bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of chlorhexidine for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients: a systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Cardona Alvin , Balouch Amir , Abdul Moiz Mohammed , Sedghizadeh Parish P. , Enciso Reyes
Published: January 2017

Background

Oral mucositis occurs in patients undergoing chemoradiation for cancer treatment. It is believed that colonization of ulcerated mucosa by bacteria, fungi, and virus results in secondary infections. The effect of chlorhexidine on the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in patients with cancer was evaluated in this review.

Methods

Studies were limited to randomized placebo‐controlled trials. Three databases were searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to May 25, 2016.

Results

Ninety‐eight abstracts were evaluated by three independent reviewers. Twelve studies met the criteria for inclusion. Four of these studies were assessed at unclear risk of bias and eight of them at high risk. Of the 12 studies, nine were included in two meta‐analyses. Pooled results showed that chlorhexidine did not significantly reduce incidence of mucositis compared to placebo (P = 0.129), nor chlorhexidine did significantly reduce the severity of mucositis (P = 0.127), although subgroup analysis in the chemotherapy group showed a trend toward significance (P = 0.054). Side effects reported in the included studies were teeth staining and altered taste perception.

Conclusions

This systematic review found that chlorhexidine is not significantly effective in reducing the severity of mucositis (moderate quality of evidence) nor in preventing the incidence of mucositis (low quality of evidence). However, more studies are needed in patients receiving chemotherapy only, as a positive trend toward significance was found (P = 0.054).
Loss Shocks in Export Credit Insurance Markets: Evidence From a Global Insurance Group
Authors: van der Veer Koen J. M.
Published: January 2017

Private export credit insurance—covering the risk of nonpayment—plays an important role in facilitating international trade, especially within Europe. Due to lack of data, however, little is known about the influence of loss shocks on export credit insurance markets. This article studies the effect of claims on the availability and premium of export credit insurance, using unique bilateral country‐level data covering worldwide insurance underwriting from 1992 to 2006 by a leading trade credit insurance group. Applying fixed effects models at the country subsidiary level, I find that a doubling of the claims ratio on insured exports between a pair of countries results, on average, in a decline in the subsidiary's share of bilateral exports insured by about 11 percent and rise in premium level by about 4 percent. These claims effects increase when the insurer makes a loss and rise with the size of the loss. Importantly, evidence shows that an extreme loss shock in one market also increases the claims sensitivity of insurance coverage on exports to other markets, suggesting a role for capital constraints. Overall, these results help our understanding of potential trade finance constraints in times of crisis, such as during the 2008–2009 global trade collapse.
Complex plant community responses to modifications of disturbance and nutrient availability in productive permanent grasslands
Authors: Louault Frédérique , Pottier Julien , Note Priscilla , Vile Denis , Soussana Jean‐François , Carrère Pascal
Published: January 2017

Question

Do the effects of grazing and fertilization on taxonomic and functional diversity follow the dynamic equilibrium model?

Location

Long‐term permanent upland grasslands, Massif‐central, France.

Methods

Over 8 yr, we monitored vegetation changes in 24 experimental plots in two productive grasslands after modification of grazing intensity (including abandonment) or fertilization regime (including cessation of fertilization). Botanical surveys and plant trait measurements (LDMC, SLA and reproductive plant height) were performed within each plot. We analysed taxonomic responses using PRC and functional responses from observed temporal changes of CWM traits and Rao index.

Results

Grazing abandonment led to significant reductions in species richness and functional convergence toward taller plants with higher LDMC in both grasslands. Intermediate and high grazing pressure did not differ but showed strong variations in taxonomic diversity between years. Changes in functional vegetation structure were mostly driven by species turnover and weakly influenced by intraspecific trait variability. Community responses to modified fertilization regime were more complex, with strong differences between the two mown grasslands. Species richness did not change significantly although species evenness decreased in the highly fertilized treatments (NPK), particularly in the most productive grassland. Here, functional changes were largely driven by intraspecific trait variability. Both functional divergence and convergence were found for different traits. In NPK, grassland assemblages converged toward taller plants while SLA diverged.

Conclusions

In our upland study system the different components of grassland diversity responded differently, in terms of direction or rate of change and mostly under extreme modifications of management. Following abandonment, the observed patterns suggest a prominent and consistent role of competitive exclusion, as expected under the DEM. However, our findings also suggest the role of additional processes, especially the importance of niche differentiation, for our mown grassland under NPK. Timing and net effects of these combined assembly drivers were sensitive to even slight differences in initial productivity and species composition.
Dynamic remodeling of arteriolar collaterals after acute occlusion in chick chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Xiang Weiwei , Reglin Bettina , Nitzsche Bianca , Maibier Martin , Rong Wen Wei , Hoffmann Björn , Ruggeri Alfredo , Guimarães Pedro , Secomb Timothy W. , Pries Axel R.
Published: January 2017

Objective

After arteriolar occlusion, collaterals enlarge and initially elevated WSS normalizes. While most previous studies focused on endpoints of such adaptive changes in larger collaterals, the present investigation aimed to continuously determine the relation between WSS and diameter in microvascular collaterals during adaptive reactions.

