bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use in relation to mental health conditions, past‐month serious psychological distress and cigarette smoking status, 2017
Authors: Spears Claire Adams , Jones Dina M. , Weaver Scott R. , Yang Bo , Pechacek Terry F. , Eriksen Michael P.
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims

Adults with mental health conditions (MHC) exhibit disproportionately high smoking prevalence and experience profound tobacco‐related disparities. US nationally representative surveys from 2012 to 2015 found relatively high usage of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; e.g. e‐cigarettes) among adults with MHC. However, research has not examined these associations specifically among never smokers. Aims were to examine associations among MHC diagnosis, serious psychological distress (SPD) and ENDS use and to test whether associations varied by cigarette smoking status.

Design

Cross‐sectional US nationally representative survey.

Setting

United States, 2017.

Participants

A total of 5762 adults (52.0% female; 64.8% non‐Hispanic white, 11.4% non‐Hispanic black, 15.9% Hispanic, 7.9% non‐Hispanic other).

Measurements

Outcomes were lifetime, current and current daily ENDS use. Predictors were lifetime MHC, past‐month SPD and cigarette smoking status, and covariates were gender, age, race/ethnicity, education and annual household income.

Findings

lifetime MHC and past‐month SPD were each associated with higher likelihood of having ever used ENDS (P ≤ 0.001), currently using ENDS (P ≤ 0.001) and currently using ENDS daily (P < 0.05). There were interactions between MHC and smoking status in predicting ENDS use, such that MHC status predicted higher lifetime and current ENDS use specifically among never and current smokers. Never smokers with MHC had 2.62 higher odds [95% confidence interval, (CI) = 1.54, 4.45] of current ENDS use than those without MHC. Among never smokers, those with MHC indicated higher expectations that ENDS would improve relaxation and concentration (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In 2017, US adults with versus without mental health conditions (MHC) were more likely to use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). In particular, both never and current smokers with MHC reported disproportionately high rates of current ENDS use.
Surprise and dispersion: informational impact of USDA announcements
Authors: Fernandez‐Perez Adrian , Frijns Bart , Indriawan Ivan , Tourani‐Rad Alireza
Published: October 2018

We examine the role of information asymmetry on changes in bid‐ask spreads during major United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcements. Our analyses, using corn, wheat, and soybean futures, indicate that information asymmetry is significantly higher on USDA announcement days compared to nonannouncement days. We further observe that the increased information asymmetry prior to news announcements is mainly driven by the divergence in private information possessed by market participants. However, once the USDA news is released, not only the dispersion in investors’ private information but also the surprises in news announcements contribute to increased information asymmetry and widening of bid‐ask spreads.
Emerging data and future directions for CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment of patients with hormone receptor positive HER2‐non‐amplified metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Lim Elgene , Beith Jane , Boyle Frances , de Boer Richard , Hui Rina , McCarthy Nicole , Redfern Andrew , Wade Theresa , Woodward Natasha
Published: October 2018

Cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK4/6) inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy are currently the optimal first line treatment for hormone receptor (HR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) non‐amplified metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, not all patients benefit from this treatment and all patients will inevitably progress. Identifying therapeutic strategies in this setting is therefore of immediate clinical importance. We present an overview of the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors and review potential biomarkers that may guide therapy selection. We also discuss the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the context of non‐HR‐positive/HER2‐non‐amplified breast cancer and in combination with therapies other than endocrine therapy.
Vitamin D level affects IVF outcome partially mediated via Th/Tc cell ratio
Authors: Wu Li , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Zhang Ran , Li Qing , Lu Fang ting , Zhang Yu , Wang Hao Y. , Zhong Liang wen , Liu Yu Sheng
Published: October 2018

Problem

The role of vitamin D (VD) in IVF outcome and immune parameters has not been elucidated well.

Method of study

Women undergoing IVF treatment with GnRH agonist (Agonist) and progestin‐primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocols were divided into VD lower (VDL, 25(OH)VD ≤20 ng/mL) and VD higher (VDH, 25(OH)VD >20 ng/mL) groups. Follicular fluid (FF) VD level, IVF outcomes, and peripheral blood immunophenotypes by flow cytometry were analyzed.

Results

FF VD levels of the whole subjects were positively correlated with peripheral blood VD level (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). The number of mature oocytes and the blastocyst formation rate were significantly higher in women with VDH group as compared with those of VDL group in both Agonist and PPOS groups (P < 0.05, respectively). In women with PPOS protocol, peripheral blood NK and B‐cell proportions and T helper/T cytotoxic (Th/Tc) cell ratios of VDL group were significantly higher than those of VDH group (P < 0.05, respectively). In women with Agonist protocol, peripheral blood B‐cell proportion and Th/Tc ratios of VDL group were significantly higher than those of VDH group (P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

VD level is associated with IVF outcomes possibly derived by T‐cell immunity, particularly Th/Tc ratios.
“Europe A Nation” or “Common Market Suicide”? Fascism, European Entanglement and the Ideology of Britain’s Extreme Right, 1945‐75
Authors: LeCras Luke
Published: October 2018

