bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chikungunya: A rheumatologist's perspective
Authors: Sharma Shefali Khanna , Jain Sanjay
Published: February 2018

Chikungunya (CHIK), a viral infection, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is characterized by a phase of acute infection, which is sometimes followed by chronic rheumatisim in the form of arthralgia or myalgia that can last for months and even years. Several studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying inflammation associated with CHIK infection, persistence of viruses in monocytes‐macrophages, and their relationship to the chronic symptoms. Chronic arthritis is one of the serious complications of CHIK infection, which is characterized by swelling and acute pain that poorly responds to treatment with analgesics. Such debilitating chronic joint pain mimics that of rheumatic arthritis and significantly compromises the quality of life. Diagnosis is primarily based on the initial viral detection using molecular methods or the use of virus culture, and on the basis of an immune response in the later stages. In the absence of published guidelines, physicians are often limited to prescribing analgesics and steroids for symptomatic care, as there is no accurate approach for the treatment and management of pain. This review aims to focus on the need for appropriate guidelines that will aid in developing suitable pharmacologic treatment to manage pain associated with post‐CHIK chronic inflammatory rheumatism.
MAGE‐A gene expression in peripheral blood serves as a poor prognostic marker for patients with lung cancer
Authors: Gu Lina , Sang Meixiang , Yin Danjing , Liu Fei , Wu Yunyan , Liu Shina , Huang Weina , Shan Baoen
Published: February 2018

Background

MAGE‐A genes belong to the cancer/testis antigens family. The prognostic significance of MAGE‐A expression in the peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer is unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated the expression and possible prognostic significance of MAGE‐A in the peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In this study, we detected MAGE‐A gene expression in the peripheral blood of 150 patients with lung cancer and 30 healthy donors using multiplex semi‐nested PCR and analyzed their correlation with clinicopathological risk factors.

Results

MAGE‐A expression was associated with factors indicating poor prognosis. The expression of MAGE‐A and each individual MAGE‐A gene were also associated with low overall survival in patients with lung cancer.

Conclusion

The expression of MAGE‐A genes in peripheral blood may act as a poor prognostic marker in patients with lung cancer.
Nicotine‐Use/Smoking Is Associated with the Efficacy of Naltrexone in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Anton Raymond F. , Latham Patricia K. , Voronin Konstantin E. , Randall Patrick K. , Book Sarah W. , Hoffman Michaela , Schacht Joseph P.
Published: February 2018

Background

The opioid antagonist naltrexone is not efficacious for every alcohol treatment seeker. However, various individual factors, such as genetic differences and nicotine‐use/smoking status, have been suggested as predictors of naltrexone response. In a randomized clinical trial, we previously reported that nicotine‐use/smoking status might be a stronger predictor of naltrexone efficacy than OPRM1 A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype. In this report, we further characterize the nicotine‐users in that trial, examine other drinking outcomes, examine the influence of smoking change on naltrexone effects on drinking, and validate the result in smokers with disialo carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (%dCDT) change as an independent biomarker of response.

Methods

Individuals (n = 146) meeting DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol dependence who were genotyped for the OPRM1 A118G SNP and who did, or did not, use nicotine/cigarettes were randomized, in a balanced fashion, to naltrexone (50 mg/d) or placebo and provided medical management (MM) over a 16‐week clinical trial. Alcohol use and smoking during the trial were assessed and analyzed.

Results

Nicotine‐use/smoking status significantly interacted with medication in reducing percent heavy drinking days (PHDD) during the trial (p = 0.003), such that nicotine‐users/smokers showed significantly lower PHDD on naltrexone versus placebo (p = 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.89), while nonusers showed no significant difference between naltrexone and placebo (p = 0.95, Cohen's d = 0.02). Similar effects were shown for drinks per day and percent days drinking. The superiority of naltrexone over placebo on PHDD reduction in nicotine‐users/smokers was confirmed with %dCDT (Cohen's d range 0.3 to 0.9 over the study). Naltrexone did not significantly change cigarette use in smokers, and change in use did not influence naltrexone's effect on PHDD.

Conclusions

These data confirm past findings that naltrexone is more efficacious in those who use nicotine/cigarettes. Compared to previous work on the OPRM1 A118G SNP, it appears that nicotine‐use might be a more salient predictor of naltrexone treatment response. While naltrexone did not change cigarette use during the study, and smoking change was not related to alcohol reduction, it should be noted that participants were not seeking smoking cessation and MM did not address this issue.
Comparative effect of antipsychotics on risk of self‐harm among patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ma C.‐H. , Chang S.‐S. , Tsai H.‐J. , Gau S. S.‐F. , Chen I.‐M. , Liao S.‐C. , Chien Y.‐L. , Hsieh M. H. , Wu C.‐S.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the association of different antipsychotic treatments with hospitalization due to self‐harm among patients with schizophrenia.

Method

This retrospective cohort study was based on Taiwan's universal health insurance database. Patients aged 15–45 years with a newly diagnosed schizophrenic disorder in 2001–2012 were included. The study outcome was the first hospitalization due to self‐harm or undetermined injury after the diagnosis of schizophrenic disorders. The exposure status of antipsychotics was modeled as a time‐dependent variable. The analyses were stratified by antipsychotic dosage based on defined daily dose (DDD).