Methods

In Hamburger‐Hamilton stage 40 CAMs, junction points between arteriolar segments were identified and the third upstream segment on one side was occluded. Intravital microscopy recordings were taken for 24 hours post‐occlusion. Segment diameter and blood velocity were measured: WSS and capillary density were calculated.

Results

After occlusion, vascular diameters exhibited an immediate decrease, then increased with a time constant of 2.5 ± 0.8 hours and reached a plateau of up to 60% above baseline after about 7 hours. Vascular tone showed no significant change. WSS exhibited an immediate increase post‐occlusion and linearly returned to baseline after about 12 hours. Local WSS change and diameter change rate showed similar patterns during the initial but not the later phase of post‐occlusive adaptation.

Conclusions

CAM collaterals undergo fast structural remodeling within 24 hours post‐occlusion. This remodeling might be driven by local WSS and by other regulators within the vascular network.
Integrated classification of inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Allenbach Y. , Benveniste O. , Goebel H‐H. , Stenzel W.
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory myopathies comprise a multitude of diverse diseases, most often occurring in complex clinical settings. To ensure accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary expertise is required. Here, we propose a comprehensive myositis classification that incorporates clinical, morphological and molecular data as well as autoantibody profile. This review focuses on recent advances in myositis research, in particular, the correlation between autoantibodies and morphological or clinical phenotypes that can be used as the basis for an ‘integrated’ classification system.
N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline mediates the anti‐fibrotic properties of captopril in unilateral ureteric obstructed BALB/C mice
Authors: Chan Gary C.W. , Wu Hao Jia , Chan Kam Wa , Yiu Wai Han , Zou Ailis , Huang Xiao Ru , Lan Hui Yao , Lai Kar Neng , Tang Sydney C.W.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are widely used to deter the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Besides controlling hypertension and reduction of intra‐glomerular pressure, ACEi appear to have anti‐fibrotic effects in the renal cortex. N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP), an endogenous tetrapeptide that is degraded by ACE, has also been shown to ameliorate the pro‐fibrotic phenotype displayed in CKD in our recent study. Whether the anti‐fibrotic properties of ACEi are mediated by Ac‐SDKP has not been fully investigated.

Methods

To delineate the role of Ac‐SDKP in ACE blockade, 12‐week‐old male BALB/c mice underwent sham operation or unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO). UUO mice were subjected to: (i) vehicle; (ii) captopril or (iii) captopril in conjunction with S17092, a prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor. After 7 days, mice were sacrificed and kidneys harvested for analyses.

Results

After UUO, there were heightened expressions of collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin and α‐SMA associated with significant levels of tubulointerstitial injury on histological examination. Furthermore, p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF‐β1) signalling were upregulated. These were significantly ameliorated by captopril treatment alone but unaffected by co‐administration of captopril with S17092. Captopril treatment had resulted in elevated urinary Ac‐SDKP levels, an effect that was eliminated by the co‐administration with S17092.

Conclusion

This study allowed the investigation of the renoprotective property of ACEi in the absence of Ac‐SDKP and proved conclusively that Ac‐SDKP is the prime anti‐fibrotic mediator of captopril, acting via p44/42 MAPK and TGF‐β1 signalling pathways. Future research to expand CKD armamentarium should explore the utility of augmenting Ac‐SDKP levels.
Estimation of Benchmark Dose of Lifetime Cadmium Intake for Adverse Renal Effects Using Hybrid Approach in Inhabitants of an Environmentally Exposed River Basin in Japan
Authors: Kubo Keiko , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Kido Teruhiko , Nishijo Muneko , Nakagawa Hideaki , Suwazono Yasushi
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to estimate the reference level of lifetime cadmium intake (LCd) as the benchmark doses (BMDs) and their 95% lower confidence limits (BMDLs) for various renal effects by applying a hybrid approach. The participants comprised 3,013 (1,362 men and 1,651 women) and 278 (129 men and 149 women) inhabitants of the Cd‐polluted and nonpolluted areas, respectively, in the environmentally exposed Kakehashi River basin. Glucose, protein, aminonitrogen, metallothionein, and β2‐microglobulin in urine were measured as indicators of renal dysfunction. The BMD and BMDL that corresponded to an additional risk of 5% were calculated with background risk at zero exposure set at 5%. The obtained BMDLs of LCd were 3.7 g (glucose), 3.2 g (protein), 3.7 g (aminonitrogen), 1.7 g (metallothionein), and 1.8 g (β2‐microglobulin) in men and 2.9 g (glucose), 2.5 g (protein), 2.0 g (aminonitrogen), 1.6 g (metallothionein), and 1.3 g (β2‐microglobulin) in women. The lowest BMDL was 1.7 g (metallothionein) and 1.3 g (β2‐microglobulin) in men and women, respectively. The lowest BMDL of LCd (1.3 g) was somewhat lower than the representative threshold LCd (2.0 g) calculated in the previous studies. The obtained BMDLs may contribute to further discussion on the health risk assessment of cadmium exposure.
Is Hemodialysis Patient Survival Dependent upon Small Solute Clearance (Kt/V)?
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2017