Recent attempts to analyze the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum have prompted a renewed interest in the history of fascism, nationalism and right‐wing Euroscepticism in British politics. By considering the ideology and political experiences of two key figures in the post‐war movement, this article examines the distinctive and diverging approaches of extreme right‐wing parties to the European issue in the decades after the Second World War. It further presents an explanation for why, despite their forthright engagement with the issue of European integration, extreme right parties remained a marginal voice in the debate leading up to Britain’s entry into Europe in 1975.
Entanglements and Disentanglements: Thinking Historiographically About Britain, Empire, and Europe in the Context of Brexit
Authors: Ballantyne Tony
Published: October 2018

The connections between British empire building and its relationships with Europe have been often been overlooked, in part because they have been conceived of as two entirely distinct analytical problems. Using Brexit as its departure point, this article considers some of the key linkages between British engagements with Europe and the construction of its modern empire. While it reflects on the changing significance of relations with Europe in moulding British empire‐building from the late eighteenth century, the article is particularly concerned with how Europe and empire figure in British historical writing from the early 1970s and suggests some ways in which “entanglement” might reshape understandings of Britain’s shifting place in the world, necessitating mobile and multi‐sited readings of the British past.
Cold War Entanglements and Abortion Technology: Writing Yugoslavia into the Global History of Vacuum Aspiration, 1964‐1974
Authors: Bogdan Branka
Published: October 2018

This article centres on the innovation of a now commonly‐used and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended technique for the termination of first‐trimester pregnancies, vacuum aspiration. I add to the current scholarship that examines reproductive regulation in Eastern Europe and internationally, by writing Yugoslav physicians and innovators into the global story of the technology’s development. During the 1960s and 1970s, Yugoslav physicians played an instrumental role in the innovation of vacuum aspiration. Physicians operated under the party‐endorsed political and ideological aegis of family planning and the state used family planning to build a self‐image of a modern and progressive state in the international Cold War context. In their public rhetoric, physicians attributed scientific advances to the modern nature of the state’s distinct style of socialism, the Yugoslav way. The state, in turn, utilised domestic medical innovation and social policy to elevate Yugoslav socialism around the world. While the Yugoslav way was not exceptional, Yugoslavia’s atypical geopolitical positioning after the Second World War offered Yugoslav gynaecologists and medical innovators the unusual opportunity to research methods and techniques, and propagate their findings abroad.
Building Cooperation among Groups in Conflict: An Experiment on Intersectarian Cooperation in Lebanon
Authors: Chang Han Il , Peisakhin Leonid
Published: October 2018

Societies divided along ethnic or religious lines suffer from persistent conflict and underprovision of public goods. Scholarly understanding of how to strengthen intergroup cooperation remains limited. In this study, we set out to test the effectiveness of two interventions on intergroup cooperation: cross‐group expert appeal and participation in a cross‐group discussion. The laboratory‐in‐the‐field experiment is set in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, and involves interactions between 180 Shia and 180 Sunni Muslim participants. We find that the expert appeal increases intersectarian cooperation in settings that do not entail reciprocal exchange. On average, cross‐sectarian discussions do not improve cooperation, but those discussions in which participants delve deeply into the conflict's causes and possible remedies are associated with greater cooperation. Neither intervention diminishes the effectiveness of sectarian clientelistic appeals. The policy implication of our study is that intergroup cooperation can be strengthened even in regions as bitterly divided as the Middle East.
Recent developments and highlights in biomarkers in allergic diseases and asthma
Authors: Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Tay Tunn Ren , Hew Mark , Escribese Maria M. , Barber Domingo , O'Hehir Robyn E. , Torres Maria J.
Published: October 2018

The potential of precision medicine in allergy and asthma has only started to be explored. A significant clarification in the pathophysiology of rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, food allergy and drug hypersensitivity was made in the last decade. This improved understanding led to a better classification of the distinct phenotypes and to the discovery of new drugs such as biologicals, targeting phenotype‐specific mechanisms. Nevertheless, many conditions remain poorly understood such as non‐eosinophilic airway diseases or non‐IgE–mediated food allergy. Moreover, there is a need to predict the response to specific therapies and the outcome of drug and food provocations. The identification of patients at risk of progression towards severity is also an unmet need in order to establish adequate preventive or therapeutic measures. The implementation of precision medicine in the clinical practice requires the identification of phenotype‐specific markers measurable in biological matrices. To become useful, these biomarkers need to be quantifiable by reliable systems, and in samples obtained in an easy, rapid and cost‐efficient way. In the last years, significant research resources have been put in the identification of valid biomarkers for asthma and allergic diseases. This review summarizes these recent advances with focus on the biomarkers with higher clinical applicability.
Changes in health‐related quality of life after discharge from an intensive care unit: a systematic review
Authors: Gerth A. M. J. , Hatch R. A. , Young J. D. , Watkinson P. J.
Published: October 2018

Quality of life after critical illness is becoming increasingly important as survival improves. Various measures have been used to study the quality of life of patients discharged from intensive care. We systematically reviewed validated measures of quality of life and their results. We searched PubMed,CENTRAL,CINAHL, Web of Science and Open Grey for studies of quality of life, measured after discharge from intensive care. We categorised studied populations as: general; restricted to level‐3 care or critical care beyond 5 days; and septic patients. We included quality of life measured at any time after hospital discharge. We identified 48 studies. Thirty‐one studies used the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and 19 used the EuroQol‐5D (EQ‐5D); eight used both and nine used alternative validated measures. Follow‐up rates ranged from 26–100%. Quality of life after critical care was worse than for age‐ and sex‐matched populations. Quality of life improved for one year after hospital discharge. The aspects of life that improved most were physical function, physical role, vitality and social function. However, these domains were also the least likely to recover to population norms as they were more profoundly affected by critical illness.
Use of intrapartum ultrasound in term pregnant women with contractions before hospital admission
Authors: Cuerva Marcos J. , García‐Casarrubios Patricia , García‐Calvo Laura , Gutiérrez‐Simon Mónica , Ordás Polan , Magdaleno Fernando , Bartha José L. ,   ITU‐R12 Group
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that transperineal ultrasound can be used to decide whether to admit a pregnant woman due to labor.

Material and methods

In this analytical cross‐sectional observational study, transperineal ultrasound was performed on pregnant women with intact membranes who came to the hospital due to contractions. A decision was made to admit women due to labor based on the ultrasound measurements. The ultrasound measurements were used to determine cervical dilation, the angle of progression, and fetal head position. The managing midwives were blinded to the results and made the final decision to admit the women based on digital vaginal examination.

Results

It was possible to decide whether a woman had to be admitted for delivery or discharged due to the latent phase of labor according to the ultrasound examination in 55 of the 57 cases (96.5%). In four of the 55 cases, the decision based on ultrasound differed from the midwife's decision (7.3%). There was strong agreement between the decision to admit the pregnant women based on ultrasound measurements and the digital vaginal examination (Cohen's kappa: 0.844). It was possible to measure cervical dilation with ultrasound in 52 of the 57 cases (91.2%). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the cervical dilation measurements was 0.736 (95% confidence interval 0.539‐0.848).

Conclusions

There was strong agreement between the ultrasound and digital vaginal examination results in the decision to admit singleton pregnant women at term due to labor. A large number of vaginal examinations could be avoided by using intrapartum ultrasound.
Interpregnancy interval and abnormally invasive placentation
Authors: Martimucci Kristina , Bilinski Robyn , Perez Anisha M. , Kuhn Theresa , Al‐Khan Abdulla , Alvarez‐Perez Jesus R.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The presence of a previous uterine scar is a strong risk factor for developing abnormally invasive placentation (AIP). We sought to determine whether a short interpregnancy interval predisposes to AIP. We hypothesized that a short interpregnancy interval after a previous cesarean delivery increases the risk of AIP in comparison with a longer interpregnancy interval.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with a histological diagnosis of AIP and a history of a previous cesarean section. Women were included in the control group if they had a previous cesarean section with a placenta underlying the previous uterine scar or an anterior previa. The time interval between pregnancy and AIP data was analyzed using the chi‐square test and two‐tailed Fisher's exact test.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the interpregnancy interval between women who had AIP vs the control group. Gravidity and parity were found to be significantly higher in the women with AIP vs the controls.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a short interpregnancy interval may not increase the risk of developing AIP.
Maternal functional hemodynamics in uncomplicated twin pregnancies: A longitudinal study using impedance cardiography
Authors: Orabona Rossana , Prefumo Federico , Zanardini Cristina , Magri Roberta , Loardi Chiara , Cappa Veronica , Calza Stefano , Frusca Tiziana , Acharya Ganesh
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Longitudinal studies of maternal hemodynamics in twin pregnancy are scarce and preload reserve in twin pregnancies has not been studied. Thus, we aimed to investigate serial changes in maternal systemic hemodynamics from the first to third trimester, and cardiovascular response to passive leg raising to evaluate preload reserve using impedance cardiography in a cohort of uncomplicated twin pregnancies.

Material and methods

This was a prospective longitudinal study of 50 twin pregnancies. Maternal hemodynamics was assessed at baseline and 120 seconds after passive leg raising using impedance cardiography, at five time points during gestation. Women were excluded from the analysis if there were pregnancy complications or fewer than three of five planned assessments were available.

Results

Data from 37 uncomplicated twin pregnancies were available for analysis. Mean arterial pressure slightly decreased until 17 weeks’ gestation, then increased. Systemic vascular resistance was constant in the first half of pregnancy before rising steadily thereafter, whereas the cardiac output increased from the first trimester, peaked by the end of the second trimester and then decreased in the third trimester. The change in stroke volume and cardiac output following passive leg raising during pregnancy ranged from −2.2% to 1.6% and from −3.7% to 3.2%, respectively. Although passive leg raising caused no significant changes in systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output or heart rate, mean arterial pressure decreased in the first and second trimesters.

Conclusions

In uncomplicated twin pregnancies, maternal cardiovascular adaptation is evident from the first trimester. Twin pregnancies show a reduced preload reserve in the second half of gestation.
In Vitro Hydrodynamic Evaluation of a Scaffold for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering
Authors: Bazan Ovandir , Simbara Márcia M. O. , Ortiz Jayme P. , Malmonge Sonia M. , Andrade Aron , Yanagihara Jurandir I.
Published: October 2018

Although prosthetic heart valves have saved many lives, the search for a living substitute continues with the aid of tissue engineering. Much progress has been made so far, but the translation of this technology to clinical reality remains a challenge, especially due to the structural complexity of heart valves and the harsh environment they are in. In a joint effort, researchers from Federal University of ABC and Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology have conceived a new bioresorbable scaffold for heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE), whose hydrodynamic performance was first assessed and described in this work. The scaffold was studied at the mitral position of a left heart simulator from Escola Politécnica of the University of São Paulo, under 60 bpm and with no cell seeding. In this condition, two‐dimensional particle image velocimetry was performed to investigate the flow during diastolic and systolic phases. The results indicate that the scaffold can withstand the required intraventricular pressures for a simulated normal physiologic condition in a bioreactor. Furthermore, the averaged (N = 150) velocity vector maps showed a smooth and well‐distributed flow during diastole and qualitatively demonstrated no‐significant regurgitation at systole.
Zero‐Balance Ultrafiltration of Priming Blood Attenuates Procalcitonin and Improves the Respiratory Function in Infants After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gholampour Dehaki Maziar , Niknam Sana , Azarfarin Rasoul , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: October 2018

Blood priming is needed for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in neonates and infants to avoid exceeding hemodilution; however, transfusion‐related inflammation affects post‐CPB outcomes in infant open‐heart surgery. Procalcitonin, a newly detected inflammatory moderator and a sensitive parameter for predicting pulmonary dysfunction secondary to CPB, rises after CPB. We hypothesized that the hemofiltration of priming blood before CPB might decrease inflammatory mediators in the blood and post‐CPB inflammatory replications, thereby improving the respiratory function after CPB in infants. Sixty infants with a weight below 10 kg were divided randomly into two equal groups of CPB with the zero‐balance ultrafiltration (Z‐BUF) of priming blood and CPB without it. The procalcitonin level was measured before anesthesia, after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 24 h afterward. The respiratory index and pulmonary compliance were measured after anesthesia, at the end of CPB, and 2 h after admission to the ICU. Additionally, time to extubation was recorded. The Z‐BUF of priming blood maintained electrolytes within a physiologic level, and procalcitonin had a slighter rise in the Z‐BUF Group at 24 h after admission to the ICU (P = 0.05). The respiratory index was decreased in the Z‐BUF Group, but the difference with the control group did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). The change in pulmonary compliance was significantly increased in the cyanotic patients in the intervention group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The time to extubation and the ICU stay were shorter in the Z‐BUF Group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the peak procalcitonin concentration and the time to extubation directly and pulmonary compliance reversely. These results suggest that the Z‐BUF of priming blood may have some beneficial clinical effects such as improved respiratory function and attenuated procalcitonin.
Plasma markers of chronic low‐grade inflammation in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Subhi Yousif , Krogh Nielsen Marie , Molbech Christopher Rue , Oishi Akio , Singh Amardeep , Nissen Mogens Holst , Sørensen Torben Lykke
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Ageing is the strongest predictor of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), where neuroinflammation is known to play a major role. Less is known about polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), which is an important differential diagnosis to neovascularAMD. Here, we report plasma markers of inflammation with age (inflammaging) in patients withPCV, patients with neovascularAMDand a healthy age‐matched control group.

Methods

We isolated plasma from fresh venous blood obtained from participants (n = 90) with eitherPCV, neovascularAMD, or healthy maculae. Interleukin(IL)‐1β,IL‐6,IL‐8,IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF‐R2) were measured using U‐PLEXHuman Assays. Routine plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) was measured using Dimension Vista 1500.

Results

Patients withPCVhad plasma levels ofIL‐1β,IL‐6,IL‐8,IL‐10 andTNF‐R2 similar to that in healthy controls. Patients with neovascularAMDhad significantly higher plasmaIL‐1β,IL‐6 andIL‐10 than healthy controls, whereas no significant differences were observed for plasmaIL‐8 andTNF‐R2. Differences between plasmaIL‐1β,IL‐6 andIL‐10 possessed a positive but weak ability in discriminating neovascularAMDfromPCV. Both patients withPCVand patients with neovascularAMDhad significantly higher levels of routine plasmaCRP.

