bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Pitfalls in relative abundance estimation using eDNA metabarcoding”
Authors: Fonseca Vera G.
Published: August 2018

Metabarcoding provides unparalleled information of overall ecosystem ecology and diversity, from occurrence to relative abundances, from micro‐ to macro‐organisms, including cryptic species and larval stages that would otherwise be impossible to identify. PCR is still the most cost‐effective and routinely used method to extract information from environmental samples coupled with high‐throughput sequencing (HTS). Nichols et al. () metabarcoded nine soil environmental samples from Alaska and six mixtures of synthetic oligonucleotides, using a short fragment of the chloroplast trnL gene. The authors tested the effect of PCR replicates, different polymerase mixes and amplicon GC content on diversity estimates. Results show that occurrence data was not biased for any of the parameters tested and only insufficient PCR replicates could impair the detection of rare taxa. For abundance data, polymerases were found to differentially bias estimates of the relative amplicon abundances and this depended on GC content.
Two new species of Dactylasioptera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing stem galls on Maireana (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: Veenstra Anneke A , Lebel Teresa , Milne Josephine , Kolesik Peter
Published: August 2018

Two new species of gall midges of the genus Dactylasioptera Kolesik & Veenstra‐Quah, (Lasiopteridi: Lasiopterini) are described from hairy stem tip galls on Maireana (Chenopodiaceae) in southern Australia. Dactylasioptera lebelae sp. nov. Veenstra & Kolesik, 2018 causes galls on Maireana pyramidata ranging from filamentous to spheroid. Dactylasioptera milnae sp. nov. Veenstra & Kolesik, 2018 causes rosette shaped, leafy galls on Maireana brevifolia. Descriptions of larvae, pupae, male and female adults, as well as geographical distributions of the new gall midges are given. The two species differ from each other in the larval, pupal and adult morphology as well as in mtDNA sequence data (COI). Galls of both species contained fungal mycelium and inquiline wasps Megastigmus sp. (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) and Aprostocetus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae). The new species are the first confirmed gall makers from the Australian genus Dactylasioptera that contained previously two described species: Dactylasioptera adentata Kolesik & Veenstra‐Quah, and Dactylasioptera dentata Kolesik & Veenstra‐Quah, 2018, both of which are likely inquilines reared from galls induced by Asphondylia spp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on chenopod host plants. A matrix of morphological characters of Dactylasioptera species is given.
Suicidality among gambling helpline callers: A consideration of the role of financial stress and conflict
Authors: Carr Meagan M. , Ellis Jennifer D. , Ledgerwood David M.
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives

High rates of suicidal ideation and attempts secondary to gambling are well established among those with gambling disorders. The present study explores potential risk factors for suicidal ideation and/attempt among a sample of help‐line callers.

Methods

Participants (N = 202) completed measures assessing demographics; gambling behavior; and financial, family/social, employment, substance use, and legal difficulties related to gambling. Bivariate analyses, logistic regression, and mediation analyses were used to explore relationship between predictors and risk of suicidal ideation and attempt.

Results

Female gender, gambling severity (including engagement in illegal behaviors), a history of mental health problems, financial problems, and conflict related to gambling were associated with current suicidality in this sample. Mediation analyses revealed that financial problems were associated with increased familial conflict, which was in turn associated with increased suicidality.

Conclusions

Family and social conflict may be one important way in which financial problems confer risk for suicidality among problem gamblers. These results align with findings from the substance use disorder (SUD) literature and highlight one potential factor that may merit further assessment and/or intervention.

Scientific Significance

Researchers and clinicians may want to consider the overall level of conflict a patient is experiencing when assessing suicide risk among individuals with gambling problems. Professionals may also want to consider the suitability of interventions to address conflict within the context of gambling treatment. (Am J Addict 2018;27:531–537)
Reduced differential renal function in scintigraphy predicted high‐grade vesicoureteral reflux in children with antenatal hydronephrosiss
Authors: Visuri Sofia , Jahnukainen Timo , Kivisaari Reetta , Taskinen Seppo
Published: August 2018

Aim

A top‐down approach is widely used for detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children with febrile urinary tract infections. We evaluated the diagnostic value of renal scintigraphy in predicting VUR in children with antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN).

Methods

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and renal scintigraphy results of 125 AHN patients (76% male) admitted to the Children's Hospital of Helsinki University, Finland, from 2003 to 2013 were analysed. Of those, 94 had nonrefluxing hydronephrosis, nine had low‐grade VUR and 22 had high‐grade VUR.

Results

Scintigraphy was performed at a median age of 1.4 (0.8–15.6) months. In patients with high‐grade VUR, the differential renal function (DRF) of the worse kidney was significantly lower than in patients without VUR, with a median of 35% and interquartile range (IQR) of 20–45 versus 47% (IQR: 44–49), (p < 0.001). There was no difference between patients with low‐grade VUR and patients without VUR (p = 0.181). DRFs below 44% showed a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 79% and predicted significantly high‐grade VUR (odds ratio 9.82, 95% confidence interval 3.44–28.05, p < 0.001) in the univariate analysis.