Small solute clearance achieved during a single hemodialysis session has been traditionally evaluated by urea clearance, normalized for total body water (Kt/Vurea) for more than 30 years. By consensus, the target sessional KtVurea for thrice weekly treatments has been increased from 0.9 to 1.2 over the years. Although this is supported by observational studies, there is a fundamental lack of prospective studies to support this threshold target. In clinical practice achieving sessional Kt/Vurea targets are most closely followed in the US. Yet there appears to be a paradox in that by following Kt/Vurea targets in the US hemodialysis patient survival is better for men and the obese, the opposite of what is seen in the general population. Delivery of a lower dose of hemodialysis to women and smaller men can be explained by underestimation of total body water. The advent of bioimpedance techniques which can measure both body water and body composition will potentially allow a rescaling and re‐evaluation of the importance of small solute clearances (Kt/Vurea) in the hemodialysis patient population.
Association between adolescent sport activities and lumbar disk degeneration among young adults
Authors: Takatalo J. , Karppinen J. , Näyhä S. , Taimela S. , Niinimäki J. , Blanco Sequeiros R. , Tammelin T. , Auvinen J. , Tervonen O.
Published: January 2017

The relationship between different sport activities and lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration (DD) is largely unknown. We evaluated whether adolescent participation in different sports is associated with lumbar DD in a population‐based birth cohort of young adults. A total of 558 young adults (325 females and 233 males) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 1.5‐T scanner). A DD sum score, based on the Pfirrmann grading, was calculated for all lumbar levels. The sum score was categorized into no DD, 1, 2, or at least 3. Participation in different sport activities was self‐reported by postal surveys at 16, 18, and 19 years, and three groups were formed based on participation frequency in 11 sports: (a) highly active (at least twice a week), (b) moderately active (2‐4 times a month), and (c) inactive (maximum once a month). Cumulative odds ratios (COR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained for each sport by ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for gender, body mass index, age, socioeconomic status, smoking, and other sports. Highly active participation in jogging/running and swimming was associated with a higher DD sum score (COR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4‐6.3 and 5.0; 1.7‐15.2, respectively) compared to inactive participation, whereas highly active participation in skating showed low COR. In conclusion, running and swimming at least twice a week in early adulthood are potentially associated with lumbar DD. Follow‐up studies with MRI are needed to show whether frequent exposure to running or swimming has further effect on the integrity of lumbar intervertebral disks.
What Can and Can't Crowding Theories Tell Us about Farmers’ ‘Environmental’ Intentions in Post‐Agri‐Environment Scheme Contexts?
Authors: Darragh Helena S. , Emery Steven B.
Published: January 2017

The termination of the Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) Agri‐Environment Scheme in England provides a unique opportunity for testing and exploring the so‐called crowding‐out theory. The theory posits that payment for the provision of public goods leads to a reduction in the intrinsic motivation for their supply. Through a small qualitative case‐study in Southwest England we explore farmers’ intentions to continue with ‘environmental behaviours’ following the cessation of ELS. Contrary to the crowding‐out theory we find that farmers will continue with longstanding ‘environmental practices’ that were financially rewarded by the ELS, but will pick and choose whether to continue with newly introduced practices depending on how they fit with farmers’ existing cultural, economic and instrumental priorities. Moreover, we argue that the crowding‐out theory is based on a set of assumptions and simplifications that do not adequately help us interpret the relationship between farmers’ motives, practices and intentions. In particular, we show that intrinsic and extrinsic motives cannot straightforwardly be separated and that definitions of what constitutes an ‘environmental behaviour’ are far more complex than is often assumed.
A computational interactome for prioritizing genes associated with complex agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Liu Yihui , Zhao Jiawei , Cai Shitao , Qian Hongmei , Zuo Kaijing , Zhao Lingxia , Zhang Lida
Published: January 2017

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important staple foods for more than half of the global population. Many rice traits are quantitative, complex and controlled by multiple interacting genes. Thus, a full understanding of genetic relationships will be critical to systematically identify genes controlling agronomic traits. We developed a genome‐wide rice protein–protein interaction network (RicePPINet, http://netbio.sjtu.edu.cn/riceppinet) using machine learning with structural relationship and functional information. RicePPINet contained 708 819 predicted interactions for 16 895 non‐transposable element related proteins. The power of the network for discovering novel protein interactions was demonstrated through comparison with other publicly available protein–protein interaction (PPI) prediction methods, and by experimentally determined PPI data sets. Furthermore, global analysis of domain‐mediated interactions revealed RicePPINet accurately reflects PPIs at the domain level. Our studies showed the efficiency of the RicePPINet‐based method in prioritizing candidate genes involved in complex agronomic traits, such as disease resistance and drought tolerance, was approximately 2–11 times better than random prediction. RicePPINet provides an expanded landscape of computational interactome for the genetic dissection of agronomically important traits in rice.
Active wideband higher-order raypath separation in multipath environment
Authors: Jiang Longyu , Hong Yaping , Roux Philippe , Wu Jiasong , Shu Huazhong
Published: January 2017