Results

Among 70 380 patients with a follow‐up of 500 355 person‐years, 2272 self‐harm hospitalization episodes were identified. Compared with none or former use, current use of several second‐generation antipsychotics with a dose of one DDD or above, including amisulpride, aripiprazole, clozapine, risperidone, and sulpiride, was associated with decreased risk of self‐harm hospitalization, with clozapine showing the strongest effect (adjusted rate ratio = 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.47).

Conclusion

The protective effect on self‐harm may vary across different antipsychotics. Further studies are needed to replicate the findings.
A novel homozygous missense variant in NECTIN4 (PVRL4) causing ectodermal dysplasia cutaneous syndactyly syndrome
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Nasir Abdul , Thiele Holger , Umair Muhammad , Borck Guntram , Ahmad Wasim
Published: February 2018

Ectodermal dysplasia syndactyly syndrome 1 (EDSS1) is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia including anomalies of hair, nails, and teeth along with bilateral cutaneous syndactyly of hands and feet. In the present report, we performed a clinical and genetic characterization of a consanguineous Pakistani family with four individuals affected by EDSS1. We performed exome sequencing using DNA of one affected individual. Exome data analysis identified a novel homozygous missense variant (c.242T>C; p.(Leu81Pro)) in NECTIN4 (PVRL4). Sanger sequencing validated this variant and confirmed its cosegregation with the disease phenotype in the family members. Thus, our report adds a novel variant to the NECTIN4 mutation spectrum and contributes to the NECTIN4‐related clinical characterization.
Colchicine in dermatology: A review
Authors: Robinson Kieran P , Chan Jonathan J
Published: February 2018

Colchicine is an anti‐inflammatory agent that has been used for decades for the treatment of various diseases including gout, familial Mediterranean fever and pericarditis and in recent years for dermatological indications including chronic urticaria, cutaneous vasculitis and psoriasis. Despite its efficacy in various cutaneous diseases, the use of colchicine may be limited by concerns over its side‐effects and the potential for toxicity. This article reviews the current literature on the pharmacology of colchicine and its clinical applications in dermatology.
A life worth living: Temporality, care, and personhood in the Danish welfare state
Authors: SVENDSEN METTE N. , NAVNE LAURA E. , GJØDSBØL IBEN M. , DAM MIE S.
Published: February 2018

Caregiving can be conceptualized as involving practices of substitution, in which doctors, nurses, and health assistants step into the subject positions of their charges in order to sustain their personhood and compensate for their reduced capacities. Fieldwork in Denmark at three sites—a neonatal intensive care unit, a research laboratory using piglets as animal models, and a dementia nursing home—shows that temporality is a key component in substitution, as caregivers imagine their charges’ temporal horizons when stimulating their personhood in the ambiguous zone between life and death. Substitution practices redirect our attention from the question ofwhat it meansto be human towhat it takesto, for example, turn premature infants, research piglets, and people with dementia into beings with worthy lives. [personhood, substitution, temporality, neonatology, animal science, dementia care, Denmark]
Two deaths and a funeral: Ritual inscriptions’ affordances for mourning and moral personhood in Vietnam
Authors: SHOHET MERAV
Published: February 2018

Mortuary rituals constitute the social nature of death and mourning, often working to ease painful transitions for the deceased and bereaved. In Vietnam, such rituals involve objects, including commodified yet personalized text‐artifacts like banners and placards bearing inscriptions in various scripts that are associated with various affects and different political‐economic regimes. The material, orthographic, semantic, spatial, and temporal organization of these text‐artifacts mobilize sentiments and structure ethical relations at a funeral. Together, they act as prescriptive affordances intended to discipline mourners’ grief. Yet while these objects reflect how subjects valorize “tradition,” their affective force exceeds the bounded subjunctive world fostered by ritual, and it may retrospectively limit possibilities for moral personhood. [death, mourning, affect/emotion, literacy, ritual, late socialism, Vietnam]
Morbidity and mortality meetings: gold, silver or bronze?
Authors: Vreugdenburg Thomas D. , Forel Deanne , Marlow Nicholas , Maddern Guy J. , Quinn John , Lander Richard , Tobin Stephen
Published: February 2018

Background

Morbidity and mortality (M&M) meetings contribute to surgical education and improvements in patient care through the review of surgical outcomes; however, they often lack defined structure, objectives and resource support. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that impact the effective conduct of M&M meetings.

Methods

We conducted a rapid systematic literature review. Three biomedical databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), clinical practice guideline clearinghouses and grey literature sources were searched from May 2009 to September 2016. Studies that evaluated the function of a hospital‐based M&M process were included. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction. Study details and key findings were reported narratively.

Results

Nineteen studies identified enablers, and seven identified barriers, to the effective conduct of M&M meetings. Enabling factors for effective M&M meetings included a structured meeting format, a structured case identification and presentation, and a systems focus. Absence of key personnel from meetings, lack of education regarding the meeting process, poor perceptions of the process, logistical issues and heterogeneity in case evaluation were identified as barriers to effective M&M meetings.