Conclusion

A DRF below 44% predicted high‐grade VUR in patients with AHN and supported the decision to perform VCUG.
Four‐year outcomes from a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based active surveillance programme: PSA dynamics and serial MRI scans allow omission of protocol biopsies
Authors: Gallagher Kevin Michael , Christopher Edward , Cameron Andrew James , Little Scott , Innes Alasdair , Davis Gill , Keanie Julian , Bollina Prasad , McNeill Alan
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To report outcomes from a multiparametric (mp) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based active surveillance programme that did not include performing protocol biopsies after the first confirmatory biopsy.

Patients and Methods

All patients diagnosed with Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer because of a raised PSA level who underwent mpMRI after diagnosis were included. Patients were recorded in a prospective clinical database and followed up with PSA monitoring and repeat MRI. In patients who remained on active surveillance after the first MRI (with or without confirmatory biopsy), we investigated PSA dynamics for association with subsequent progression. Comparison between first and second MRI scans was undertaken. Outcomes assessed were: progression to radical therapy at first MRI/confirmatory biopsy and progression to radical therapy in those who remained on active surveillance after first MRI.

Results

A total of 211 patients were included, with a median of 4.2 years of follow‐up. The rate of progression to radical therapy was significantly greater at all stages among patients with visible lesions than in those with initially negative MRI (47/125 (37.6%) vs 11/86 (12.8%); odds ratio 4.1 (95% CI 2.0–8.5), P < 0.001). Only 1/56 patients (1.8%) with negative initial MRI scans who underwent a confirmatory systematic biopsy had upgrading to Gleason 3 + 4 disease. PSA velocity was significantly associated with subsequent progression in patients with negative initial MRI (area under the curve 0.85 [95% CI 0.75–0.94]; P <0.001). Patients with high‐risk visible lesions on first MRI who remained on active surveillance had a high risk of subsequent progression 19/76 (25.0%) vs 9/84 (10.7%) for patients with no visible lesions, despite reassuring targeted and systematic confirmatory biopsies and regardless of PSA dynamics.

Conclusion

Men with low‐risk Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer on active surveillance can forgo protocol biopsies in favour of MRI and PSA monitoring with selective re‐biopsy.
Monocytes are involved in the balance between regulatory T cells and Th17 cells in severe drug eruptions
Authors: Ushigome Yukiko , Mizukawa Yoshiko , Kimishima Momoko , Yamazaki Yoshimi , Takahashi Ryo , Kano Yoko , Shiohara Tetsuo
Published: August 2018

Background

Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DiHS/DRESS) is a distinct phenotype of severe drug eruptions characterized by sequential reactivations of herpesviruses. Although a progressive loss of suppressive function in regulatory T cells (Tregs) occurred during the course of DiHS/DRESS, but not in Stevens‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), no previous studies investigated the mechanism. Given the recent finding that Treg development could be differentially regulated by CD16+ patrolling monocytes (pMOs) and CD14+ classical monocytes (cMOs), we can hypothesize that a differential fine‐tuned interaction between Tregs and monocytes is the driving force behind the possible shift from Tregs to Th17 cells over a prolonged period of time in DiHS/DRESS.

Objective

To investigate whether the shift from Treg to Th17 could specifically occur during the course of DiHS/DRESS and to elucidate which subsets of monocytes could be involved in the shift.

Methods

We performed a prospective longitudinal study on the frequencies of Tregs, Th17 cells and monocyte subsets after onset of DiHS/DRESS and SJS/TEN, and long after their clinical resolutions. We next examined whether pMOs and cMOs could have a strong impact on the Th17/Treg differentiation and which cytokines could be crucial for the interaction between Th17/Tregs and MO subsets, by in vitro cocultures.

Results

Selective depletion of pMOs occurring at the acute stage of DiHS/DRESS was associated with the relative increase in the frequencies of cMOs producing IL‐10 and it did drive Treg expansions. After clinical resolution, pMOs producing IL‐6 were alternatively recruited and contributed to the eventual shift from a Treg to Th17 responses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The gradual shift from Treg to Th17 cell development observed during the clinical course of DiHS/DRESS is mediated by the predominance of cMOs at the acute stage and alternatively recruited pMOs at the resolution stage, respectively.
Cancer and dementia: Two sides of the same coin?
Authors: van der Willik Kimberly D. , Schagen Sanne B. , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: August 2018