Multiple raypaths propagation is caused by reflection and refraction at the surface and the bottom of the water column. In this study, an active wideband higher-order separation is proposed, which enables the separation of raypaths interrupted by colored noise (as traditionally found in ocean environments) in the angle-vs-time domain. A comparative study shows that the proposed algorithm achieves a more accurate separation than other algorithms. Moreover, with the proposed approach, it is not necessary to assume that the number of sensors is larger than that of the sources. Furthermore, numerical results validate the noise suppression property of the proposed method.
A learning method for localizing objects in reverberant domains with limited measurements
Authors: Firouzi Kamyar , Khuri-Yakub Butrus T.
Published: January 2017

This article presents a learning (training)-based method for localizing objects in enclosures. Wave propagation in enclosures can lead to mixing of the wave energy, ultimately leading to incoherent spreading of information. This makes the localization problem challenging. However, spreading of the wave energy can lead to multiple interrogations of each point in the enclosure, which is in essence reminiscent of an ergodic or a closely ergodic behavior. Hence, any substructural changes in the enclosure can be sensed with sufficient information carried by the wave energy flow. Furthermore, temporal information buried in data makes it feasible to conduct only a few spatial measurements. A localization scheme is presented that benefits from the reverberant field and can reduce the required number of spatial measurements.
A PTK7-targeted antibody-drug conjugate reduces tumor-initiating cells and induces sustained tumor regressions
Authors: Damelin Marc , Bankovich Alexander , Bernstein Jeffrey , Lucas Justin , Chen Liang , Williams Samuel , Park Albert , Aguilar Jorge , Ernstoff Elana , Charati Manoj , Dushin Russell , Aujay Monette , Lee Christina , Ramoth Hanna , Milton Milly , Hampl Johannes , Lazetic Sasha , Pulito Virginia , Rosfjord Edward , Sun Yongliang , King Lindsay , Barletta Frank , Betts Alison , Guffroy Magali , Falahatpisheh Hadi , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Stull Robert , Pysz Marybeth , Escarpe Paul , Liu David , Foord Orit , Gerber Hans Peter , Sapra Puja , Dylla Scott J.
Published: January 2017

PTK7 is a tumor-initiating cell antigen, which can be targeted with an antibody-drug conjugate to confer sustained tumor regressions.
CRISPR-Cas9 gene repair of hematopoietic stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: De Ravin Suk See , Li Linhong , Wu Xiaolin , Choi Uimook , Allen Cornell , Koontz Sherry , Lee Janet , Theobald-Whiting Narda , Chu Jessica , Garofalo Mary , Sweeney Colin , Kardava Lela , Moir Susan , Viley Angelia , Natarajan Pachai , Su Ling , Kuhns Douglas , Zarember Kol A. , Peshwa Madhusudan V. , Malech Harry L.
Published: January 2017

CRISPR-mediated gene repair of hematopoietic stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease resulted in functional human leukocytes in mice after transplantation.
Emergence of Epidemic Zika Virus Transmission and Congenital Zika Syndrome: Are Recently Evolved Traits to Blame?
Authors: Weaver Scott C.
Published: January 2017

The mechanisms responsible for the dramatic emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV), accompanied by congenital Zika syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), remain unclear. However, two hypotheses are prominent: (i) evolution for enhanced urban transmission via adaptation to mosquito vectors, or for enhanced human infection to increase amplification, or (ii) the stochastic introduction of ZIKV into large, naive human populations in regions with abundant
Aedes aegypti
populations, leading to enough rare, severe infection outcomes for their first recognition. Advances in animal models for human infection combined with improvements in serodiagnostics, better surveillance, and reverse genetic approaches should provide more conclusive evidence of whether mosquito transmission or human pathogenesis changed coincidentally with emergence in the South Pacific and the Americas. Ultimately, understanding the mechanisms of epidemic ZIKV emergence, and its associated syndromes, is critical to predict future risks as well as to target surveillance and control measures in key locations.
Rare case of haemoptysis
Authors: Awouda Elrasheid Ali , Elnori Ahmed Anwar , Ahmed AlaEldin Hassan
Published: January 2017

We report a case of a 39-year-old man who presented with coughing up blood for 5 days. On the day of admission, he coughed up about 300 mL of fresh blood. He mentioned that he has had cough for the past 10 years. On clinical examination, he was afebrile, tachypneic, tahycardic and normotensive. Rest of the physical examination was normal. His oxygen saturation breathing room air was 96%. His full blood count showed haemoglobin 9.3 g/dL. His chest radiograph was reported as normal. CT chest showed a vascular right paracardiac soft tissue density. On the basis of this, a diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration was considered. CT angiography of the soft tissue density identified multiple sources of systemic arterial blood. Two arteries were arising from the descending aorta and a third artery was coming from the right renal artery. Surgical removal of the sequestrated lobe was performed. The patient has an uneventful postoperative recovery and remained well at follow-up 2 months after surgery.
Persistent anterior interosseous nerve palsy following forearm crutch use
Authors: Macneal Peter , Crome Christopher Robert , McNally Scarlett
Published: January 2017