Conclusion

Patients withPCVdiffer from patients with neovascularAMDin terms of plasma inflammaging profile. Apart from increasedCRP, no signs of inflammaging were observed in patients withPCV. In patients with neovascularAMD, we find a specific angiogenesis‐twisted inflammaging profile.
Imbalances in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases differentiate choroidal neovascularization from geographic atrophy
Authors: Krogh Nielsen Marie , Subhi Yousif , Rue Molbech Christopher , Nilsson Line Lynge , Nissen Mogens Holst , Sørensen Torben Lykke
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) is known to play a role in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We wished to investigate alterations in different late stages of AMD: neovascular AMD and geographic atrophy (GA).

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study. A total of 125 participants were included consecutively during a period of 18 months. We included 46 patients with neovascular AMD, 46 patients with GA without any sign of choroidal neovascularization in either eye, and 33 healthy aged controls. Patients with immune‐affecting disorders were not included. Commercial immunoassay kits were used to quantify levels of TIMP‐1, TIMP‐3, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in blood plasma.

Results

We found that patients with neovascular AMD had lower plasma concentration of TIMP‐3 (p = 0.028) than healthy controls. Patients with GA had higher plasma levels of TIMP‐1 (p < 0.001) and MMP‐9 (p = 0.022) compared to healthy controls. Also, we found that TIMP‐1 levels in patients with GA increased with age (Spearman's rho = 0.04, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs, which are known to be involved in age‐related changes in Bruch's membrane, are significantly altered systemically, suggesting the presence of an imbalance in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. These imbalances may explain differences in the clinical manifestation of late AMD.
Influence of seasons upon personal light exposure and longitudinal axial length changes in young adults
Authors: Ulaganathan Sekar , Read Scott A. , Collins Michael J. , Vincent Stephen J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To investigate the association between objectively measured ambient light exposure and longitudinal axial length changes (and their seasonal variations) over a period of 12 months in young adults.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal observational study included 43 healthy young adult university students (21 emmetropes and 22 myopes) aged between 18 and 30 years. Three axial length measurements were collected at 6‐month intervals (i.e. at baseline, 6 and 12 months), in summer and winter to determine the axial eye growth. Personal ambient light exposure data were measured in winter and summer months with wearable sensors, from which the mean daily time exposed to bright (outdoor) light levels (>1000 lux) was derived.

Results

Greater daily bright light exposure was associated with less axial eye growth (β = −0.002, p = 0.006) over 12 months. In summer, myopes exhibited significantly greater changes in axial length (mean change 0.04 ± 0.05 mm) compared to emmetropes (−0.01 ± 0.05 mm) (p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference between refractive groups in winter. Emmetropes also spent significantly greater time in outdoor light levels in summer compared to winter (p < 0.0001), while myopes spent similar time outdoors during both seasons (p = 0.12). Differences in light exposure between summer and winter were also associated with seasonal differences in axial eye growth (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

In young adults, greater time spent in bright light was associated with slower longitudinal axial eye growth. Seasonal light exposure and axial length changes were dependent on refractive error in this population and also exhibited an inverse relationship.
Gender‐Specific Body Areas Satisfaction and Body Weight Status in Adolescents: Mediating Effects of Physical Activity, Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and Energy‐Dense Food Intake
Authors: Zarychta Karolina , Chan Carina K.Y. , Kruk Magdalena , Luszczynska Aleksandra
Published: October 2018

Background

Body satisfaction is one of the key modifiable cognitive determinants of eating behaviours, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). As the sociocultural models suggest, low body satisfaction may explain unhealthy eating and exercise behaviours. Importantly, body satisfaction levels and body areas that individuals focus on vary across genders. This study aims at investigating links between the global index of body areas satisfaction (BAS), gender‐specific BAS, fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, energy‐dense foods intake, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and BMI.

Methods

In all, 1,254 adolescents completed questionnaires and had their weight and height objectively measured with 2‐ and 13‐month follow‐ups. Indirect effects of three indices of BAS were tested in three models (male‐specific BAS amongst boys; female‐specific BAS amongst girls; the global BAS index in the total sample).

Results

Higher levels of all three BAS indices indirectly predicted lower BMI, with higher MVPA mediating this effect. In addition, higher energy‐dense foods intake mediated higher global BAS–higher BMI relationship in the total sample. Thus, the global index of BAS acts as double‐edged sword, predicting both higher MVPA and energy‐dense foods intake.

Conclusion

BAS may operate in a complex manner, predicting behaviours which may have opposite effects on BMI.
Anxiety after coeliac disease diagnosis predicts mucosal healing: a population‐based study
Authors: Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Lebwohl Benjamin , Chen Qi , Bröms Gabriella , Wolf Randi L. , Green Peter H. R. , Emilsson Louise
Published: October 2018

Background

Coeliac disease has been linked to anxiety and depression. However, their association with mucosal healing is unknown.

Aim

To examine the relationship between anxiety, depression and mucosal healing in coeliac disease.