Noncentral nervous system cancer and the brain share an interesting and complex relation, with an emerging body of evidence showing that cancer patients are at an increased risk of developing cognitive problems. In contrast, population‐based studies consistently find an inverse link between cancer and dementia, that is patients with dementia having a lower risk of subsequently developing cancer, and cancer patients being less often diagnosed with dementia. Different biological processes such as inversely activated cell proliferation and survival pathways have been suggested to have an important role underlying this inverse association. However, the effect of methodological biases including surveillance or survival bias has not been completely ruled out, calling into question the inverse direction of the association between cancer and dementia. In fact, emerging evidence now suggests that cancer and dementia might share a positive association. This narrative review summarises the current literature on cancer, cognitive problems and dementia. Moreover, different strategies will be discussed to reduce the impact of potential methodological biases on the association between cancer and dementia, trying to reveal the true direction of this link.
Hypothermia prevention in long‐standing equine dental procedures
Authors: Florczyk A. , Simhofer H. , Rosser J.
Published: August 2018

Hypothermia is a common, detrimental post‐operative complication in man and veterinary medicine. Active warming strategies are paramount for prevention and treatment. Duration of operations, administered drugs and their adverse effects put horses undergoing procedures requiring long‐standing sedation in danger of hypothermia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an air warming device would be helpful to avoid severe hypothermia in adult horses. Twenty client‐owned horses undergoing dental/sinusoidal procedures were divided into two equal groups. The treatment group was covered with a warming blanket connected to the warming device with the temperature set to 43°C. Horses in the control group were not blanketed. Temperature was measured at the time of first sedation (T0) and every hour throughout the length of the procedure. Use of the warming blanket was straightforward and caused no adverse reactions. The mean decrease in body core temperature in the treatment group was significantly less than the mean temperature decrease in the control group, beginning at the second hour of the procedure. No horse in the treatment group reached a body temperature below 36°C. Overall loss of temperature in the control group was more than double when compared with the treatment group (1.5°C and 0.7°C respectively). The use of an active air warming blanket in horses is an easy technique to prevent hypothermia in horses undergoing long‐standing sedation procedures.
Ecosystem type shapes trophic position and omnivory in fishes
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Javier , Amundsen Per‐Arne
Published: August 2018

The identification of patterns in ecological characteristics of organisms is a central challenge in macroecology with a growing research interest. The goal of this study was to establish whether patterns in trophic ecology (trophic position and omnivory) of fishes can be extended to an ecosystem dimension (freshwater vs. marine environments), based on the premise that differences in environmental and ecological conditions of aquatic ecosystems have a large influence on the feeding ecology of fishes. To elucidate any relationship between trophic ecology and ecosystem type, we compiled a database using a global data set for fishes (http://www.fishbase.org). The database included 5,426 species distributed in 53 orders based on three common feeding strategies (herbivory, filter‐feeding and predatory). Trophic position and omnivory increased from freshwater to marine ecosystems in filter‐feeding and predatory species. In herbivore species in contrast, omnivory decreased, whereas no statistically significant trends were found for trophic position, which may reflect a similar diet specialization on primary producers regardless of ecosystem type. These findings suggest that ecosystem type has a marked effect on trophic position and omnivory in fishes, but the impact depends on the type of feeding strategy. Prey availability, inherent feeding traits linked to the phylogenetic relatedness of species, ontogenetic effects, spatial variability (habitat‐related factors) and body size are considered as responsible factors for the observed patterns. Our findings demonstrate consistent patterns in trophic characteristics of organisms linked to ecosystem type and underline the usefulness of fishes as model organisms to test macroecology hypotheses.
Determining influential factors for an air spring fatigue life
Authors: Bešter T. , Oman S. , Nagode M.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents an analysis of factors essential to air spring and undercarriage design to determine their influence on air spring fatigue life. Two sets of factors were chosen for the investigation: those relating to the design of the air spring itself (cord angle, diameter difference) and those relating to the design of the undercarriage (lever length, eccentricity, lever eccentricity, inclination). A full factorial experiment, whereby interactions between all the factors are investigated, would demand 729 experiments. Using Taguchi methods, the number of experiments required is dramatically reduced, using only 27 experiments to determine the influence of 6 factors and 3 interactions. Taguchi analysis shows here that factors inherent to air spring design have a much greater influence on fatigue life than those factors inherent to undercarriage design. Interaction between these factors has also revealed that there is no optimal cord angle for all air springs.
Isotropic‐kinematic hardening framework to assess ratcheting response of steel samples undergoing asymmetric loading cycles
Authors: Karvan P. , Varvani‐Farahani A.
Published: August 2018

The present study intends to characterize ratcheting response of several steel alloys subject to asymmetric loading cycles through coupling the Ahmadzadeh‐Varvani kinematic hardening rule with isotropic hardening rules of Lee and Zavrel, Chaboche, and Kang. The Ahmadzadeh‐Varvani kinematic hardening rule was developed to address ratcheting progress over asymmetric stress cycles with relatively a simple framework and less number of coefficients. Inclusion of isotropic hardening rules to the framework improved ratcheting response of materials mainly over the first stage of ratcheting. Lee and Zavrel model (ISO‐I) developed an exponential function to account for accumulated plastic strain as yield surface is expanded over stage I and early stage II of ratcheting. Isotropic models by Chaboche (ISO‐II) and Kang (ISO‐III) encountered yield surface evolution in the framework by introducing an internal variable that takes into account the prior maximum plastic strain range. The choice of isotropic hardening model coupled to the kinematic hardening model is highly influenced by material softening/hardening response.
Structural reliability analysis and uncertainties‐based collaborative design and optimization of turbine blades using surrogate model
Authors: Meng Debiao , Yang Shunqi , Zhang Yu , Zhu Shun‐Peng
Published: August 2018