A 43-year-old man presented with weakness of the interphalageal joint of his right thumb following the use of forearm crutches. On examination he was unable to oppose his thumb and index finger to form the ‘ok’ sign. Nerve conduction showed anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) damage along its path to the flexor pollicis longus. The patient was managed conservatively with little clinical improvement seen at 4 months. AIN palsies are very rare and account for <1% of all upper limb lesions. Although AIN palsies resulting from other causes such as surgery and blunt trauma are more common, we report the second case of AIN palsy following crutch use, and the first case in which clinical identification was confirmed using electrodiagnosis. Usual clinical practice recommends a prolonged period of conservative management with surgical management withheld for a minimum of 12 months. Correct crutch fitting and early identification of signs of associated injuries are of paramount importance.
Estimating the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes using population level pharmacy claims data: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sinnott Sarah-Jo , McHugh Sheena , Whelton Helen , Layte Richard , Barron Steve , Kearney Patricia M
Published: January 2017

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes using a national pharmacy claims database.

Research design and methods

We used data from the Health Service Executive-Primary Care Reimbursement Service database in Ireland for this cross-sectional study. Prevalent cases of type 2 diabetes were individuals using an oral hypoglycemic agent, irrespective of insulin use, in 2012. Incident cases were individuals using an oral hypoglycemic agent in 2012 who had not used one in the past. Population level estimates were calculated and stratified by age and sex.

Results

In 2012, there were 114 957 prevalent cases of type 2 diabetes giving a population prevalence of 2.51% (95% CI 2.49% to 2.52%). Among adults (≥15yrs), this was 3.16% (95% CI 3.15% to 3.18%). The highest prevalence was in those aged 70+ years (12.1%). 21 574 people developed type 2 diabetes in 2012 giving an overall incidence of 0.48% (95% CI 0.48% to 0.49%). In adults, this was 0.60% (95% CI 0.60% to 0.61%). Incidence rose with age to a maximum of 2.08% (95% CI 2.02% to 2.15%) in people aged 65–69 years. Men had a higher prevalence (2.96% vs 2.04%) and incidence (0.54% vs 0.41%) of type 2 diabetes than women.

Conclusions

Pharmacy claims data allow estimates of objectively defined type 2 diabetes at the population level using up-to-date data. These estimates can be generated quickly to inform health service planning or to evaluate the impact of population level interventions.
Adverse drug reactions to anticoagulants in Spain: analysis of the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Data (2010–2013)
Authors: Carrasco-Garrido P , Hernández-Barrera V , Esteban-Hernández J , Jiménez-Trujillo I , Álvaro-Meca A , López de Andrés A , de Miguel Diez J , Rodríguez Barrios J M , Muñoz Robles J A , Jiménez-García R
Published: January 2017

Objective

To describe and analyse hospitalisations for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) involving anticoagulants. We also analysed the progress of the reactions over time, the factors related with ADRs.

Design

A retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study.

Setting

This study used the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, CMBD), over a 4-year period.

Participants

We selected CMBD data corresponding to hospital discharges with a diagnosis of ADRs to anticoagulants (International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code E934.2) in any diagnostic field during the study period.

Main outcome measures

We calculated the annual incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants according to sex and age groups. The median lengths of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality (IHM) were also estimated for each year studied. Bivariate analyses of the changes in variables according to year were based on Poisson regression. IHM was analysed using logistic regression models. The estimates were expressed as ORs and their 95% CI.

Results

During the study period, 50 042 patients were hospitalised because of ADRs to anticoagulants (6.38% of all ADR-related admissions). The number of cases increased from 10 415 in 2010 to 13 891 in 2013. Cumulative incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants was significantly higher for men than women and in all age groups. An adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that IHM did not change significantly over time. We observed a statistically significant association between IHM and age, with the highest risk for the ≥85 age group (OR 2.67; 95% CI 2.44 to 2.93).

Conclusions

The incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants in Spain increased from 2010 to 2013, and was significantly higher for men than women and in all age groups. Older patients were particularly susceptible to being hospitalised with an adverse reaction to an anticoagulant.
Redefining the child pedestrian safety paradigm: identifying high fatality concentrations in urban areas
Authors: Ferenchak Nicholas N , Marshall Wesley E
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Child pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable users of our transportation systems, and they deserve particular attention when we consider traffic safety. The objective of this work is to identify urban locations in which child pedestrians are at particular risk for fatal collisions with vehicles.

Methods

This paper examines 30 years of crash data for six American cities to locate areas with high child pedestrian fatality concentrations. Phase I of the study, which examines Denver, Colorado, USA, reveals higher concentrations of child pedestrian fatalities around parks as compared with other areas that children have been shown to frequent. In phase II of the study, we specifically examine fatality concentrations near parks as compared with schools.