Conclusion

Taking steps to standardize and incorporate the enabling factors into M&M meetings will ensure that the valuable time spent reviewing M&M is used effectively to improve patient care.
HELLP syndrome, risk factors in first and second pregnancy: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Malmström Ola , Morken Nils‐Halvdan
Published: February 2018

Introduction

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) may have specific risk factors and risk factors varying from first to second pregnancy. The aims of the study were to estimate the risk of HELLP syndrome by potential risk factors in first and second pregnancy, respectively.

Material and methods

A population‐based cohort study including all women in Norway having their first baby (≥22 gestational weeks) during 1999 to 2014, registered in the Medical Birth Registry (n = 418 897). A subset of women with at least two births (n = 249 070) was used for estimates in second pregnancy. Relative risks with 95% CIs for HELLP syndrome were estimated using logistic regression and adjusted for maternal age and year of childbirth.

Results

Body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and diabetes were associated with HELLP syndrome in first, but not in second pregnancy. Chronic hypertension and multiple pregnancy were associated with HELLP syndrome both in first and second pregnancy. In second pregnancy the strongest risk factors were a history of HELLP syndrome or preterm preeclampsia in the first. The risk was inversely correlated with gestational age at first delivery. The overall relative risk for recurrence of HELLP syndrome was 54.4 (95% CI 34.3–86.2) and 129.5 (95% CI 45.7–367.2) after HELLP syndrome before 29 weeks of gestation in first pregnancy.

Conclusions

Important risk factors for HELLP syndrome differ from first to second pregnancy. HELLP syndrome in second pregnancy is rare, but the relative risk is very high in women with HELLP syndrome or preterm preeclampsia in their first pregnancy.
Patterns of use of near‐infrared spectroscopy in neonatal intensive care units: international usage survey
Authors: Hunter Carol Lu , Oei Ju Lee , Suzuki Keiji , Lui Kei , Schindler Timothy
Published: February 2018

Aim

To assess uptake and applications of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) by neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods

A pre‐piloted online questionnaire was distributed in May 2015 to 12 perinatal societies in Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America and Middle East for dissemination to NICUs. Questions surveyed demographics, NIRS research/clinical applications, usage frequency, training approaches and target infant populations.

Results

In total, 255 responses from 235 NICUs were obtained. Of these, 85 (36%) owned a NIRS device. Australian and New Zealand NICUs were more likely to own NIRS technology than Asian (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.38–3.37) and North American (OR 2.63, 95% CI: 1.07–6.45) NICUs. A total of 69 (71%) used NIRS within clinical or mixed clinical‐research settings, however routine reliance for management and prognostication was low (9% and 3%, respectively). Of those without NIRS technology, 96 (64%) had no acquisition intentions. The main limiting factors were controversial evidence on efficacy (59%) and financial considerations (50%). About 51% of respondents received in‐house NIRS training and 32% had access to written guidelines.

Conclusion

There is considerable geographical variation in NIRS usage in NICUs that is, on the whole, limited by consumer perception of lack of evidence for its clinical utility. This knowledge gap should be addressed by future research.
Prevention of Iron Deficiency by Milk Fortification
Authors: OLIVARES M. , WALTER T. , HERTRAMPF E. , PIZARRO F. , STEKEL A.
Published: February 2018

Olivares, M., Walter, T., Hertrampf, E., Pizarro, F. and Stekel, A. (Hematology Unit, Institue of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile). Prevention of iron deficiency by milk fortification. The Chilean experience.

A large proportion of the milk consumed by infants in Chile is distributed by a National Food Supplementary Program. Efforts to prevent iron deficiency by milk fortification started several years ago. Initially a field study involving the simple addition of ferrous sulfate to a low‐fat powdered milk was only partially successful due to the relatively low iron absorption from this product. Following the observation that the enrichment of milk with ascorbic acid markedly improved iron bioavailability, a new fortified formula was developed and has been tested in the field since 1976. This is powdered full‐fat milk, biologically acidified and fortified with 15 mg Fe, as ferrous sulfate, and 100 mg ascorbic acid per 100 g powder. In a pilot study, 276 infants spontaneously weaned before 3 months of age received the fortified milk, and 278 infants receiving unfortified milk served as controls. At the end of the study (15 months of age) anemia (Hb <11 g/dl) was present in 25.7 % of unfortified infants comped with only 2.5 % in those fortified. Saturation of Transferrin <9 % was present in 33.8 % and serum ferritin <10 μg/I in 39.1 % of the nonfortMed infants. The figures for the fortified group were 7 % and 8.5 % respectively. Acceptance of the fortified formula was good. Following these observations, and as a previous step to the use of the fortified milk in the national program, the formula was tested in 7 National Health Service inner city community clinics under regular milk distribution. Survey data in 1 655 infants and laboratory studies in 200 infants at 9 and 15 months of age confirmed the good acceptance of this milk and the fact that iron deficiency anemia in infancy could be essentially eradicated by the use of milk fortified with iron and ascorbic acid.
Mechanisms and Regulation of Intestinal Uptake and Transfer of Iron
Authors: FLANAGAN P. R.
Published: February 2018

Flanagan, P. R. (Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada). Mechanisms and regulation of intestinal uptake and transfer of iron.