In power and energy systems, both the aerodynamic performance and the structure reliability of turbine equipment are affected by utilized blades. In general, the design process of blade is high dimensional and nonlinear. Different coupled disciplines are also involved during this process. Moreover, unavoidable uncertainties are transported and accumulated between these coupled disciplines, which may cause turbine equipment to be unsafe. In this study, a saddlepoint approximation reliability analysis method is introduced and combined with collaborative optimization method to address the above challenge. During the above reliability analysis and design optimization process, surrogate models are utilized to alleviate the computational burden for uncertainties‐based multidisciplinary design and optimization problems. Smooth response surfaces of the performance of turbine blades are constructed instead of expensively time‐consuming simulations. A turbine blade design problem is solved here to validate the effectiveness and show the utilization of the given approach.
Rate and appropriateness of polypharmacy in older patients with hemophilia compared with age‐matched controls
Authors: Mannucci Pier Mannuccio , Nobili Alessandro , Marchesini Emanuela , Oliovecchio Emily , Cortesi Laura , Coppola Antonio , Santagostino Elena , Radossi Paolo , Castaman Giancarlo , Valdrè Lelia , Santoro Cristina , Tagliaferri Annarita , Ettorre Cosimo , Zanon Ezio , Barillari Giovanni , Cantori Isabella , Caimi Teresa Maria , Sottilotta Gianluca , Peyvandi Flora , Iorio Alfonso
Published: August 2018

Background

In older people, multiple chronic ailments lead to the intake of multiple medications (polypharmacy) that carry a number of negative consequences (adverse events, prescription and intake errors, poor adherence, higher mortality). Because ageing patients with haemophilia (PWHs) may be particularly at risk due to their pre‐existing multiple comorbidities (arthropathy, liver disease), we chose to analyse the pattern of chronic drug intake in a cohort of PWHs aged 60 years or more.

Patients and methods

S + PHERA is a multicentre observational study, with the broad goal to evaluate prospectively the health status and medication intake in 102 older patients with severe haemophilia A or B compared with 204 age‐ and residence‐matched controls chosen randomly from the same general practices of PWHs. The rate of potential drug‐drug interactions (PDDI) was evaluated as a proxy of prescription appropriateness.

Results

After excluding replacement therapies and antiviral drugs, PWHs took in average less daily drugs than controls (2.4 ± 2.5 vs 3.0 ± 2.4) and had a lower rate of polypharmacy. Moreover, their prevalence of PDDI was lower (16.7% vs 27%).

Conclusions

The rate of polypharmacy and the appropriateness of medications other than those for haemophilia and related comorbidities are acceptable in Italian PWHs, and better than those in their age peers without haemophilia, perhaps owing to drug tailoring and deprescribing by the specialized haemophilia centres at the time of regular visits. However, the PWHs investigated herewith were relatively young and the rate of polypharmacy and related PDDIs may become more prominent and crucial when older ages are reached, suggesting the need of continuous surveillance on prescribed drugs and the risk of drug‐drug interactions.
Pain assessment and management in haemophilia: A survey among Italian patients and specialist physicians
Authors: Tagliaferri Annarita , Franchini Massimo , Rivolta Gianna F. , Farace Stefania , Quintavalle Gabriele , Coppola Antonio ,   the ad hoc Study Group
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Persons with haemophilia (PWH) experience recurrent joint bleeding which leads from early synovitis to irreversible joint damage. Pain strongly affects patients’ quality of life, as PWH suffer from acute pain associated with haemarthroses and chronic pain due to arthritic and degenerative complications.

Aim

To investigate pain issues among PWH and their treaters in Italy.

Methods

Persons with haemophilia and specialist physicians responded to a survey focused on pain characteristics, assessment, and management by phone call and online, respectively.

Results

One hundred and nineteen patients (76% severe haemophilia, 61% ≥18 years) and 44 physicians were involved. Pain was reported by 61% of PWH; among those who did not experience pain, 70% were children on prophylaxis. Patients described pain as chronic (71%), acute (69%) or postoperative (8%), and rated it as severe in 65% of cases. Clinicians reported lower percentages of patients with pain (46%), classified as chronic (58%), acute (33%) or postoperative (21%), half using specific scales. Pain was systematically investigated by treaters according to 36% of patients. Paracetamol was largely the most prescribed first‐line pain therapy (89%), as well the most employed analgesic by PWH (51%), who also used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (24%), cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors (21%) or opioids (26%). To manage pain, 61% of clinicians stated to collaborate with other specialists. Physiotherapy was often suggested but less frequently used by PWH.