Methods

Between 1969 and 2008, we collected data on all small intestinal biopsies with villous atrophy from Sweden's 28 pathology departments. We restricted our cohort to individuals with data on follow‐up biopsy (either persistent villous atrophy [n = 3317] or mucosal healing [n = 4331]). Through Cox regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for anxiety or depression.

Results

During follow‐up, 123 (2.8/1000 person‐years) individuals with mucosal healing had developed anxiety, compared to 94 (2.1/1000 person‐years) with persistent villous atrophy. Mucosal healing was hence associated with a higher risk of future anxiety (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.12‐1.96). Similarly, 167 (3.8/1000 person‐years) individuals with mucosal healing developed depression, compared to 148 (3.3/1000 person‐years) with persistent villous atrophy, corresponding to a HR of 1.25 (95% CI = 0.99‐1.59). Mucosal healing was more common in individuals with prior diagnoses of anxiety or depression before follow‐up biopsy. Anxiety diagnosed between diagnostic and follow‐up biopsy for coeliac disease was associated with an almost nine‐fold increased chance of mucosal healing (odds ratio = 8.94; 95%CI = 2.03‐39.27).

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression are more common in coeliac disease patients with mucosal healing, both before and after follow‐up biopsy, an association potentially mediated through more vigilant compliance with a gluten‐free diet. This finding raises concern that achieving the goal of mucosal healing may come at a cost of an increased risk of mood disorders.
Multi‐analytical Studies of the Lime Mortars from the Yanxi Hall in the Yangxin Palace of the Palace Museum (Beijing)
Authors: Xu L. , Ma X. , Zhang B. , Zhang Q. , Zhao P.
Published: October 2018

For centuries, the architecture of the Palace Museum represented the highest standard of Chinese architecture. The Yangxin Palace of the Palace Museum consisted of 18 masonry buildings built using bricks, wood, roof tiles and various mortars. In 2016, a five‐year project was initiated to work on the maintenance and restoration of the Yangxin Palace buildings. The characterization of the construction materials has become of primary importance, in order to obtain information about the raw ingredients and building technology of the mortars, and the history of possible previous restorations. In this paper, 12 different samples representing three types of mortar‐based materials—namely, jointing mortars between the bricks on the wall, and surface plasters as well as mortars used on the roof—were collected for analysis from the Yanxi Hall of the Yangxin Palace. Analysis into the composition, grain‐size distribution, organic and fibre additives and testing of the mortar density and water absorption were performed. Starch, protein and plant fibres were identified in some of the samples. Brucite, mullite and ettringite were detected within most mortars on the roof, possibly originating from the furnace slag added into the raw materials for restoration purposes. The analytical results will serve as a critical reference for the maintenance and restoration of the buildings in the Yangxin Palace.
The journey of metformin from glycaemic control to mTOR inhibition and the suppression of tumour growth
Authors: Amin Sam , Lux Andrew , O'Callaghan Finbar
Published: October 2018

Our knowledge of the effect of metformin on human health is increasing. In addition to its ability to improve the control of hyperglycaemia, metformin has been shown to reduce the burden o,f ageing via effects on damaged DNA and the process of apoptosis. Studies have shown that metformin may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease through influences on body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and the progression of atherosclerosis. Studies also suggest that metformin may be beneficial for neuro‐psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment and in reducing the risk of dementia, erectile dysfunction and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that metformin has anti‐cancer properties, and population studies have suggested that metformin may reduce the risk of cancer or improve cancer prognosis. It is thought that it exerts its anti‐cancer effect through the inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. Because of its effect on the mTOR pathway, there may be a role for metformin in slowing or reversing growth of life‐threatening hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis complex.
Extended follow‐up for prostate cancer incidence and mortality among participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian randomized cancer screening trial
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Miller Eric , Prorok Philip , Grubb Robert , Crawford E. David , Andriole Gerald
Published: October 2018

Objective

To examine prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality by arm in the randomized Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial.

Patients and Methods

Patients aged 55–74 years at 10 screening centres were randomized between 1993 and 2001 to an intervention or usual care arm. Patients in the intervention arm received six annual prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) tests and four annual digital rectal examinations. The patients were followed for PCa incidence and for mortality via active follow‐up processes and by linkage to state cancer registries and the National Death Index. For cancers identified through active follow‐up, trial abstractors recorded the mode of diagnosis (screen‐detected, symptomatic, other).

Results

A total of 38 340 patients were randomized to the intervention arm and 38 343 to a usual care arm. The median follow‐up for mortality was 16.9 (intervention) and 16.7 years (usual care). There were 333 (intervention) and 352 (usual care) PCa cancer deaths, giving rates (per 10 000 person‐years) of 5.5 and 5.9, respectively, and a rate ratio (RR) of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.08; P = 0.38). The RR for overall PCa incidence was 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.09). The RRs by Gleason category were 1.17 (95% CI 1.11–1.23) for Gleason 2–6, 1.00 (95% CI 0.93–1.07) for Gleason 7 and 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.99) for Gleason 8–10 disease. By mode of detection, during the trial's screening phase, 13% of intervention arm vs 27% of usual care arm cases were symptomatic; post‐screening, these percentages were 18% in each arm.

Conclusion

After almost 17 years of median follow‐up, there was no significant reduction in PCa mortality in the intervention compared with the usual care arm. There was a significant increase in Gleason 2–6 disease and a significant reduction in Gleason 8–10 disease in the intervention compared with the usual care arm.
Inhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Yu Binglan , Ichinose Fumito , Bloch Donald B , Zapol Warren M
Published: October 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that induces relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the vasculature. Because NO reacts with oxyhaemoglobin with high affinity, the gas is rapidly scavenged by oxyhaemoglobin in red blood cells and the vasodilating effects of inhaled NO are limited to ventilated regions in the lung. NO therefore has the unique ability to induce pulmonary vasodilatation specifically in the portions of the lung with adequate ventilation, thereby improving oxygenation of blood and decreasing intrapulmonary right to left shunting. Inhaled NO is used to treat a spectrum of cardiopulmonary conditions, including pulmonary hypertension in children and adults. However, the widespread use of inhaled NO is limited by logistical and financial barriers. We have designed, developed and tested a simple and economic NO generation device, which uses pulsed electrical discharges in air to produce therapeutic levels of NO that can be used for inhalation therapy.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Nitric Oxide 20 Years from the 1998 Nobel Prize. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.2/issuetoc
Effects of sulfide and polysulfides transmitted by direct or signal transduction‐mediated activation of TRPA1 channels
Authors: Pozsgai Gábor , Bátai István Zoárd , Pintér Erika
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous mediator in various physiological and pathological processes, including neuroimmune modulation, metabolic pathways, cardiovascular system, tumour growth, inflammation and pain. Now the hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn) have been recognised as signalling molecules modulating ion channels, transcription factors and protein kinases. Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels can be activated by mechanical, thermal or chemical triggers. Here, we review the current literature regarding the biological actions of sulfide and polysulfide compounds mediated by TRP channels with special emphasis on the role of TRPA1, best known as ion channels in nociceptors. However, the non‐neuronal TRPA1 channels should also be considered to play regulatory roles. Although sulfide and polysulfide effects in different pathological circumstances and TRPA1‐mediated processes have been investigated intensively, our review attempts to present the first comprehensive overview of the potential crosstalk between TRPA1 channels and sulfide‐activated signalling pathways.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc
New insights on measured and calculated vitrinite reflectance
Authors: Matava Tim , Matt Veit , Flannery Jack
Published: October 2018

Measurement of dispersed vitrinite reflectance in organic sediments is one of the few regional data sets used for placing bounds on the thermal history of a sedimentary basin. Reflectance data are important when access to complementary information such as high‐quality seismic data is unavailable to place bounds on subsidence history and in locations where uplift is an important part of the basin history. Attributes which make vitrinite reflectance measurements a useful data set are the relative ease of making the measurement, and the availability of archived well cores and cuttings in state, provincial, and federal facilities. In order to fully utilize vitrinite data for estimating the temperature history in a basin, physically based methods are required to calibrate an equivalent reflectance from a modelled temperature history with measured data. The most common method for calculating a numerical vitrinite reflectance from temperature history is the EASY%Ro method which we show systematically underestimates measured data. We present a new calculated reflectance model and an adjustment to EASY%Ro which makes the correlation between measured vitrinite values and calculated vitrinite values a physical relationship and more useful for constraining thermal models. We then show that calibrating the thermal history to vitrinite on a constant age date surface (e.g., top Cretaceous) instead of calibrating the thermal history in depth removes the heating rate component from the reflectance calculation and makes thermal history calibration easier to understand and more directly related to heat flow. Finally, we use bounds on the vitrinite–temperature relationships on a constant age date surface to show that significant uncertainty exists in the vitrinite data reported in most data sets.
Greenfield versus merger and acquisition FDI: Same wine, different bottles?
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Desbordes Rodolphe , Ray Anna
Published: October 2018

Relying on a large foreign direct investment (FDI) transaction level dataset, unique both in terms of disaggregation and time and country coverage, this paper examines patterns in greenfield (GF) versus merger and acquisition (M&A) investment. Although both are found to seek out large markets with low international barriers, important differences emerge. M&A is more affected by geographic and cultural barriers and exhibits opportunistic behaviours as it is more sensitive to temporary shocks such as a currency crisis. Further, M&A is more affected by destination factors such as financial development and institutional quality. GF, on the other hand, is relatively more driven by factors such as origin comparative advantage and destination taxes. These empirical facts are consistent with the conceptual distinction made between these two modes, i.e., M&A involves transfer of ownership for integration or arbitrage reasons while GF relies on firms’ own capacities, which are linked to origin country attributes. They also suggest that GF and M&A are likely to respond differently to policies intended to attract FDI.
On the effects of unilateral environmental policy on offshoring in multi‐stage production processes
Authors: Schenker Oliver , Koesler Simon , Löschel Andreas
Published: October 2018

We extend the literature on global supply chains by analyzing if and how unilateral environmental regulation induces offshoring. We develop an analytical model of two‐stage production processes that can be distributed between two countries and investigate unilateral emission pricing and its supplementation with border carbon taxes. In contrast to existing final good models, we are able to show how impacts of regulation differ across the different stages of the supply chain, depending on the interplay of comparative advantages and general equilibrium effects. To get a more comprehensive picture, we subsequently apply a computable general equilibrium model that includes a representation of international supply chains. We find heterogeneous but mostly positive effects of a unilateral carbon emission reduction by the European Union on the degree of vertical specialization of European industries. Border taxes are successful in protecting upstream industries, but with negative side effects for downstream industries.
Efficacy of liquid‐based genetic diagnosis of endometrial cancer
Authors: Matsuura Motoki , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Tamate Masato , Satohisa Seiro , Teramoto Mizue , Iwasaki Masahiro , Sugita Shintaro , Hasegawa Tadashi , Koubo Rika , Takane Kiyoko , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Furukawa Yoichi , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2018

Although liquid‐based cytology (LBC) has increased the sensitivity of cytological diagnosis of endometrial cancer (EC) compared with conventional smear cytology, the sensitivity of LBC for the detection of EC is between 70% and 96% and remains unsatisfactory. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of LBC with liquid‐based genetic diagnosis (LBGDx) by amplicon sequencing of five genes including PTEN, PIK3CA, CTNNB1, KRAS, and TP53 in 48 LBC subjects who underwent endometrial screening. Consequently, LBC classified 15 samples as “positive or suspicious for malignancy” and the 15 were later confirmed as EC. However, LBC failed to identify five cases who were diagnosed as EC by additional transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial curettage, indicating that the sensitivity of cytology alone was 75% (15/20). LBGDx identified 11 pathogenic PTEN variants in 10 subjects, six PIK3CA variants in nine, three CTNNB1 variants in five, two KRAS variants in four, and three TP53 variants in three. Collectively, at least one pathogenic variant was identified in 19 subjects, which included 17 EC (15 endometrioid carcinoma and 2 endometrial carcinosarcomas), and one cervical adenocarcinoma. However, LBGDx did not identify any pathogenic mutations in three of the 20 EC, indicating that the sensitivity of LBGDx alone was 85% (17/20). Although five EC were negative for malignancy by LBC and three were negative for pathogenic mutations by LBGDx, the combination of LBC and LBGDx would successfully diagnose all 20 EC. These data suggested that LBGDx is a useful strategy to improve the sensitivity of screening of EC by LBC.
Transduced caudal‐type homeobox (CDX) 2/CDX1 can induce growth inhibition on CDX‐deficient gastric cancer by rapid intestinal differentiation
Authors: Nakayama Chiemi , Yamamichi Nobutake , Tomida Shuta , Takahashi Yu , Kageyama‐Yahara Natsuko , Sakurai Kouhei , Takeuchi Chihiro , Inada Ken‐ichi , Shiogama Kazuya , Nagae Genta , Ono Satoshi , Tsuji Yosuke , Niimi Keiko , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Tsutsumi Yutaka , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: October 2018

Intestinal metaplasia induced by ectopic expression of caudal‐type homeobox (CDX)2 and/or CDX1 (CDX) is frequently observed around gastric cancer (GC). Abnormal expression of CDX is also observed in GC and suggests that inappropriate gastrointestinal differentiation plays essential roles in gastric tumorigenesis, but their roles on tumorigenesis remain unelucidated. Publicly available databases show that GC patients with higher CDX expression have significantly better clinical outcomes. We introduced CDX2 and CDX1 genes separately into GC‐originated MKN7 and TMK1 cells deficient in CDX. Marked suppression of cell growth and dramatic morphological change into spindle‐shaped flat form were observed along with induction of intestinal marker genes. G0‐G1 growth arrest was accompanied by changed expression of cell cycle‐related genes but not with apoptosis or senescence. Microarray analyses additionally showed decreased expression of gastric marker genes and increased expression of stemness‐associated genes. Hierarchical clustering of 111 GC tissues and 21 non‐cancerous gastric tissues by selected 18 signature genes based on our transcriptome analyses clearly categorized the 132 tissues into non‐cancer, “CDX signature”‐positive GC, and “CDX signature”‐negative GC. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that “CDX signature”‐positive GC has lower malignant features. Immunohistochemistry of 89 GC specimens showed that 50.6% were CDX2‐deficient, 66.3% were CDX1‐deficient, and 44.9% were concomitant CDX2/CDX1‐deficient, suggesting that potentially targetable GC cases by induced intestinal differentiation are quite common. In conclusion, exogenous expression of CDX2/CDX1 can lead to efficient growth inhibition of CDX‐deficient GC cells. It is based on rapidly induced intestinal differentiation, which may be a future therapeutic strategy.