Despite much research over the past fifty years, the precise details of intestinal iron absorption remain unclear. The lack of understanding extends both to the specific biochemical mechanisms of transport as well as the means by which these are regulated. Iron in several dietary forms must be digested and processed in the intestinal lumen, taken up across the mucosal brush border membrane, transported through the intestinal absorptive cell, accomplish a second transmembrane passage across the basolateral membrane and, finally, be transported to sites of iron metabolism and storage within the body. Recent findings in several of these areas are reviewed. Evidence is presented to support the involvement, or non‐involvement, of several intestinal iron‐binding components in iron transport. In the future, the application of molecular biology to the investigation of intestinal iron metabolism will undoubtedly increase understanding of absorption mechanisms and their regulation.
Iron‐binding Proteins
Authors: BROCK J. H.
Published: February 2018

Brock, J. H. (Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK). Iron‐binding proteins.

The structure and properties of the iron‐binding proteins transferrin, lactoferrin and transferrin are reviewed. Transferrin and lactoferrin are structurally similar, consisting of a single polypetide chain and reversibly binding two iron atoms per molecule. Transferrin is found mainly in serum, whereas lactoferrin is found in neutrophils and in external secretions. Transferrin functions mainly as a donor of iron to cells, but there is no established iron‐transport role for lactoferrin. Both these proteins may have antimicrobial activity as a result of their ability to sequester iron. Lactoferrin may act principally as a scavenger of iron in conditions where transferrin may not bind iron well, e.g. at low pH. Ferritin is a multisubunit protein capable of binding up to 4 000 iron atoms and serves principally as an iron‐storage protein, though it may also serve to detoxify iron. In iron‐rich tissues ferritin is largely degraded and the iron is converted to haemosiderin.
Iron and Immunity
Authors: FARTHING MICHAEL J. G.
Published: February 2018

Farthing, M. J. G. (Department of Gastroenterology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, ECIA 7BE, UK). Iron and immunity.

Review of animal and human studies concerning the impact of iron deficiency on immune function in vivo indicates that in many instances there is no firm consensus of opinion as to the relationship between iron status and immunity. One major problem with almost all human studies is that other micro‐ and macronutrient deficiencies are inadequately controlled for and thus it is often unclear as to whether reported abnormalities of immune function can be attributed specifically to iron deficiency. Even when abnormalities of immune function have been detected it is often uncertain as to the biological and clinical relevance that these may have for the host. Within these restraints the available studies suggest that iron deficiency may at least contribute to impaired T lymphocyte function as judged by DTH responses in skin and impaired mitogen‐induced proliferation. As in protein energy malnutrition, humoral immunity is largely spared in humans, the balance of evidence suggesting that immunoglobulin production and function is normal, as are serum concentrations of complement. The only other abnormality of non‐specific immunity which has been reported consistently to be abnormal is that of reduced bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The clinical relevance of these abnormalities remains to be established. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that individuals with iron deficiency suffer the devastating infective complications of the well defined immunodeficiency syndromes either congenital or acquired. It seems likely therefore that despite the fundamental importance of iron in maintaining the integrity of immune function, humans can tolerate the extremes of deficiency and excess and survive in a relatively healthy state.
Iron and Oxygen: A Biologically Damaging Mixture
Authors: GUTTERIDGE JOHN M. C.
Published: February 2018

Gutteridge, J. M. C. (Division of Chemistry, NIBSC, Potters Bar, Hertfordshsire , EN6 3QG, UK. Iron and oxygen: A biologically damaging mixture.

Iron is a remarkably useful metal in Nature, but iron ions not safely sequstered in storage or transport proteins are hazardous because they can stimulate damaging free radical reactions. Biological examples of these are Fenton Chemistry leading to the formation of highly reactive species, such as the hydroxyl radical (∙ OH) and the ferry) ion (FeO2+), and lipid peroxidation. The need to conserve body iron stores has closely evolved with an essential requirement for antioxidant protection and, several ‘acute‐phase’ proteins involved in iron metabolism such as caeruloplasmin, haptoglobins and haemopexin in collaboration with the iron binding proteins transferrin and lactoferrin contribute to our defence against oxidative damage.
Inherited Iron Overload
Authors: HALLIDAY J. W.
Published: February 2018

Halliday, J. W. (The Liver Group, Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Australia). Inherited iron overload.

Several inherited forms of iron overload have been described. It is now accepted that HC, usually regarded as a disease of adult life, is an inherited disorder, hence all first degree relatives must be presumed to be at increased risk of developing iron overload and the diagnosis is now frequently made in young relatives. The combination of serum iron, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin determination will detect iron overload in an early, precirrhotic stage. Liver biopsy and the determination of hepatic iron concentration provide the definitive proof. Where HC is recognized sufficiently early to permit adequate removal of iron before cirrhosis has developed, the prognosis is excellent. Thus haemochromatosis as a clinical disease should be preventable in a large proportion of patients. Severe iron overload has been described in juveniles and also in neonates. These conditions are familial but whether they are HLA‐related has not been determined. Cardiac and endocrine disorders are frequently the presenting manifestations of parenchymal iron overload in the young and, at least in neonates, the condition is usually fatal in early infancy. It is not possible at present, to say whether these rare juvenile and neonatal forms of haemochromatosis are related to the much more common adult form. Identification of the gene for HC may assist in answering this question.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Recombinant Human Insulin‐Like Growth Factor I Given Subcutaneously in Normal Subjects
Authors: WILTON P. , SIETNIEKSI A. , GUNNARSSONI R. , BERGER L. , GRAHNÉN A.
Published: February 2018

The pharmacokinetic profile of recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) was studied in healthy volunteers. Following a single subcutaneous injection of 40 μg/kg or 80 µg/kg,mean serum IGF‐I concentrations increased by 150 ng/ml and 245 ng/ml, respectively. During repeated daily injections of 40 μg/kg, a steady‐state IGF‐I level of 150 ng/ml above baseline was reached. Of the pharmacokinetic indices measured, only Tmax, varied between single and multiple dose regimens (6.9 hours versus 3.5 hours). No hypoglycaemic symptoms were observed, and after injection of IGF‐I no depression of endogenous IGF‐I production was observed. Fasting insulin levels were unaltered, but insulin was lowered by IGF‐I with respect to placebo.
Surgical Correction of Short Stature in Skeletal Dysplasias
Authors: CORRELL J.
Published: February 2018

Limb lengthening has been undertaken in patients with short stature, including achondroplasia , hypochondroplasia and other skeletal dysplasias. The procedure consists of osteotomy of the tibia and fibula, and fixation of the limb using an external unilateral or circular fixator. Distraction (elongation) begins 1 week postoperatively, and during distraction osseous autoregeneration occurs. Consolidation of the autoregenerate takes about twice the time needed for lengthening, and the fixator is gradually mobilized during this time to allow greater weight‐bearing. In 26 patients with short stature, the mean length gain was 10.1 cm (range, 7.3–14.8 cm). Transient deviation of the limb axis was observed in 80% of the patients, but reoperation was necessary only in 15%. Other complications included transient pain (70%), infection (45%), torn wires (40%), drop foot (35%), and stiffness of the ankle (30%) or the knee (15%). only must the possible length gain be judged, but it must also be ensured that no loss of function occurs.
MERITOCRACY, EFFICIENCY, INCENTIVES AND VOTING IN COOPERATIVE PRODUCTION: A SURVEY*
Authors: BEVIÁ Carmen , CORCHÓN Luis C.
Published: February 2018

This paper surveys selectively several contributions to the understanding of how cooperatives may cope with the interplay between meritocracy and efficiency when public decisions are taking by voting and the supply of labor is freely decided by each member. This outlines the main trade‐off faced by cooperatives. In particular, the degree of meritocracy is limited by three factors: (1) efficiency, because too much meritocracy encourages too much work from the socially optimal point of view; (2) meritocracy encourages sabotage; and (3) voting, because workers may prefer inefficient reward schemes as long as they are individually profitable.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the worldwide prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Zamani M. , Ebrahimtabar F. , Zamani V. , Miller W. H. , Alizadeh‐Navaei R. , Shokri‐Shirvani J. , Derakhshan M. H.
Published: February 2018

Background

The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection is poorly understood.

Aim

To establish the reported regional and national prevalence of H. pylori infection, stratified by age and gender.

Methods

All relevant English publications from 2000 to 2017 cited by PubMed and Scopus were retrieved using comprehensive combinations of keywords. The overall prevalence of H. pylori was estimated using both random effect and fixed effect meta‐analyses, and presented as prevalence rate (% and 95% CI). The analyses were extended by separation into gender and age groups.

Results

A total of 14 056 records were obtained initially. After applying exclusion criteria in several steps, 183 studies were selected. Analysis of 410 879 participants from 73 countries in six continents revealed an overall prevalence of 44.3% (95% CI: 40.9‐47.7) worldwide. This rate ranged from 50.8% (95% CI: 46.8‐54.7) in developing countries compared with 34.7% (95% CI: 30.2‐39.3) in developed countries. The global H. pylori infection rate was 42.7% (95% CI: 39‐46.5) in females compared to 46.3% (95% CI: 42.1‐50.5) in males. The prevalence in adults (≥18 years) was significantly higher than in children (48.6% [95% CI: 43.8‐53.5] vs 32.6% [95% CI: 28.4‐36.8], respectively). There was a statistically nonsignificant decrease in the prevalence in 2009‐2016 compared with the 2000‐2009 period.

Conclusions

The observed differences between countries appear to be due to economic and social conditions. H. pylori infection can be a benchmark for the socioeconomic and health status of a country. Further studies are suggested to investigate the natural history of the acquisition of H. pylori infection from childhood into adult life.
Litterfall and nutrient dynamics shift in tropical forest restoration sites after a decade of recovery
Authors: Lanuza Oscar , Casanoves Fernando , Zahawi Rakan A. , Celentano Danielle , Delgado Diego , Holl Karen D.
Published: February 2018

Multi‐year studies comparing changes in litterfall biomass and nutrient inputs in sites under different restoration practices are lacking. We evaluated litterfall dynamics and nutrient inputs at 5 yr and after a decade of recovery in four treatments (natural regeneration—no planting, plantation—entire area planted, tree islands—planting in patches, and reference forest) at multiple sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Costa Rica. We inter‐planted two native species (Terminalia amazonia and Vochysia guatemalensis) and two naturalized N‐fixing species (Inga edulis and Erythrina poeppigiana) in plantation and island treatments. Although litterfall N was higher in plantations in the first sampling period, litter production and overall inputs of C, N, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Mn, and Fe did not differ between island, plantation, or reference forest after a decade; however, all were greater than in natural regeneration. Potassium inputs were lower in the natural regeneration, intermediate in island and plantation, and greater in reference forest. The percentage of litterfall comprised by the N‐fixing planted species declined by nearly two‐thirds in both plantations and islands between sampling periods, while the percentage of V. guatemalensis more than doubled, and the percentage from naturally regenerated species increased from 27 to 47 percent in islands. Island and plantation treatments were equally effective at restoring litterfall and nutrient inputs to levels similar to the reference system. The nutrient input changed substantially over the 7‐yr interval between measurements, reflecting shifts in vegetation composition and demonstrating how rapidly nutrient cycling dynamics can change in recovering forests.
Dermatologic surgery in children: an update on indication, anesthesia, analgesia and potential perioperative complications
Authors: Crisan Diana , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Kastler Sabine , Crisan Maria , Manea Avram , Wagner Katja , Schneider Lars Alexander
Published: February 2018

Background

Children undergoing dermatosurgical procedures require, unlike adults, particular attention; the administration of various analgesics, anesthetics or sedatives requires a thorough knowledge of drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Furthermore, there are concerns that drugs used for sedation/general anesthesia may result in anesthetic/analgesic complications in children undergoing surgery, with a risk of impaired mental development.

Objectives

Based on our clinical experience and a literature review, we illustrate the most commonly used analgesic, anesthetic and sedative drugs in pediatric dermatosurgery, and identify risk factors and complications following dermatosurgical procedures.

Results

Topical anesthetics can be used in children for superficial dermatologic procedures or prior to infiltration anesthesia. Maximum recommended doses based on body weight should be calculated in order to avoid overdosage of local anesthetics. General anesthesia in dermatosurgery is considered safe and has a low rate of side effects. However, caution is advised in children under the age of one due to potential long‐term neurological side‐effects. NSAIDs and opioids play a significant role in analgesia for children.

Conclusions

This article reviews currently available data on analgesia, anesthesia and complications that may arise in pediatric dermatosurgery. These data may be useful in optimizing the safety and quality of care and in improving parent counseling.
Women and Peace Building: Local Perspectives on Opportunities and Barriers
Authors: Justino Patricia , Mitchell Rebecca , Müller Catherine
Published: February 2018

The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 has made strong provisions to include women in peace‐building interventions and actions. This is, however, rarely observed in practice beyond local‐level activities. This article discusses new qualitative evidence on the opportunities and barriers to women's participation in peace‐building processes, based on a comparative analysis of case studies conducted in Afghanistan, Liberia, Nepal and Sierra Leone. The findings show that women's engagement in peace‐building activities, beyond their immediate social relations, is restricted by institutional, economic, cultural and social obstacles. These barriers prevent the realization of gender equality objectives in peace‐building initiatives. Moreover, local understandings of peace typically place family relations at the centre of how women engage with peace‐building processes, and how other community members perceive women's roles in peace building.
Infection without wounding and symptomless shoot colonization of Pinus radiata by Fusarium circinatum, the cause of pitch canker
Authors: Swett C. L , Reynolds G. J. , Gordon T. R.
Published: February 2018

Fusarium circinatum is widely regarded as a necrotrophic pathogen of pines that infects shoot tissue through mechanical or insect‐mediated wounds, causing girdling lesions that result in death of infected branches. However, in the study reported here, F. circinatum colonized 100% of seedling stems and 70% of mature tree branches that were not wounded. Hyphae were observed beneath the epidermis of non‐wounded shoot tissue within 14 days following inoculation. In both seedlings and branches, most infections of non‐wounded tissue did not induce symptoms for the duration of the trial (seven to eight weeks). In surveys of native Pinus radiata stands in California, F. circinatum was recovered from 7.5% to 100% of healthy‐looking seedlings (2–3 years old) across three of the four stands surveyed. These results suggest that wounding is not a requirement for shoot infection under all circumstances and that F. circinatum can grow within shoot tissue without causing symptoms.
Courses for horses: Rethinking the use of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome
Authors: Sykes B. W.
Published: February 2018

Oral omeprazole has been the cornerstone of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) treatment for nearly 20 years. However, approximately 15–30% of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) cases and 75% of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) cases fail to heal within current treatment guidelines. Recently, a number of factors that may affect the efficacy of oral omeprazole have been highlighted and the pharmacodynamics of a number of novel proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been described in the horse. The purpose of this article is to review the factors that affect oral omeprazole efficacy, with the goal of maximising therapeutic response, and the novel PPIs recently described.
A simple energy‐based model for nonproportional low‐cycle multiaxial fatigue life prediction under constant‐amplitude loading
Authors: Lu Y. , Wu H. , Zhong Z.
Published: February 2018

From the literature concerning the traditional nonproportional (NP) multiaxial cyclic fatigue prediction, special attentions are usually paid to multiaxial constitutive relations to quantify fatigue damage accumulation. As a result, estimation of NP hardening effect decided by the entire history path is always proposed, which is a challenging and complex task. To simplify the procedure of multiaxial fatigue life prediction of engineering components, in this paper, a novel effective energy parameter based on simple material properties is proposed. The parameter combines uniaxial cyclic plastic work and NP hardening effects. The fatigue life has been assessed based on traditional multiaxial fatigue criterion and the proposed parameter, which has been validated by experimental results of 316 L stainless steel under different low‐cycle loading paths.
Determination of damage evolution in CFRP subjected to cyclic loading using DIC
Authors: Venkatachalam S. , Khaja Mohiddin S. M. , Murthy H.
Published: February 2018

Damage evolution in carbon fibre reinforced plastic subjected to fatigue loading (R = 0.5, −1, 2) has been studied using digital image correlation to obtain full‐field surface strains. Damage initiation being a local phenomenon, its effect on global parameters is not significant. The local transverse strain is a better indicator of delamination which affects transverse strain more than the longitudinal strain. Variation of normalized local transverse strain (ratio of local transverse strain to applied stress) near the initiated delamination indicates that the damage evolution occurs over 2 to 3 stages. Each stage has a stable damage growth with a drastic increase between the stages. The stages correspond to different damage mechanisms (matrix cracking, fibre‐matrix debonding, delamination, and fibre breakage) dominating at different periods during the fatigue life. Scatter in normalized local transverse strain plots due to large relative displacements was eliminated using different reference images for DIC. Waviness due to shift in the time at which the images are captured during the loading cycles was avoided using a sine curve fit to obtain maximum transverse strain in a cycle. Normalized local transverse strain plots were found to qualitatively reflect the physical extent of damage, thereby providing confidence in the methodology. Fatigue life curves were generated and run‐out lives were determined.
Experimental and numerical investigation on crack initiation of fretting fatigue of dovetail
Authors: Chen J.‐J. , Liu L. , Li S.‐X. , Yu S.‐R. , He Y.‐N.
Published: February 2018

The present study investigated the fretting fatigue crack initiation of dovetail structure based on experimental observation and multiple axial criteria. Two typical critical plane approaches of the Smith‐Watson‐Topper (SWT) and the Fatemi and Socie (FS) model were used to predict the crack initiation location, orientation angle, and fatigue life. The results indicate that both SWT and FS models predict consistent results with the experiment in crack initiation location. Regarding the crack initiation angle, FS model shows good agreement with the experimental observation, but SWT model exhibits a large difference. The two models give conservative results in fretting fatigue life. In view of this, the theory of critical distance (TCD) was incorporated into the SWT and the FS models. It shows that both the TCD‐SWT and the TCD‐FS predict fatigue lives within a scatter band of 2. It suggests that introducing the TCD into the critical plane model can greatly reduce the conservatism of the prediction. Furthermore, the prediction has less dependence on specific models.
Dynorphinergic system alterations in the corticostriatal circuitry of neuropathic mice support its role in the negative affective component of pain
Authors: Palmisano M. , Caputi F. F. , Mercatelli D. , Romualdi P. , Candeletti S.
Published: February 2018

The dynorphinergic system is involved in pain transmission at spinal level, where dynorphin exerts antinociceptive or pronociceptive effects, based on its opioid or non‐opioid actions. Surprisingly, little evidence is currently available concerning the supraspinal role of the dynorphinergic system in pain conditions. The present study aimed to investigate whether neuropathic pain is accompanied by prodynorphin (Pdyn) and κ‐opioid receptor (Oprk1) gene expression alterations in selected mouse brain areas. To this end, mice were subjected to chronic constriction injury of the right sciatic nerve and neuropathic pain behavioral signs were ascertained after 14 days. At this interval, a marked increase in Pdyn mRNA in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) was observed. Oprk1 gene expression was increased in the PFC, and decreased in the ACC and nucleus accumbens (NAc). No changes were observed in the other investigated regions. Because of the relationship between dynorphin and the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and the role of this neurotrophin in chronic pain‐related neuroplasticity, we investigated brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene (Bdnf) expression in the areas showing Pdyn or Oprk1 mRNAs changes. Bdnf mRNA levels were increased in both the ACC and PFC, whereas no changes were assessed in the NAc. Present data indicate that the dynorphinergic system undergoes quite selective alterations involving the corticostriatal circuitry during neuropathic pain, suggesting a contribution to the negative affective component of pain. Moreover, parallel increases in Pdyn and Bdnf mRNA at cortical level suggest the occurrence of likely interactions between these systems in neuropathic pain maladaptive neuroplasticity.
Stable isotope fractionation of strontium in coccolithophore calcite: Influence of temperature and carbonate chemistry
Authors: Müller M. N. , Krabbenhöft A. , Vollstaedt H. , Brandini F. P. , Eisenhauer A.
Published: February 2018

Marine calcifying eukaryotic phytoplankton (coccolithophores) is a major contributor to the pelagic production of CaCO3 and plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of C, Ca and other divalent cations present in the crystal structure of calcite. The geochemical signature of coccolithophore calcite is used as palaeoproxy to reconstruct past environmental conditions and to understand the underlying physiological mechanisms (vital effects) and precipitation kinetics. Here, we present the stable Sr isotope fractionation between seawater and calcite (Δ88/86Sr) of laboratory cultured coccolithophores in individual dependence of temperature and seawater carbonate chemistry. Coccolithophores were cultured within a temperature and a pCO2 range from 10 to 25°C and from 175 to 1,240 μatm, respectively. Both environmental drivers induced a significant linear increase in coccolith stable Sr isotope fractionation. The temperature correlation at constant pCO2 for Emiliania huxleyi and Coccolithus braarudii is expressed as Δ88/86Sr = −7.611 × 10−3 T + 0.0061. The relation of Δ88/86Sr to pCO2 was tested in Emiliania huxleyi at 10 and 20°C and resulted in Δ88/86Sr = −5.394 × 10−5 pCO2 – 0.0920 and Δ88/86Sr = −5.742 × 10−5 pCO2 – 0.1351, respectively. No consistent relationship was found between coccolith Δ88/86Sr and cellular physiology impeding a direct application of fossil coccolith Δ88/86Sr as coccolithophore productivity proxy. An overall significant correlation was detected between the elemental distribution coefficient (DSr) and Δ88/86Sr similar to inorganic calcite with a physiologically induced offset. Our observations indicate (i) that temperature and pCO2 induce specific effects on coccolith Δ88/86Sr values and (ii) that strontium elemental ratios and stable isotope fractionation are mainly controlled by precipitation kinetics when embedded into the crystal lattice and subject to vital effects during the transmembrane transport from seawater to the site of calcification. These results provide an important step to develop a coccolith Δ88/86Sr palaeoproxy complementing the existing toolbox of palaeoceanography.
Modeling Dewatered Domains in Multilayer Analytic Element Models
Authors: Fitts Charles R.
Published: February 2018

This proposed technique allows sensible and numerically stable behavior in multilayer analytic element models when layers dewater. When saturated thickness approaches zero in an unconfined or fresh/salt interface domain, the domain transitions to a very thin confined domain with a minimum saturated thickness M. M is an adjustable input parameter, so you can make the horizontal flow in dewatered domains negligibly small by making the minimum saturated thickness very small. Vertical flows can pass through a dewatered domain, whether it is near the surface or at depth. For example, recharge may pass through a shallow dewatered layer to a deeper layer that is not dewatered. This approach is examined in detail in an example multilayer model of mine dewatering.
Effect of inulin on rheological properties of soft and strong wheat dough
Authors: Luo Denglin , Kou Xuerui , Zhang Tian , Nie Ying , Xu Baocheng , Li Peiyan , Li Xuan , Han Sihai , Liu Jianxue
Published: February 2018

The influence of inulin with different degrees of polymerisation (DP) on the farinograph characteristics, extensograph parameters and fermentation rheological properties of soft and strong wheat dough was explored. The results showed that the addition of inulin can reduce the water absorption of doughs, and inulin with lower DP had more significant effect and the influence on the soft dough was stronger than the strong dough. Inulin can enhance mechanical properties of the gluten network and improve the resistance to mixing of soft dough. The extensibility of doughs decreased with increasing inulin. Inulin increased the resistance to extension of soft dough; however, it is reverse for strong dough. Adding inulin significantly increased the volume of gas production and the maximum expansion height of doughs, and the effect of inulin with lower DP was more prominent. Additionally, the gas‐holding capacity of doughs was enhanced by inulin.
Changing the threshold—Signals and mechanisms of mast cell priming
Authors: Halova Ivana , Rönnberg Elin , Draberova Lubica , Vliagoftis Harissios , Nilsson Gunnar P. , Draber Petr
Published: February 2018

Mast cells play a key role in allergy and other inflammatory diseases involving engagement of multivalent antigen with IgE bound to high‐affinity IgE receptors (FcεRIs). Aggregation of FcεRIs on mast cells initiates a cascade of signaling events that eventually lead to degranulation, secretion of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, and cytokine and chemokine production contributing to the inflammatory response. Exposure to pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, bacterial and viral products, as well as some other biological products and drugs, induces mast cell transition from the basal state into a primed one, which leads to enhanced response to IgE‐antigen complexes. Mast cell priming changes the threshold for antigen‐mediated activation by various mechanisms, depending on the priming agent used, which alone usually do not induce mast cell degranulation. In this review, we describe the priming processes induced in mast cells by various cytokines (stem cell factor, interleukins‐4, ‐6 and ‐33), chemokines, other agents acting through G protein‐coupled receptors (adenosine, prostaglandin E2, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate, and β‐2‐adrenergic receptor agonists), toll‐like receptors, and various drugs affecting the cytoskeleton. We will review the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms behind priming of mast cells leading to degranulation and cytokine production and discuss the biological effects of mast cell priming induced by several cytokines.