Conclusions

Pain is under‐recognized and unsatisfactorily addressed by haemophilia treatment centre (HTC) clinicians, with discrepant management compared to PWH responses. Education in systematic pain assessment and multidisciplinary treatment and development of management guidelines are highly needed.
MUC4 expression in meningiomas: under‐recognized immunophenotype particularly in meningothelial and angiomatous subtypes
Authors: Matsuyama Atsuji , Jotatsu Mao , Uchihashi Kazuyoshi , Tsuda Yojiro , Shiba Eisuke , Haratake Joji , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: August 2018

Aims

MUC4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a role in cell growth signalling and is expressed in various epithelial tissues. Gene expression profiling and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that MUC4 is also constantly and specifically expressed in low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcomas and sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcomas among the mesenchymal tumours, and immunohistochemical detection of MUC4 is extremely useful for their diagnoses. In our routine pathological practice, we noticed that meningiomas are also often positive for MUC4, which has not yet been reported previously, despite the extensive scrutiny of its expression in soft tissue tumours.

Methods and results

We examined immunohistochemically the expression of MUC4, progesterone receptor (PgR) and somatostatin receptor 2A (SSTR2A) in 140 meningiomas of various histological subtypes and 123 other mesenchymal tumours, including intracranial or sinonasal tumours and peripheral nerve sheath tumours. MUC4 was expressed in 130 meningiomas (92.9%). MUC4 expression was constant and almost diffuse in meningothelial and angiomatous subtypes, whereas it was limited in 5% or fewer tumour cells or absent in 26 of 28 fibrous meningiomas. All other mesenchymal tumours examined were negative for MUC4. PgR and SSTR2A were expressed in 94 (67.1%) and 134 (95.7%) meningiomas, respectively. Five of six SSTR2A‐negative meningiomas focally expressed MUC4.

Conclusions

MUC4 is expressed variably but almost consistently in meningiomas, particularly in meningothelial or angiomatous subtypes. Its immunohistochemical detection is useful to distinguish meningiomas from other intracranial or head and neck mesenchymal tumours, particularly those with epithelioid features. Our study could expand a variety of MUC4‐positive mesenchymal tumours.
SELLING A LEMON UNDER DEMAND UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Kim Kyungmin , Kim Sun Hyung
Published: August 2018

We consider a seller who has private information about the quality of her good but is uncertain about buyer arrivals. Assuming that the high‐quality seller insists on a price, we show that the low‐quality seller's surplus and pricing strategy crucially depend on buyers' knowledge about the demand state. If they are also uncertain about demand, then demand uncertainty increases the low‐quality seller's expected payoff, and her optimal strategy is to lower the price after some time. If buyers know the demand state, then demand uncertainty does not affect the low‐quality seller's payoff, but she must employ a sophisticated pricing strategy.
Easy discrimination of hematogones from lymphoblasts in B‐cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients using CD81/CD58 expression ratio
Authors: Nagant Carole , Casula Daniele , Janssens Anne , Nguyen Vo Thanh Phuong , Cantinieaux Brigitte
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The discrimination of leukemia lymphoblasts (LB) in diagnosis and follow‐up of B‐cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL) by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) may be difficult due to the presence of hematogones (HG). The aim of this study was to compare lymphoblasts of BCP‐ALL and HG for the expression of the most discriminating antigens.

Methods

A total of 82 bone marrow samples (39 BCP‐ALL and 43 patients with HG) were analyzed using MFC. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was measured for ten markers commonly used in hematology laboratories: CD45, CD19, CD10, CD34, CD38, CD20, CD22, CD58, CD81, and CD123. Statistical comparison of the MFI between LB and HG was performed. The presence on LB of aberrant expression of myeloid and/or T‐cell markers was also investigated.

Results

Qualitative pattern expression of antigens showed overexpression on LB of CD58, CD22, CD34, CD10 and underexpression of CD81, CD45, CD38 when compared to HG. Expression of CD123 was positive in 34% of BCP‐ALL LB and always absent on HG. Aberrant antigen expression (myeloid and/or T‐cell marker) including CD123 was observed in 58% of BCP‐ALL patients. The use of a MFI antigen ratio of the most discriminating markers (CD81/CD58) (analysis of variance, P < 0.005) increased the distinction of LB versus HG with a high specificity and sensitivity as demonstrated by the use of ROC curve analysis (AUC of CD81/CD58: 0.995).

Conclusion

We demonstrate in this study that routine use of the MFI antigen ratio (CD81/CD58) in addition to the MFC evaluation using WHO classical criteria appears to be an efficient approach to discriminate LB from HG.
A model‐based heuristic to the vehicle routing and loading problem
Authors: Moura Ana
Published: August 2018

In this paper a model‐based heuristic approach for a typical distribution problem is presented. In order to be cost‐effective, the distribution process for many customers, each of them with orders of considerable volume, should be dealt with like a combination of two well‐known problems: the vehicle routing problem (VRP) and the container loading problem (CLP). This paper studies a particular integration of these two problems called the vehicle routing and loading problem (VRLP). The VRLP is an operational problem that must be solved daily by many production and distribution companies. Like the two original problems (VRP and 3D‐CLP), the VRLP is NP‐hard. In this work, regardless of the complexity of this problem, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model that characterizes the VRLP with time windows is presented and it is also used to solve the problem optimally. Then, a model‐based heuristic that improves the computational time, when bigger instances need to be solved, is also presented. In order to prove the viability of the approach and the developed MILP model, tests with the benchmark instances of the VRLP were made and the results compared with other published works. Despite the long computational time needed to solve bigger instances, the VRLP model could be used to compute optimal solutions or at least good lower bounds, in order to have a base of comparison when nonexact methods are applied to the VRLP.
Sintering and rounding kinetics of irregular glass particles
Authors: Reis Raphael M. C. V. , Barbosa Anne J. , Ghussn Luciana , Ferreira Eduardo B. , Prado Miguel O. , Zanotto Edgar D.
Published: August 2018

Compacts of irregular glass particles sinter up to five times faster than spherical‐particle compacts of the same composition. This effect has been attributed to the sharp edges of irregular particles. In this article, we propose and test a phenomenological model for the sintering kinetics of jagged glass particles considering their rounding during sintering. We assume that the small radii of curvature of the particle edges increase as the particles round off and control the sintering rate. We tested the model by measuring the sintering shrinkage of spherical and irregular particle compacts of a diopside (MgO·CaO·2SiO2) glass and using literature sintering data for particles of different shapes of a soda‐lime‐silica glass. The sintering rate of irregular‐particle compacts is initially much higher but tends to reach that of their spherical counterparts as they round off. Our model describes the experimental shrinkage of both glasses and explains the shrinkage anisotropy of irregular‐particle compacts in the initial stages of sintering, providing a significant step toward the understanding and description of the sintering kinetics of jagged glass particles.
Characterization of multiferroic PbFe0.5Nb0.5O3 and PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3 ceramics derived from citrate polymeric precursors
Authors: Gruszka Irena , Kania Antoni , Talik Ewa , Szubka Magdalena , Miga Seweryn , Klimontko Joanna , Suchanicz Jan
Published: August 2018

Ceramics of the perovskite multiferroics PbFe0.5Nb0.5O3 (PFN) and PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3 (PFT) were synthesized from new citrate polymeric precursors. X‐ray tests pointed to trace amounts of the pyrochlore phase. SEM studies revealed the heterogeneous grain size distribution for PFN and the homogeneous one for PFT. Dielectric studies pointed to one diffuse T‐C phase transition at 378 K for PFN and two diffuse M‐T and T‐C phase transitions, at 200 and 235 K, for PFT, respectively. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of PFN reveal that all ions exist in one valence state, however, with two chemical shifts for Pb2+. Two valence states for the majority of ions of PFT seem to be connected with a higher volume fraction of the amorphous grain‐boundary phase. The electronic energy band gap for both compounds is approximately 2.8 eV. Two magnetic transitions, ie, from the paramagnetic to the antiferromagnetic phase and then to the spin‐glass phase, were observed at 156 and 10 K for PFN, and at 145 and 15 K for PFT, respectively.
Causal language intensity in performance commentary and financial analyst behaviour
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Aerts Walter , Pan Huifeng
Published: August 2018

We use automated techniques to measure causal reasoning on earnings‐related financial outcomes of a large sample of MD&A sections of US firms and examine the intensity of causal language in that context against extent of analyst following and against properties of analysts’ earnings forecasts. We find a positive and significant association between a firm's causal reasoning intensity and analyst following and analyst earnings forecast accuracy respectively. Correspondingly, analysts’ earnings forecast dispersion is negatively and significantly associated with causal reasoning intensity. These results suggest that causal reasoning intensity provides incremental information about the relationship between financial performance outcomes and its causes, thereby reducing financial analysts’ information processing and interpreting costs and lowering overall analyst information uncertainty. Additionally, we find that decreases in analyst following are followed by more causal reasoning on performance disclosure. We also find that firms with a considerable increase of causal disclosure especially attract new analysts who already cover many firms. Overall, our evidence of the relationship between causal reasoning intensity and properties of analyst behaviour is consistent with the proposition that causal reasoning is a generic narrative disclosure quality characteristic, able to provide incremental information to analysts and guide analysts' behaviour.
Editorial: Data repositories, registries, and standards in the search for valid and reproducible biomarkers
Authors: Peterson Bradley S.
Published: August 2018

