bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, by reduced placental growth factor in pre‐eclampsia, as a cause for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Jun , Ying Huanchun , Cai Guiyang , Guo Quan , Chen Lizhu
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Reduced increase in serum placental growth factor (PLGF) levels frequently occurs in patients with pre‐eclampsia (PE) and thus has been used as a predictive factor for developing PE. However, it has remained elusive how shortage of PLGF could affect pancreatic endocrine homoeostasis and function in pregnancy to lead to development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and methods

We used l‐NAME injection in mice, as a model of human PE, in which PLGF levels were significantly reduced.

Results

We not only confirmed reduced serum PLGF levels in patients with PE but also detected strong correlation of serum PLGF levels and presence of GDM. We found that growth of beta cell mass during pregnancy was significantly impaired by l‐NAME injection, as a result of reduced beta cell proliferation. This may explain the higher risk of developing GDM in patients with PE. Moreover, provision of exogenous PLGF in l‐NAME‐treated pregnant mice significantly rescued beta cell proliferation, with subsequent increase in beta cell mass, suggesting that shortage in PLGF may be responsible for impaired beta cell growth and higher occurrence of GDM in patients with PE.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted a pivotal role for PLGF in prevention and treatment of GDM in patients with PE.
The foot–surface interaction and its impact on musculoskeletal adaptation and injury risk in the horse
Authors: Parkes R. S. V. , Witte T. H.
Published: January 2015

The equine limb has evolved for efficient locomotion and high‐speed performance, with adaptations of bone, tendon and muscle. However, the system lacks the ability seen in some species to dynamically adapt to different circumstances. The mechanical interaction of the limb and the ground is influenced by internal and external factors including fore–hind mass distribution, lead limb, moving on a curve, shoeing and surface properties. It is unclear which of the components of limb loading have the largest effect on injury and performance but peak load, impact and vibration all play a role. Factors related to the foot–ground interface that limit performance are poorly understood. Peak performance varies vastly between disciplines but at high speeds such as racing and polo, force and grip are key limits to performance.
Parenting Plans for Special Needs Children: Applying a Risk‐Assessment Model
Authors: Pickar Daniel B. , Kaufman Robert L.
Published: January 2015

Family courts are seeing an increasing number of separating or divorced families who have a special needs child. These cases present complex challenges for family law professionals charged with crafting parenting plans based on best interests standards. For many of these children, the typical developmentally based custodial arrangements may not be suitable, given the child's specific symptoms and treatment needs. We present a model for understanding how the general and specific needs of these children, as well as the demands on parents, can be assessed and understood in the context of divorce. This includes an analysis of risk and protective factors that inform timeshare and custodial recommendations and determinations. The risk assessment model is then applied to three of the most commonly occurring childhood neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders likely to be encountered in family court, namely, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depressive disorders, and autistic spectrum disorders.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

There has been a dramatic rise in the population of children with neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and medical syndromes whose parents are disputing custody in the family courts.

Family law professionals of all disciplines should develop a fundamental knowledge base about the most commonly seen special needs children in family court, such as those with neurodevelopmental conditions like autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and severe depressive disorders (especially with teenagers), which may involve suicidal or self‐harming behaviors.

Commonly recommended parenting plans may be inappropriate for many special needs children, as some function significantly below their chronological age and pose extreme behavioral challenges.

A systematic analysis of risk and protective factors should inform timeshare arrangements and determinations with this varied population, including the safety of the child and severity of the disorder, parental commitment and availability to pursue medical, educational, and therapeutic services, the parental attunement and insightful about the problem, and the differential parenting skills of each parent.
The Chat Room Moderator: Creating a Duty for Parents to Control Their Cyberbully
Authors: Heller Jonathan
Published: January 2015

The advent of new technologies allowing people to communicate via the Internet has opened many windows to social interaction. At the same time, it has shifted the focus of child harassment from the playground to the computer. Instead of face‐to‐face bullying, children are now being bullied on the Internet, in a phenomenon known as “cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying is widespread, affecting generally twenty‐five percent of the child population in the United States. It is also more dangerous, as a child can be bullied at any time in the supposed comfort of his/her own home. To combat this behavior, many states have passed measures to ban or criminalize cyberbullying in school‐related settings. Nevertheless, children and adolescents continue to cyberbully their peers. Furthermore, most of these statutes do not address cyberbullying that occurs outside school or from a child's own home. Thus, this Note proposes that cyberbullying can be better combated by placing responsibility on parents to reasonably control their children in cases of cyberbullying. Based on the recently enacted ‘Cyber‐safety Act” from the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia and Restatement of Torts § 316, this Note proposes (1) placing tort responsibility on parents who know that their child is a cyberbully and do nothing about it and (2) allowing parents to avoid liability when their child truly cannot be controlled.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Cyberbullying is a major problem that must be addressed beyond the schoolyard.

The law may provide recourse for the parents of a cyberbullying victim and can hold the parents of a cyberbully responsible.

The Nova Scotia Cyber‐safety Act is a good model for holding parents liable for their child's acts because it balances the desire to end cyberbullying and the understanding that some minors are uncontrollable.
Dodging the Donor Daddy Drama: Creating a Model Statute for Determining Parental Status of Known Sperm Donors
Authors: Nadraus Jennifer
Published: January 2015

Despite recent innovations in alternative reproduction technology and the increased use of artificial insemination procedures, courts and legislatures have been unable to develop a clear and consistent test to establish the parental rights and obligations of sperm donors. As a result, there are mixed outcomes in cases where intended parents seek child support from an unsuspecting donor or when donors petition the court for visitation with their biological children. This Note seeks to resolve the ambiguity in determining sperm donors’ parental status by proposing a model state statute that makes nonpaternity the default rule. Under the statute, sperm donors would not be subject to any of the parental rights or obligations of a traditional biological father. However, the presumption of nonpaternity could be overcome if the parties agree, in writing, prior to the insemination. Further, the model statute provides an exception to the default rule if the donor has played an active role in the child's life. Adopting this model statute will not only facilitate a market for sperm donation but also make donor rights and obligations clear from the onset.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Today, infants born using artificial reproduction technology (ART) represent more than one percent of children born in the United States annually.

When a donor is anonymous, the law is clear: the donor is not a legal parent. However, the law regarding known donors is less straightforward. Depending on the state and the particular circumstances, the parental status of a known donor is questionable.

The ambiguity in the law creates confusion and disagreement among the parties in a donor agreement. By comparing factually similar cases, in which courts interpreted donor statutes with identical language, in completely opposite ways, it is easy to see the unpredictability in ART cases.

The proposed model statute provides unambiguous legislation that sets out a clear standard to be used in determining the parental status of known donors. If adopted by state legislatures, courts across the country would finally have a consistent rule to apply, leading to less confusion and contradictory rulings.

The key issue is honoring intentional parentage and the proactive choice to use ART to have a child on one's own terms.
Active ERK2 is sufficient to mediate growth arrest and differentiation signaling
Authors: Wu Pui–Kei , Hong Seung–Keun , Yoon Seung–Hee , Park Jong–In
Published: January 2015

Although extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2) have been shown to be required in Raf/MEK/ERK pathway signaling, its sufficiency for mediating the pathway signaling has not been firmly established. In an effort to address this, we evaluated previously described ERK2 mutants that exhibit enhanced autophosphorylation of TEY sites in the activation loop in terms of their ability to induce growth arrest and differentiation in LNCaP and PC12 cells. We demonstrate that expression of ERK2‐L73P/S151D, containing Lys73Pro and Ser151Asp substitutions that synergistically promote ERK autophosphorylation, is sufficient to induce growth arrest and differentiation, whereas expression of ERK2‐I84A and ERK2‐R65S/D319N is not as effective. When compared to the constitutively active MEK1‐ΔN3/S218E/S222D, expression of ERK2‐L73P/S151D only mildly increased ERK kinase activity in cells, as assessed using the ERK substrates p90RSK and ETS domain‐containing protein (ELK1). However, ERK2‐L73P/S151D expression effectively induced down‐regulation of androgen receptors, Retinoblastoma (Rb) protein and E2F1 transcription factor, and up‐regulation of p16INK4A and p21CIP1, accompanied by cell‐cycle arrest and morphological differentiation in LNCaP cells and neurite‐like processes in PC12 cells. These effects and the TEY site phosphorylation of ERK2‐L73P/S151D were abrogated upon introduction of the active site‐disabling Lys52Arg mutation, suggesting that its autoactivation drives this signaling. Moreover, introduction of mutations Asp316/319Ala or Asp319Asn, which impair the common docking site/D‐domain‐based physical interaction of ERK, did not significantly affect ERK2‐L73P/S151D signaling, suggesting that ERK2 mediates growth arrest and differentiation independently of the conventional ERK–target interaction mechanism. Thus, our study presents convincing evidence of ERK sufficiency for Raf/MEK/ERK signaling.
Mapping global cropland and field size
Authors: Fritz Steffen , See Linda , McCallum Ian , You Liangzhi , Bun Andriy , Moltchanova Elena , Duerauer Martina , Albrecht Fransizka , Schill Christian , Perger Christoph , Havlik Petr , Mosnier Aline , Thornton Philip , Wood‐Sichra Ulrike , Herrero Mario , Becker‐Reshef Inbal , Justice Chris , Hansen Matthew , Gong Peng , Abdel Aziz Sheta , Cipriani Anna , Cumani Renato , Cecchi Giuliano , Conchedda Giulia , Ferreira Stefanus , Gomez Adriana , Haffani Myriam , Kayitakire Francois , Malanding Jaiteh , Mueller Rick , Newby Terence , Nonguierma Andre , Olusegun Adeaga , Ortner Simone , Rajak D. Ram , Rocha Jansle , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Schepaschenko Maria , Terekhov Alexey , Tiangwa Alex , Vancutsem Christelle , Vintrou Elodie , Wenbin Wu , van der Velde Marijn , Dunwoody Antonia , Kraxner Florian , Obersteiner Michael
Published: January 2015

A new 1 km global IIASA‐IFPRI cropland percentage map for the baseline year 2005 has been developed which integrates a number of individual cropland maps at global to regional to national scales. The individual map products include existing global land cover maps such as GlobCover 2005 and MODIS v.5, regional maps such as AFRICOVER and national maps from mapping agencies and other organizations. The different products are ranked at the national level using crowdsourced data from Geo‐Wiki to create a map that reflects the likelihood of cropland. Calibration with national and subnational crop statistics was then undertaken to distribute the cropland within each country and subnational unit. The new IIASA‐IFPRI cropland product has been validated using very high‐resolution satellite imagery via Geo‐Wiki and has an overall accuracy of 82.4%. It has also been compared with the EarthStat cropland product and shows a lower root mean square error on an independent data set collected from Geo‐Wiki. The first ever global field size map was produced at the same resolution as the IIASA‐IFPRI cropland map based on interpolation of field size data collected via a Geo‐Wiki crowdsourcing campaign. A validation exercise of the global field size map revealed satisfactory agreement with control data, particularly given the relatively modest size of the field size data set used to create the map. Both are critical inputs to global agricultural monitoring in the frame of GEOGLAM and will serve the global land modelling and integrated assessment community, in particular for improving land use models that require baseline cropland information. These products are freely available for downloading from the http://cropland.geo-wiki.org website.
Calcification is not the Achilles’ heel of cold‐water corals in an acidifying ocean
Authors: Rodolfo‐Metalpa Riccardo , Montagna Paolo , Aliani Stefano , Borghini Mireno , Canese Simonepietro , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Foggo Andy , Milazzo Marco , Taviani Marco , Houlbrèque Fanny
Published: January 2015

Ocean acidification is thought to be a major threat to coral reefs: laboratory evidence and CO2 seep research has shown adverse effects on many coral species, although a few are resilient. There are concerns that cold‐water corals are even more vulnerable as they live in areas where aragonite saturation (Ωara) is lower than in the tropics and is falling rapidly due to CO2 emissions. Here, we provide laboratory evidence that net (gross calcification minus dissolution) and gross calcification rates of three common cold‐water corals, Caryophyllia smithii, Dendrophyllia cornigera, and Desmophyllum dianthus, are not affected by pCO2 levels expected for 2100 (pCO2 1058 μatm, Ωara 1.29), and nor are the rates of skeletal dissolution in D. dianthus. We transplanted D. dianthus to 350 m depth (pHT 8.02; pCO2 448 μatm, Ωara 2.58) and to a 3 m depth CO2 seep in oligotrophic waters (pHT 7.35; pCO2 2879 μatm, Ωara 0.76) and found that the transplants calcified at the same rates regardless of the pCO2 confirming their resilience to acidification, but at significantly lower rates than corals that were fed in aquaria. Our combination of field and laboratory evidence suggests that ocean acidification will not disrupt cold‐water coral calcification although falling aragonite levels may affect other organismal physiological and/or reef community processes.
LTCC Temperature Controller
Authors: Jurków Dominik
Published: January 2015

The dynamic development of the integration of modern electronics caused thermal management to be one of the key issues in novel electronic designing. The paper aimed to present one of the solutions, which can be very useful in the thermal management on the level of cooling electronic boards. This paper presents the design, simulation, technology, and performances of active low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) temperature controllers. Moreover, it discusses the limitation of LTCC in such applications.
Self‐Propagating High‐Temperature Synthesis of Zirconolite Using CuO and MoO3 as the Oxidants
Authors: Zhang Kuibao , Wen Guanjun , Jia Zhiyong , Teng Yuancheng , Zhang Haibin
Published: January 2015

Synroc is recognized as the second generation waste form for the disposal of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW). In this research, one of the mostly studied Synroc minerals, zirconolite (CaZrTi2O7), was prepared by self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS). CuO and MoO3 were employed as the oxidants with Ti as the reductant. Different TiO2/Ti ratios were selected to investigate reactivity and adiabatic temperature (Tad) of the designed SHS reactions. Zirconolite was successfully synthesized as the main phase at varied TiO2/Ti ratios using CuO and MoO3 as the oxidants. The as‐synthesized samples were readily solidified with desirable density and Vickers hardness.
Unlimited unskilled labour and the sex segregation of occupations in Jamaica
Authors: RICKETTS Heather E. , BERNARD David V.
Published: January 2015

In the developing world, standard measures of occupational segregation by sex may be deeply misleading because of structural, cultural and historical differences between developing countries and the developed countries that often feature in studies of segregation. In Jamaica in particular, the legacy of slavery has made female labour an integral part of the workforce for centuries – whereas large‐scale female participation in the developed countries can only be measured in decades. The authors find that the country's large, undifferentiated pools of unskilled labour ironically translate into lower levels of occupational segregation, with women outpacing men in the professional categories.
Efficacy of homecare regimens for mechanical plaque removal in managing gingivitis a meta review
Authors: Van der Weijden Fridus A. , Slot Dagmar E.
Published: January 2015

Focused question

Based on evidence as presented in systematic reviews what is the efficacy and safety of available homecare toothbrush regimens for mechanical plaque removal on plaque and gingivitis in adults?

Material & Methods

Three Internet sources were used (up to and including August 2014) to search for appropriate papers that satisfied the study purpose. Plaque scores and gingivitis scores were considered to be the primary parameter of interest. Safety was considered an important facet in relation to efficacy. Data and conclusions as presented in the selected papers were extracted. The potential risk of bias was estimated and the emerging evidence was graded.

Results

Independent screening of 176 unique reviews resulted in 10 published and eligible systematic reviews. They were categorized into one review evaluating the effect of an oral hygiene instruction with a toothbrush on plaque and gingivitis scores, five evaluating the efficacy of manual and power toothbrushes and three reviews evaluating toothbrush safety and one evaluating toothbrush contamination.

Conclusion

Tooth brushing is effective in reducing levels of dental plaque. With respect to gingivitis power toothbrushes have a benefit over manual toothbrushes. The greatest body of evidence was available for oscillating–rotating brushes. Tooth brushing generally can be considered safe for the teeth and their investing tissues.
Evaluating Evidence Aid as a complex, multicomponent knowledge translation intervention
Authors: Mellon Dominic
Published: January 2015

Evidence Aid, an initiative established by members of The Cochrane Collaboration in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004, celebrates its first 10 years later this year. Whilst the principles of the Evidence Aid initiative are firmly rooted in evidence‐based medicine and public health practice, the initiative itself was born of a humanitarian imperative, compassion and the expressed moral duty to help. The evidence‐base for Evidence Aid, (that is, for knowledge translation interventions focused on dissemination of evidence), was not, and is not, well‐established This article, which is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India presents a unifying conceptual framework for use when researching the impact of Evidence Aid as a knowledge translation intervention. It highlights how each of the core activities can be mapped to this framework and identifies key outcomes of interest for evaluation.
Research ethics in the context of humanitarian emergencies
Authors: O'Mathúna Dónal
Published: January 2015

Research is needed to make responses to disasters and humanitarian emergencies more evidence‐based. Such research must also adhere to the generally accepted principles of research ethics. While research into health interventions used in disasters raises distinctive ethical concerns, seven ethical principles developed for clinical research are applied here to disaster research. Practical examples from disaster settings are used to demonstrate how these ethical principles can be applied. This reveals that research ethics needs to be seen as much more than a mechanism to obtain ethical approval for research. Research ethics involves ethical principles and governance frameworks, but must also consider the role of ethical virtues in research. Virtues are essential to ensure that researchers do what they believe is ethically right and resist what is unethical. Research ethics that truly protects participants and promotes respect needs to include training in ethical virtues to ensure disaster research is carried out to the highest ethical standards. This article is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium on 20 September 2014, in Hyderabad, India.
Health equity in humanitarian emergencies: a role for evidence aid
Authors: Pottie Kevin
Published: January 2015

Humanitarian emergencies require a range of planned and coordinated actions: security, healthcare, and, as this article highlights, health equity responses. Health equity is an evidence‐based science that aims to address unfair and unjust health inequality outcomes. New approaches are using health equity to guide the development of community programs, equity methods are being used to identify disadvantaged groups that may face health inequities in a humanitarian emergency, and equity is being used to prevent unintended harms and consequences in interventions. Limitations to health equity approaches include acquiring sufficient data to make equity interpretations, integrating disadvantage populations in to the equity approach, and ensuring buy‐in from decision‐makers. This article uses examples from World Health Organization, Refugee Health Guidelines and Health Impact Assessment to demonstrate the emerging role for health equity in humanitarian emergencies. It is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium, on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India.
Genetic split between coastal and continental populations of gypsy moth separated byDinaricAlps
Authors: Lacković N. , Bertheau C. , Stauffer C. , Pernek M. , Avtzis D.
Published: January 2015

The gypsy moth, a polyphagous herbivore species, infests mainly deciduous trees in the northern hemisphere, being invasive in North America. In Croatia, gypsy moth is infesting both continental and coastal forests, with the Dinaric Alps posing a physical migratory barrier between two regions. During outbreaks, caterpillars cause severe damages in both regions, though with different outbreak dynamics, which suggests genetic differences between populations. Representative populations from these two regions were screened by sequencing a region of the mitochondrialCOIgene. Ninety‐nine sequences resulted in seventeen haplotypes, and analyses revealed a significant genetic differentiation between coastal and continental populations, quite likely attributed to geographic isolation and post‐glacial history. This differentiation arises from significantly higher genetic variability in Mediterranean population, indicating their higher adaptability, an intriguing fact in case of possible northward range shift of gypsy moth.
Effect of submucosal fibrosis on endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal tumors: Pathologic review of 173 cases
Authors: Lee Sang Pyo , Kim Jeong Hwan , Sung In‐Kyung , Lee Sun‐Young , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup , Han Hye Seung
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now commonly performed as a treatment for colorectal tumors. However, little is known about the relationship between submucosal fibrosis and the outcome of the colonic ESD procedure. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between the degree of submucosal fibrosis in colorectal tumors and the outcomes of ESD for these tumors and to evaluate the risk factors for submucosal fibrosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with colorectal adenoma or carcinoma who had undergone an ESD, during a four‐year period from January 2010 to December 2013. The resected specimens were histologically examined after Masson's trichrome staining, and the severity of the submucosal fibrosis was classified as no fibrosis (F0), mild fibrosis (F1), or severe fibrosis (F2).

Results

Among a total of 173 cases (106 male, mean age 65.0 ± 10.2 years; F0 33, F1 78, F2 62) enrolled, 46 incidences of complications (perforation 19, post‐coagulation syndrome 21, bleeding 6) had developed. Multivariate analysis revealed that F2 fibrosis was significantly associated with the development of complications. Submucosal invasion and large tumor size (≥ 30 mm) were identified as independent predictors of F2 fibrosis.

Conclusion

Severe fibrosis is the most powerful risk factor for complications and can interfere with en bloc resections. The possibility of submucosal fibrosis should be considered, and the procedure should be cautiously performed in cases where the tumor diameter is greater than 30 mm and when submucosal cancer is suspected.
Safety and long‐term outcomes of anatomic left hepatic trisectionectomy for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Tao , Xie Feng , Geng Li , Sui Cheng‐Jun , Dai Ding‐Hua , Shen Rong‐Xi , Yan Long , Yang Jia‐Mei
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Anatomic left hepatic trisectionectomy (ALHT) is a complex hepatic resection, and its outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remain unclear. This paper focuses on the assessment of the safety and long‐term effects of ALHT on intermediate and advanced HCC patients with tumors that occupy the left liver lobe.

Methods

This study performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive HCC patients who underwent ALHT in a single‐center cohort between December 2004 and December 2011.

Results

ALHT was performed on 34 intermediate and advanced HCC patients (0.05%) of 17 064 HCC patients who had undergone hepatic resection. Among them, 12 (33.3%) developed postoperative complications. Based on the multivariate analysis, we found that a serum prealbumin level of 170 mg/L is associated with an increased risk of morbidity (P = 0.008). The one‐year, two‐year, three‐year, and five‐year overall survival rates were 61%, 27%, 11%, and 11%, respectively. The median overall survival was 13 months (range, 2–89 months). Based on the multivariate analysis, we also found that patients with an A/G ratio < 1.5 are more likely to have poor prognosis than those with an A/G ratio ≥ 1.5 (P = 0.014). Multiple tumors are associated with worse outcomes (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

ALHT is safe for intermediate and advanced HCC patients with tumors that occupy the left lobe and with preoperative Child–Pugh class A liver function. Low preoperative serum prealbumin level may increase the risk of postoperative complications. Although early intrahepatic recurrence rate is high, some patients, especially those with a single tumor and normal A/G ratio, exhibit long‐term survival.
PNPLA3 polymorphisms (rs738409) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease risk and related phenotypes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Long , You Wei , Zhang Hanze , Peng Rui , Zhu Qin , Yao Aihua , Li Xiangcheng , Zhou Yebin , Wang Xuehao , Pu Liyong , Wu Jindao
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

One single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs738409 in the patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) has been implicated in susceptibility to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) across different populations. One meta‐analysis confirmed this association, but within it, only two Asian studies were included. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the association in Asian population.

Methods

All eligible case‐control studies were identified by searching through PubMed and Chinese language databases (CNKI and WanFang) up to July 1, 2014. Pooled estimates (odds ratio [OR] and standardized mean difference) were used to assess the strength of associations in fixed or random‐effects models.

Results

A total of 12 studies with 4495 cases and 7431 controls were included. SNP rs738409 G allele was confirmed as a risk factor for NAFLD (G allele vs C allele: OR = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.54‐2.39). In addition, based on studies with certain clinical measurements data, G allele carriers were more likely to have higher level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (standard mean difference [SMD] = 7.03, 95% CI: 2.47‐11.60), and higher fibrosis score (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18‐0.60).

Conclusion

This study provided evidence of SNP rs738409 G allele as a strong risk factor of NAFLD susceptibility and higher level of serum ALT in Asian population.
Ten‐day triple therapy versus sequential therapy versus concomitant therapy as first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong , Fock Kwong Ming , Song Mingjun , Ang Daphne , Kwek Andrew Boon Eu , Ong Jeannie , Tan Jessica , Teo Eng Kiong , Dhamodaran Subbiah
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Clarithromycin‐based triple therapy (TT) is the first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in Singapore. There is awareness that TT may no longer be effective due to increased clarithromycin resistance rates. Sequential therapy (ST) and concomitant therapy (CT) are alternative treatment regimens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 10‐day TT, ST, and CT as first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection.

Methods

A randomized study conducted in a teaching hospital. Patients aged 21 years and older with newly diagnosed H. pylori infection were randomized to 10‐day TT, ST, or CT. Treatment outcome was assessed by 13‐carbon urea breath test at least 4 weeks after therapy. Intention to treat (ITT), modified ITT (MITT), and per protocol (PP) analyses of the eradication rates were performed.

Results

A total of 462 patients were enrolled (ST: 154; TT 155; CT 153). Patient demographics were similar. Eradication rates for ST versus TT versus CT: ITT analysis: 84.4% versus 83.2% versus 81.7% (P = not significant [NS]); MITT analysis: 90.3% versus 92.1% versus 94.7% (P = NS); PP analysis: 94.1% versus 92.8% versus 95.4% (P = NS). Antibiotic resistance rates for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole were 4.7%, 17.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. Dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance occurred in 7.5%. Dual resistance and lack of compliance were predictors of treatment failure.

Conclusions

TT, ST, and CT all achieved eradication rates above 80% on ITT and above 90% on MITT and PP analyses. Dual resistance and lack of compliance were predictors of treatment failure (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02092506).
Basic fibroblast growth factor‐treated adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell infusion to ameliorate liver cirrhosis via paracrine hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Tang Wei‐Ping , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Piao Jing‐Shu , Narahara Sayoko , Murata Masaharu , Kawano Takahito , Hamano Nobuhito , Ikeda Tetsuo , Hashizume Makoto
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Recent studies show that adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells have potential clinical applications. However, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated yet. Here, we investigated the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor‐treated adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells infusion on a liver fibrosis rat model and elucidated the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were infused into carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis rats through caudal vein. Liver functions and pathological changes were assessed. A co‐culture model was used to clarify the potential mechanism.

Results

Basic fibroblast growth factor treatment markedly improved the proliferation, differentiation, and hepatocyte growth factor expression ability of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Although adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells infusion alone slightly ameliorated liver functions and suppressed fibrosis progression, basic fibroblast growth factor‐treatment significantly enhanced the therapeutic effect in association with elevated hepatocyte growth factor expression. Moreover, double immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the infused cells located in fibrosis area. Furthermore, co‐culture with adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell led to induction of hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and enhanced hepatocyte proliferation. However, these effects were significantly weakened by knockdown of hepatocyte growth factor. Mechanism investigation revealed that co‐culture with adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells activated c‐jun N‐terminal kinase‐p53 signaling in hepatic stellate cell and promoted apoptosis.

Conclusions

Basic fibroblast growth factor treatment enhanced the therapeutic effect of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, and secretion of hepatocyte growth factor from adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells plays a critical role in amelioration of liver injury and regression of fibrosis.
WALKING DOWN WALL STREET WITH A TABLET: A SURVEY OF STOCK MARKET PREDICTIONS USING THE WEB
Authors: Nardo Michela , Petracco‐Giudici Marco , Naltsidis Minás
Published: January 2015

‘A blindfolded chimpanzee throwing darts at The Wall Street Journal could select a portfolio that would do as well as the (stock market) experts’ [Malkiel (2003) The efficient market hypothesis and its critics. Journal of Economic Perspectives 17(1): 59–82)]. However, what if this chimpanzee could browse the Internet before throwing any darts? In this paper, we ask whether online news has any influence on the financial market, and we also investigate how much influence it has. We explore the burgeoning literature on the predictability of financial movements using online information and report its mixed findings. In addition, we collate the efforts of various disciplines, including economics, text mining, sentiment analysis and machine learning, and we offer suggestions for future research.
Bone and the regulation of global energy balance
Authors: Zhang Q. , Riddle R. C. , Clemens T. L.
Published: January 2015

The skeleton, populated by large numbers of osteoblasts and long‐lived osteocytes, requires a constant supply of energy‐rich molecules to fuel the synthesis, deposition and mineralization of bone matrix during bone modelling and remodelling. When these energetic demands are not met, bone acquisition is suppressed. Recent findings suggest that key developmental signals emanating from Wnt low‐density lipoprotein‐related receptor 5 and hypoxia‐inducible factor pathways impact osteoblast bioenergetics to accommodate the energy requirements for bone cells to fulfil their function. In vivo studies in several mutant mouse strains have confirmed a link between bone cells and global metabolism, ultimately leading to the identification of hormonal interactions between the skeleton and other tissues. The hormones insulin and leptin affect postnatal bone acquisition, whilst osteocalcin produced by the osteoblast in turn stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas. These observations have prompted additional questions regarding the nature of the mechanisms of fuel sensing and processing in the osteoblast and their contribution to overall energy utilization and homeostasis. Answers to such questions should advance our understanding of metabolic diseases and may ultimately improve management of affected patients. In this review, we highlight recent studies in this field and offer a perspective on the evolutionary implications of bone as a metabolic endocrine organ.
Assessment of oxygenation and comorbidities improves outcome prediction in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia with a low CRB‐65 score
Authors: Kolditz M. , Ewig S. , