symptoms: HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.50–3.25).

Discussion: Frailty and depressive symptoms remained highly prevalent over time and were strongly associated with one another and independently associated with mortality among dialysis patients. Future studies should investigate whether interventions for depression could potentially mitigate the appearance of frailty and its associated poor outcomes.
A synbiotic supplement for inflammation and oxidative stress and lipid abnormalities in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kooshki Akram , Tofighiyan Tahereh , Miri Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients are high concentrations of serum inflammation markers, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a synbiotic supplement on serum systemic inflammation, oxidative stress markers, and lipid profile in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly allocated to synbiotic and placebo groups. The synbiotic group received 2 tablets per day of a synbiotic supplement (100 mg) Lactobacillus coagulans and fructo‐oligosaccharides for 8 weeks; whereas the placebo group received a similar appearing placebo. At the beginning and end of the study, 5 mL blood was taken after 12–14 hours of fasting.

Findings: Mean values of serum C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased in the synbiotic group at the end compared to the beginning of the study (P = 0.01). This reduction was significant in comparison with changes in the placebo group (P = 0.01). The synbiotic supplement also reduced serum total cholesterol (P = 0.001) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c; P = 0.001) compared to the placebo group.

Discussion: The synbiotic supplement used improves serum hs‐CRP and MDA, total cholesterol and LDL‐c in hemodialysis patients, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
What matters to people with memory problems, healthy volunteers and health and social care professionals in the context of developing treatment to prevent Alzheimer's dementia? A qualitative study
Authors: Watson Julie , Saunders Stina , Muniz Terrera Graciela , Ritchie Craig , Evans Alison , Luz Saturnino , Clarke Charlotte
Published: February 2019

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is recognized as one of the greatest global public health challenges. There is increasing consensus that optimal disease modification using pharmaceuticals may best be achieved earlier in the disease continuum before symptoms occur. However, more needs to be understood about what outcomes are meaningful to potential participants in clinical trials within this preventative paradigm and how people make trade‐offs between risks and benefits. The Electronic Person‐Specific Outcome Measure (ePSOM) programme is developing an app to capture person‐specific outcomes and preferences in clinical trials.

Objective

As one phase in the ePSOM programme, this study explored what matters when developing new treatments to prevent AD and how trade‐offs are made between risks and benefits, from three perspectives.

Design

Focus groups were conducted with people living with memory problems (n = 21) and healthy volunteers (n = 10), and telephone interviews with health and social care professionals (n = 10). Differences and overlap between the three groups were explored.

Results

Outcomes that matter lie in five key domains in relation to what matters in everyday life: Everyday Functioning; Relationships and Social Connections; Enjoying Life; Sense of Identity; and Alleviating  Symptoms. Insights were gained into the significance of reducing the risk of developing dementia with drugs and the processes of weighing up risks versus benefits.

Discussion and conclusions

The key domains identified are being used to inform the next stage of the ePSOM programme which is to develop a survey to be distributed nationally in the UK to explore these issues further.
Medical academic libraries in Romania – breaking with the past and turning towards the future
Authors: Madge Octavia‐Luciana , Robu Ioana
Published: February 2019

This article is part of a series in this regular feature which looks at new directions in health science libraries. This article provides an updated overview of medical libraries in Romania, with a focus on the academic libraries which function under the patronage of medical schools. Information was collected through a survey questionnaire sent out to Romanian academic medical libraries in March 2017. The responses provide an overall picture of the state of Romanian medical libraries, highlighting the main trends and areas in which progress is evident, as well as the problems confronting these libraries.

J.M.
The role of microRNAs in the healing of diabetic ulcers
Authors: Goodarzi Golnaz , Maniati Mahmood , Qujeq Durdi
Published: March 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small protected molecules with a length of 18 to 25 nucleotides. Many studies have recently been conducted on miRNAs, illustrating their role in regulating many biological, physiological, and pathological activities, such as maintaining cellular signalling and regulating cellular pathways. The main role of miRNAs is to regulate the expression of genes after translation, which can lead to the destruction or suppression of translation by binding to mRNAs. As any change in the regulation of miRNAs is associated with several physiological abnormalities, such as type 2 diabetes and its complications, these molecules can be used for therapeutic purposes or as biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes and its complications. In this review article, we will discuss important findings about the miRNAs and the role of these molecules in different phases of the wound‐healing process of chronic wounds, especially diabetic ulcer.
Glycyrrhizin protects against sodium iodate‐induced RPE and retinal injury though activation of AKT and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: He Huijun , Wei Daheng , Liu Hua , Zhu Chen , Lu Yue , Ke Zongwen , Jiang Shuang , Huang Jianhua
Published: March 2019

Glycyrrhizin is a bioactive triterpenoid saponin extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, glycyrrhiza, and has been reported to protect the organs such as liver and heart from injuries. However, there is no report about the effects of glycyrrhizin on atrophic age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). This study investigated the effects of glycyrrhizin on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro and retina of mice in vivo treated with sodium iodate (SI). Glycyrrhizin significantly inhibited SI‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased apoptosis of RPE in vitro. The underlying mechanisms included increased phosphorylation of Akt, and increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor2 (Nrf‐2) and HO‐1, thereby protecting RPE from SI‐induced ROS and apoptosis. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin significantly decreased the apoptosis of retinal cells in vivo, resulting in the inhibition of thinning of retina, decreasing the number of drusen and improving the function of retina. These findings suggested that glycyrrhizin may be a potential candidate for the treatment of atrophic AMD in clinical practice.
ISG12a and its interaction partner NR4A1 are involved in TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells
Authors: Liu Nianli , Wu Zhiyuan , Chen Aoxing , Chai Dafei , Li Liantao , Zhang Longzhen , Zheng Junnian
Published: March 2019

Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells, thereby leading to the development of TRAIL receptor agonists for cancer treatment. However, these agonist‐based therapeutics exhibit little clinical benefits due to the lack of biomarkers to predict whether patients are responsive to the treatment, as well as determine the resistance of cancer cells to TRAIL‐based agonists. Our previous study has demonstrated that ISG12a enhances TRAIL‐induced apoptosis and might serve as a biomarker to predict the TRAIL response. The downstream mechanism by which ISG12a augments TRAIL‐induced apoptosis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that ISG12a was localized in the mitochondria and nucleus and augmented TRAIL‐induced apoptosis through intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In addition, ISG12a interacted with NR4A1 and promoted its nuclear‐to‐cytoplasm translocation. Upon translocate to cytoplasm, NR4A1 targeted mitochondria and induced Bcl2 conformational change, thereby exposing its BH3 domain. Moreover, TRAIL treatment can induce NR4A1 expression through the activation of NF‐κB in TRAIL‐resistant Huh7 hepatoma cells. Knockdown of NR4A1 could overcome TRAIL resistance. However, in TRAIL‐sensitive LH86 liver cancer cells, TRAIL activated the Jun N‐terminal kinases signalling pathway. Overall, these results showed that both ISG12a and its interaction partner NR4A1 are involved in TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis in hepatoma cells.
Effect of thermal, high hydrostatic pressure, and ultraviolet‐C processing on the microbial inactivation, vitamins, chlorophyll, antioxidants, enzyme activity, and color of wheatgrass juice
Authors: Ali Nagwa , Popović Vladimir , Koutchma Tatiana , Warriner Keith , Zhu Yan
Published: February 2019

The comparative study determined the fate of vitamin C, chlorophyll, antioxidants, enzymes (polyphenol oxidase [PPO], peroxidase [POD]) and effect on color of wheatgrass juice processed by thermal, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), or ultraviolet‐C light (254 nm; UV‐C) to inactivate Escherichia coli P36, Listeria innocua ATCC 51742, and Salmonella Typhimurium WG49. A thermal treatment at 75°C for 15 s, HHP at 500 MPa for 60 s, and UV‐C fluence of 69.2 mJ cm−2 was required to achieve the target 5 log CFU reduction of the test bacteria. Thermal treatment resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) loss of enzyme activities (75.3% POD and 40.0% PPO), total phenolic content (TPC; 36.0%), vitamin C (27.4%), chlorophyll (12.4%), and negatively impacted the juice color. UV‐C treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the TPC of the juice and resulted in a 20.0% decrease in PPO activity. In comparison, HHP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the chlorophyll content by 9.0% with negligible impact on the nutritive content, and PPO and POD levels. HHP would be preferentially selected over UV‐C and thermal treatment for wheatgrass juice based on changes induced by processing.

Practical applications

Wheatgrass juice is a low‐acid health beverage that is marketed with the claims of high content of chlorophyll, antioxidants (phenolics and vitamin C), and enzymes (polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase) and distributed in frozen state. As a risk prevention control, a pasteurization step is required to achieve a 5 log CFU reduction of relevant pathogens. The study illustrated that HHP is the preferred treatment method for wheatgrass juice based on the negligible impact on product quality parameters and retention of nutritive composition while delivering the required microbial reduction. Although, the current study focused on wheatgrass juice the same equivalent treatments approach can be undertaken with other beverages when selecting the appropriate processing method to retain the raw characteristics of juices.
Association between dietary iron and zinc intake and development of ulcerative colitis: A case–control study in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Yumie , Ohfuji Satoko , Kondo Kyoko , Fukushima Wakaba , Sasaki Satoshi , Kamata Noriko , Yamagami Hirokazu , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Suzuki Yasuo , Hirota Yoshio ,   for the Japanese Case–Control Study Group for Ulcerative Colitis
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been increasing in Japan. Trace elements, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper, can cause digestive symptoms where there is a deficiency or excess. We focused on the dietary intake of trace elements and their associations with UC development.

Methods

A multicenter, hospital‐based case–control study was conducted in Japan. Cases were 127 newly diagnosed UC patients, and 171 age‐matched and sex‐matched hospital controls were recruited. We considered that UC patients had potentially changed their dietary habits due to disease symptoms. The dietary habits were investigated using a self‐administered diet history questionnaire to analyze the dietary intakes and frequencies at two points, the previous 1 month and 1 year before.

Results

In the assessment of dietary habits 1 year before, the highest intake of iron showed an increased odds ratio (OR) for UC on multivariate analysis (OR = 4.05, 95% confidence interval, 1.46–11.2, P < 0.01). The highest intake of zinc 1 year before showed a decreased OR for UC (OR = 0.39, 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.85, P = 0.01). Intakes of magnesium and copper had no significant association with UC. Because most UC cases had experienced the first symptom of UC within the previous 11 months, these intakes at 1 year before represented an association with pre‐illness dietary habits.

Conclusion

A high intake of iron has some effect on the development of UC. In contrast, a high intake of zinc has a protective effect on the development of UC.
Association of vitamin D and vitamin B12 with cognitive impairment in elderly aged 80 years or older: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: da Rosa M. I. , Beck W. O. , Colonetti T. , Budni J. , Falchetti A. C. B. , Colonetti L. , Coral A. S. , Meller F. O.
Published: March 2019

Background

The present study aimed to assess the association of vitamin D and vitamin B12 with cognitive impairment in elderly people.

Methods

The data were obtained from a cross‐sectional study that included individuals aged 80 years or older living in the urban and rural areas of the cities of Siderópolis and Treviso in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In total, 165 elderly people were included in the analysis. The outcome of cognitive decline was assessed by the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels were measured from blood samples. The socio‐demographic, anthropometric and health variables used in the analysis were collected from a questionnaire. Crude and adjusted analyses of the relationship between vitamins D and B12 and cognitive decline were performed using a Poisson regression model.

Results

The prevalence of cognitive decline was 35.2%. In the adjusted model, individuals who had vitamin D levels >19 ng mL−1 showed a lower prevalence of cognitive decline (prevalence ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval = 0.39–0.87). Those participants who had vitamin B12 levels of ≥496 pg mL−1 had a higher prevalence of cognitive decline (prevalence ratio = 1.90; 95% confidence interval = 1.08–3.36).

Conclusions

The present study showed that individuals aged ≥80 years who had vitamin D levels of ≤18 ng mL−1 had a higher prevalence of cognitive decline even after adjustment for potential confounders. In addition, the study demonstrated that vitamin B12 levels of ≥496 pg mL−1 in this population were also a risk factor for cognitive decline. A cross‐sectional analysis does not enable the inference of a cause–effect relationship and additional studies are needed to understand these relationships.