The paucity of major scientific breakthroughs leading to new or improved treatments, and the inability to identify valid and reproducible biomarkers that improve clinical management, has produced a crisis in confidence in the validity of our pathogenic theories and the reproducibility of our research findings. This crisis in turn has driven changes in standards for research methodologies and prompted calls for the creation of open‐access data repositories and the preregistration of research hypotheses. Although we should embrace the creation of repositories and registries, and the promise for greater statistical power, reproducibility, and generalizability of research findings they afford, we should also recognize that they alone are no substitute for sound design in minimizing study confounds, and they are no guarantor of faith in the validity of our pathogenic theories, findings, and biomarkers. One way, and maybe the only sure way, of knowing that we have a valid understanding of brain processes and disease mechanisms in human studies is by experimentally manipulating variables and predicting its effects on outcome measures and biomarkers.
Clinical procedures, designs, and survival rates of all‐ceramic resin‐bonded fixed dental prostheses in the anterior region: A systematic review
Authors: Tezulas Emre , Yildiz Coskun , Evren Buket , Ozkan Yasemin
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study is to systematically review all the clinical articles about all‐ceramic resin‐bonded fixed dental prosthesis (RBFDP) in the anterior region and assess their designs, clinical procedures, and survival rates. A systematic review was conducted after searching electronic databases PubMed/Medline and EBSCOhost Research Databases for articles published in English between 1987 and July 2017.

Materials and Methods

The inclusion criteria were selected as all clinical studies, original design clinical reports, and clinical reports (follow‐up time more than 1 year) as all clinical information in the literature are desired to be included in the present review.

Results

The initial electronic search generated 472 articles from PubMed/Medline and 464 articles from EBSCOhost Research Databases. After selection of the articles as per the inclusion criteria, a final sample of 29 original studies is decided as: 1 randomized controlled clinical trial, 4 clinical controlled trials, 4 prospective cohort studies, 2 retrospective cohort studies, 6 original design clinical reports, and 12 clinical reports. After evaluation of the selected articles, it is likely that cantilever design all‐ceramic RBFDPs are more successful than two retainer design in the anterior region; however, there is limited evidence for this result in the literature.

Conclusion

Well‐designed randomized controlled clinical trials with large sample size are still needed to achieve more accurate results about the clinical success rate of different RBFDPs designs in the anterior region.

Clinical significance

Indications, designs, abutment teeth preparation, provisionalization, try‐in, surface treatment options, and cementation of the all‐ceramic resin‐bonded fixed dental prostheses are described in this article. Clinical survival rates are also given in detail, so that clinicians can easily compare the current studies and give their own decision about all‐ceramic resin‐bonded fixed dental prostheses in the anterior region.
Assessment of marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of endocrown restorations utilizing different machinable blocks subjected to thermomechanical aging
Authors: Taha Doaa , Spintzyk Sebastian , Sabet Ahmed , Wahsh Marwa , Salah Tarek
Published: August 2018

Objective

This in vitro study was conducted to assess the marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturer (CAD‐CAM) fabricated endocrowns restoring endodontically treated molars using different machinable blocks with thermomechanical loading protocols.

Materials and Methods

Devitalized mandibular molars were prepared in a standardized way and divided into 4 groups (n = 10) to receive CAD/CAM fabricated endocrowns using four materials (Lithium disilicate ceramics, polymer infiltrated ceramics, zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramics and resin nanoceramics. Marginal gaps (µm) were measured using stereomicroscope before cementation and after cementation. After thermomechanical aging, marginal gap measurements were repeated, and then fracture resistance test was performed. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD multiple comparisons were used to assess the effect of material on the marginal gap before, after cementation, and after thermomechanical aging. One Way ANOVA was used to assess the effect of material on the fracture resistance.

Results

The difference between marginal gaps values of the tested materials was statistically insignificant but with significant increase after cementation and after thermomechanical aging. Cerasmart endocrowns showed the highest mean fracture load value (1508.5 ± 421.7N) with statistically significant difference than Vita Enamic endocrowns and Celtra Duo.

Conclusion

The tested materials showed marginal vertical gap readings within the limits of clinically acceptable standards. Resin nanoceramics and lithium disilicate showed the highest values of fracture resistance followed by polymer infiltrated ceramics favoring their use for endocrown restorations.

Clinical Significance

The mechanical behavior of ceramic materials varies with the variation of their structure and mechanical properties. Accordingly, further investigation is always needed to explore the biomechanical behavior of recent materials when used as endocrowns before clinical trials.
Rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with implant‐supported overdentures on telescopic abutments and immediate loading. A controlled prospective clinical study
Authors: Kourtis Stefanos , Madianos Phoebus , Patras Michael , Andrikopoulou Efstathia
Published: August 2018

The rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with implant‐supported overdentures is an established clinical procedure but immediate loading of implants supporting mandibular overdentures has not been equally documented.

Aim

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with immediate loading and implant‐supported overdentures.

Materials and Methods

10 patients were restored with immediate loading of the implants and 5 with delayed loading. The treatment planning included placement of four implants in the interforaminal area of the mandible. Prefabricated titanium abutments with 4 degrees of conical inclination were fixed on the implants and the telescoping conical caps were connected to the base of the mandibular denture. Bone loss was assessed by comparison of panoramic x‐rays at baseline 3, 6, and 36 months by visual observation from clinicians.