Results

Statistical analyses suggest that, once exposure is controlled for, child pedestrian fatalities concentrate around parks in densities 1.04–2.23 times higher than around schools. Also, the concentration of child pedestrian fatalities around parks is 1.16–1.81 times higher than the respective citywide concentration.

Conclusion

Traffic risks for children around parks deserve further examination as we pursue the goals of Vision Zero and child safety on our streets.
A pericentric inversion of chromosome X disruptingF8and resulting in haemophilia A
Authors: Xin Yu , Zhou Jingyi , Ding Qiulan , Chen Changming , Wu Xi , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Hongli , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2017

Aims

The frequency of X chromosome pericentric inversion is much less than that of autosome chromosome. We hereby characterise a pericentric inversion of X chromosome associated with severe factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency in a sporadic haemophilia A (HA) pedigree.

Methods

PCR primer walking and genome walking strategies were adopted to identify the exact breakpoints of the inversion. Copy number variations (CNVs) of theF8and the whole chromosomes were detected by AccuCopy and Affymetrix CytoScan High Definition (HD) assays, respectively. A karyotype analysis was performed by cytogenetic G banding technique.

Results

We identified a previously undescribed type of pericentric inversion of the X chromosome [inv(X)(p11.21q28)] in the proband with FVIII:C <1%. One breakpoint was located in the intron 7 of theF8, which disrupted the transcription of theF8,and the other located in the upstream of thePFKFB1of the X chromosome. The inversion segment was approximately 64.4% of the total chromosomal length. The karyotype analysis of the X chromosome confirmed the pericentric inversion of the X chromosome in the proband and his mother. A haplotype analysis traced the inversion to his maternal grandfather, who was not a somatic mosaic of the inversion. This finding indicated that the causative mutation may originate from his germ cells or a rare possibility of germ-cell mosaicism.

Conclusions

The characterisation of pericentric inversion involvingF8extended the molecular mechanisms causing HA. The pericentric inversion rearrangement involvesF8by non-homologous end joining is responsible for pathogensis of severe HA.
Economic impact of a Salmonella outbreak on a Welsh dairy farm and an estimation of the breakeven point for vaccination
Authors: Damaso Angela Filipa , Rushton Jonathan
Published: January 2017

Salmonellosis is a disease present in the cattle herds of England with clinical presentations such as abortion storms that can have devastating farm‐level economic consequences. Using farm‐specific costs and revenues, a partial budget analysis estimated the economic impact of a Salmonella outbreak. A breakeven analysis was used to estimate the point at which vaccination as a preventative measure would be economically more profitable than managing acute salmonellosis as it occurs. The analysis showed that the costs of disease were greater than the costs of controlling the disease on farm, and that vaccination would be beneficial versus a scenario of managing an outbreak every 16 or less years. Vaccination against salmonellosis is a preventative measure that incorporates high costs, but can reveal itself as an investment to prevent higher losses. Practitioners should use economic analysis tools to discuss with their clients the best options for disease management.
Genomic constitution and intergenomic translocations in theElymus dahuricuscomplex revealed by multicolor GISH
Authors: Yang Cairong , Zhang Haiqin , Chen Weihuan , Kang Houyang , Wang Yi , Sha Lina , Fan Xing , Zeng Jian , Zhou Yonghong
Published: January 2017

Multicolor genomic in situ hybridization was used to investigate the genomic constitution and intergenomic translocations in the Elymus dahuricus complex. The genomic constitution of species of the E. dahuricus complex was confirmed as StYH. H/Y and H/St intergenomic translocations were identified in the present study, with 7H and 1Y chromosomes involved in reciprocal translocations for all the accessions investigated in the complex. We propose that the translocations in the E. dahuricus complex are species-specific, associated with allopolyploidy, and may serve as important structural alterations for allopolyploid stability. Furthermore, they may help to restore fertility and nucleocytoplasmic compatibility in a newly formed polyploid and facilitate the successful establishment of E. dahuricus as a stable species. It was found that more chromosomes were involved in translocations and more types of intergenomic translocations were observed in the high altitude (4150 m) population Y 2228 than in populations from relatively lower altitudes (2600–3800 m). We speculate that more complicated genomic changes were associated with escalating altitudes in the Tibetan Plateau. These genomic changes contribute to promote the genetic variability and enable the newly formed allopolyploids to adapt to more changeable and harsher environments during the evolution of a polyploid species, thus facilitating their rapid and successful establishment in nature.
Adaptive Beaconing in Mobility Aware Clustering Based MAC Protocol for Safety Message Dissemination in VANET
Authors: Gupta Nishu , Prakash Arun , Tripathi Rajeev
Published: January 2017

Majority of research contributions in wireless access in vehicular environment (WAVE)/IEEE 802.11p standard focus on life critical safety-related applications. These applications require regular status update of vehicle’s position referred to as beaconing. Periodic beaconing in vehicle to vehicle communication leads to severe network congestion in the communication channel. The condition worsens under high vehicular density where it impacts reliability and upper bound latency of safety messages. In this paper, WAVE compliant enhancement to the existing IEEE 802.11p protocol is presented which targets prioritized delivery of safety messages while simultaneously provisioning the dissemination of nonsafety messages. Proposed scheme relies on dynamic generation of beacons to mitigate channel congestion and inefficient bandwidth utilization by reducing transmission frequency of beacons. Through the use of clustering mechanism, different beaconing frequencies and different data transmission rates are assigned to prioritize vehicular mobility. Through extensive simulation results, the performance of the proposed approach is evaluated in terms of a wide range of quality of service (QoS) parameters for two different transmission ranges. Results show that the proposed protocol provides significant enhancement and stability of the clustered topology in vehicular ad hoc network over existing standard and other protocols with similar applications.
The Osteometry of Equine Third Phalanx by the Use of Three-Dimensional Scanning: New Measurement Possibilities
Authors: Paśko Sławomir , Dzierzęcka Małgorzata , Purzyc Halina , Charuta Anna , Barszcz Karolina , Bartyzel Bartłomiej Jan , Komosa Marcin
Published: January 2017

This study consisted in analyzing the asymmetry between bilateral third phalanges (coffin bones) in cold-blood horses based on the angle range of the plantar margin of the bone. The study employed a scanner projecting a hybrid set of images, consisting of sinusoidal stripes preceded by a Gray code sequence. As it turned out, three-dimensional scanning can be used to effectively determine the angle range for a selected portion of the studied bone. This provides broad possibilities for osteometric studies, as it enables the determination of angle distribution in a given fragment. The results obtained indicate a weak correlation between age and bilateral third-phalanx asymmetry in terms of the angle range of the plantar margins and no correlation between body weight and the asymmetry described.
Effect of Ta Additions on the Microstructure, Damping, and Shape Memory Behaviour of Prealloyed Cu-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Saud Safaa N. , Hamzah E. , Bakhsheshi-Rad H. R. , Abubakar T.
Published: January 2017

The influence of Ta additions on the microstructure and properties of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloys was investigated in this paper. The addition of Ta significantly affects the green and porosity densities; the minimum percentage of porosity was observed with the modified prealloyed Cu-Al-Ni-2.0 wt.% Ta. The phase transformation temperatures were shifted towards the highest values after Ta was added. Based on the damping capacity results, the alloy of Cu-Al-Ni-3.0 wt.% Ta has very high internal friction with the maximum equivalent internal friction value twice as high as that of the prealloyed Cu-Al-Ni SMA. Moreover, the prealloyed Cu-Al-Ni SMAs with the addition of 2.0 wt.% Ta exhibited the highest shape recovery ratio in the first cycle (i.e., 100% recovery), and when the number of cycles is increased, this ratio tends to decrease. On the other hand, the modified alloys with 1.0 and 3.0 wt.% Ta implied a linear increment in the shape recovery ratio with increasing number of cycles. Polarization tests in NaCl solution showed that the corrosion resistance of Cu-Al-Ni-Ta SMA improved with escalating Ta concentration as shown by lower corrosion current densities, higher corrosion potential, and formation of stable passive film.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Inhibits Apoptosis and Promotes Proliferation of Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes by Reducing Cellular Oxidative Stress
Authors: Nawrocka Daria , Kornicka Katarzyna , Szydlarska Joanna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: January 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting increasing number of people in developed countries. Therefore new strategies for treatment of T2D and its complications are of special interest. Nowadays, cellular therapies involving mesenchymal stromal cells that reside in adipose tissue (ASCs) constitute a promising approach; however, there are still many obstacles concerning safety and effectiveness that need to be overcome before ASCs could be engaged for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. One of the challenges is preventing ASCs from deterioration caused by elevated oxidative stress present in diabetes milieu. In the current study we investigated the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) treatment on ASCs isolated from patients with diagnosed T2D. We demonstrate here that cell exposition to bFGF in 5 and 10 ng/mL dosages results in improved morphology, increased proliferative activity, reduced cellular senescence and apoptosis, and decreased oxidative stress, indicating recovery of ASCs’ function impaired by T2D. Therefore our results provide a support for bFGF as a potential therapeutic agent for improving stem cell‐based approaches for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications.
Preoperative Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Is Associated with Cancer-Specific Survival and Recurrence-Free Survival of Nonmetastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Venous Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Luo Cheng , Xu Ben , Fan Yu , Yu Wei , Zhang Qian , Jin Jie
Published: January 2017

Introduction. To evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) on the subgroup of nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the institutional database and collected the medical data of 156 patients with nonmetastatic RCC with venous tumor thrombus between March 2004 and December 2014. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results. The median value and optimal cutoff point of preoperative GGT were 23.0 and 37.5 IU/L, respectively. In the entire cohort, 67 (42.9%) patients experienced disease recurrence, and 46 (29.5%) patients died. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the CSS and RFS rates were lower in patients with preoperative GGT ≥ 37.5 IU/L than in those with preoperative GGT < 37.5 IU/L. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that high preoperative GGT was significantly associated with shorter CSS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.115; 95% CI: 1.164–3.843; p=0.014) and RFS (HR: 1.955; 95% CI: 1.166–3.276; p=0.011), after adjusting other covariates. Conclusions. Preoperative GGT can serve as an independent prognostic biomarker of nonmetastatic RCC patients with venous tumor thrombus. Further prospective study is warranted to confirm our results.
Fatigue and Activity Management Education for Individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: O’Riordan Ruth , Doran Michele , Connolly Deirdre
Published: January 2017

Background. Fatigue and Activity Management Education (FAME) is a six-week occupational therapy-led programme focusing on fatigue and stress management, exercise, nutrition, and joint protection. Each session consists of education and goal setting.Objectives of Study. To assess the impact of FAME on occupational participation and fatigue management.Methods. Three programmes were facilitated with twenty-one women with SLE. A mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected using self-reported questionnaires administered before, immediately after, and eight weeks after intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive and nonparametric inferential statistics. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out on the qualitative data.Findings. There was a statistically significant improvement in depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and categories of “burden to others” and “fatigue” in the LupusQoL. There were nonsignificant improvements in fatigue, occupational participation, self-efficacy, and anxiety. Participants reported an improved understanding of fatigue and the impact of stress on fatigue. They also identified self-management strategies they were using on a daily basis.
Product Form Design Model Based on Multiobjective Optimization and Multicriteria Decision‐Making
Authors: Shieh Meng-Dar , Li Yongfeng , Yang Chih-Chieh
Published: January 2017

Affective responses concern customers’ affective needs and have received increasing attention in consumer‐focused research. To design a product that appeals to consumers, designers should consider multiple affective responses (MARs). Designing products capable of satisfying MARs falls into the category of multiobjective optimization (MOO). However, when exploring optimal product form design, most relevant studies have transformed multiple objectives into a single objective, which limits their usefulness to designers and consumers. To optimize product form design for MARs, this paper proposes an integrated model based on MOO and multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM). First, design analysis is applied to identify design variables and MARs; quantification theory type I is then employed to build the relationship models between them; on the basis of these models, an MOO model for optimization of product form design is constructed. Next, we use nondominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II) as a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) to solve the MOO model and thereby derive Pareto optimal solutions. Finally, we adopt the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to obtain the optimal design from the Pareto solutions. A case study of car form design is conducted to demonstrate the proposed approach. The results suggest that this approach is feasible and effective in obtaining optimal designs and can provide great insight for product form design.
The Femoral Neck Mechanoresponse to Hip Extensors Exercise: A Case Study
Authors: Martelli Saulo , Mokhtarzadeh Hossein , Pivonka Peter , Ebeling Peter R.
Published: January 2017

Physical activity is recommended to prevent age-related bone loss. However, the proximal femur mechanoresponse is variable, possibly because of a muscle-dependant mechanoresponse. We compared the proximal femur response with the femoral strain pattern generated by the hip extensor muscles. A healthy participant underwent a six-month unilateral training of the hip extensor muscles using a resistance weight regularly adjusted to the 80% of the one-repetition maximum weight. DXA-based measurements of the areal Bone Mineral Density (aBMD) in the exercise leg were adjusted for changes in the control leg. The biomechanical stimulus for bone adaptation (BS) was calculated using published models of the musculoskeletal system and the average hip extension moment in elderly participants. Volumetric (ΔvBMD) and areal (ΔaBMD) BMD changes were calculated. The measured and calculated BMD changes consistently showed a positive and negative effect of exercise in the femoral neck (ΔaBMD = +0.7%; ΔvBMD = +0.8%) and the trochanter region (ΔaBMD = −4.1%; ΔvBMD = −0.5%), respectively. The 17% of the femoral neck exceeded the 75th percentile of the spatially heterogeneous BS distribution. Hip extensor exercises may be beneficial in the proximal femoral neck but not in the trochanteric region. DXA-based measurements may not capture significant aBMD local changes.
Breastfeeding Supports and Services in Rural Hawaii: Perspectives of Community Healthcare Workers
Authors: Flood Jeanie L.
Published: January 2017

Background. In the state of Hawaii, breastfeeding initiation rates are higher than the national average but fall below target rates for duration. Accessing breastfeeding support services is challenging for mothers living in rural areas of the state. Healthcare workers (HCWs) working with mothers and infants are in a key position to encourage and support breastfeeding efforts. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of a Hawaiian community’s (specifically Hilo, Hawai‘i) breastfeeding service and support issues.Method. The qualitative study design utilized was a focused ethnography. This approach was used to gather data from participant HCWs (N=23) about their individual or shared experience(s) about the breastfeeding supports and services available in their community. An iterative process of coding and categorizing the data followed by conceptual abstraction into patterns was completed.Results. Three patterns emerged from the qualitative interviews:Operating within Constraints of the Particular Environment,Coexisting Messages, andProcess Interrupted.Participants identified a number of gaps in breastfeeding services available to their clients including the lack of available lactation consultants and the inconsistent communication between hospital and community providers. A number of implications for practice and further research were suggested within the results and are discussed.