Results

A total of 60 implants were restored, 40 with immediate and 20 with delayed loading. The follow‐up period ranged from 4 to 10 years with 72 months mean observation time. Prosthetic complications appeared with low frequency and no implant loss occurred during the follow‐up period. No statistical significance was observed in the bone loss in the cervical area of the immediate and late loaded implants.

Clinical Significance

The rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with implant‐supported overdentures and telescopic copings is a viable clinical solutions with multiple clinical advantages both for the clinician and the patient. . Immediate loading can be applied in cases where increased initial stability can be achieved. More extended long‐term clinical studies with increased number of patients and implants are needed, however, to verify the efficacy of the treatment method.
Disparities in mortality for chronic liver disease among Asian subpopulations in the United States from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Li Andrew A. , Kim Donghee , Kim Won , Dibba Pratima , Wong Katherine , Cholankeril George , Jacobson Ira M. , Younossi Zobair M. , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: August 2018

The Asian American population is characterized by remarkable diversity. Studying Asians as an aggregate group may obscure clinically meaningful heterogeneity. We performed a population‐based study using data from the US National Vital Statistics System. We determined the trends in age‐standardized mortality rates for chronic liver disease stratified by aetiology among the most populous US‐based Asian subgroups (Asian Indians, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese) and compared it to non‐Hispanic whites. Annual percentage change was calculated to determine temporal mortality patterns using joinpoint analysis. Hepatitis C virus‐related mortality rates were higher in non‐Hispanic whites compared to individual Asian subgroups, but a sharp decline in mortality rates was noted in 2014 among non‐Hispanic whites and all Asian subgroups. Age‐standardized hepatitis B virus‐related mortality rates were higher in all Asian subgroups as compared to non‐Hispanic whites in 2016, with the highest mortality among Vietnamese followed by Chinese. Mortality rates for alcoholic liver disease have been steadily trending upwards in all Asian subgroups, with the highest mortality in Japanese. Overall, age‐standardized cirrhosis‐related mortality rates were highest in non‐Hispanic whites, followed by Japanese, and more distantly by Vietnamese and other subgroups. However, hepatocellular carcinoma‐related mortality rates were higher in most Asian subgroups led by Vietnamese, Japanese and Koreans compared to non‐Hispanic whites. In this population‐based study utilizing a nationally representative database, we demonstrated a marked heterogeneity in the mortality rates of aetiology‐specific chronic liver disease among Asian subgroups in the United States.
Effect of family education program on cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression in persons who have had a stroke: A randomized, controlled study
Authors: Yu Fang , Li Hongyu , Tai Chunling , Guo Ting , Pang Dong
Published: August 2018

People who have had a stroke face high risks of cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. Health education for family members contributes to better outcomes in various diseases, but the effects of health education on family members of people who have had a stroke are unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the family member education program (FMEP) on cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression in persons who have had a stroke. In total, 144 persons who experienced a stroke were randomly allocated to the FMEP group or control group (1:1 ratio). In the FMEP group, the FMEP and conventional treatment were provided, while in control group only conventional treatment was provided.

The increase in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score from baseline to 12 months (M12 – baseline) in the FMEP group was higher compared with the control group, and the FMEP led to a decreased cognitive impairment rate (MOCA score ≤26) after 12 months compared to the control group. Changes in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and depression score (M12 – baseline) decreased in the FMEP group compared with the control group. Fewer participants with depression and a lower depression grade were observed in the FMEP group compared with the control group. The FMEP could reduce cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression in persons who have had a stroke.
TP53 is not a prognostic marker—clinical consequences of a generally disregarded fact
Authors: Braunschmid Tamara , Kührer Irene , Mittlböck Martina , Westerhoff Maria , Kappel‐Latif Sonja , Brammen Lindsay , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Phillips Wayne A. , Gnant Michael , Kandioler Daniela
Published: August 2018

Technological progress within the last 15–20 years has significantly increased our knowledge about the molecular basis of cancer development, tumor progression, and treatment response. As a consequence, a vast number of biomarkers have been proposed, but only a small fraction of them have found their way into clinical use. The aim of this paper is to describe the specific demands a clinically relevant biomarker should meet and how biomarkers can be tested stepwise. We name this procedure the “triple‐R principle”: robustness, reproducibility, and relevance. The usefulness of this principle is illustrated with the marker TP53. Since it is mutated in a broad spectrum of cancer entities, TP53 can be considered a very promising marker. Thus, TP53 has been studied in detail but there is still no explicit consensus about its clinical value. By considering our own experience and reviewing the literature, we demonstrate that a major problem of current biomarker research is disregard of whether the biomarker is prognostic or predictive. As an example, it is demonstrated that TP53 is not a prognostic marker, but rather a purely predictive marker, and that disregard of this fact has made this otherwise strong biomarker appear as not being clinically useful so far.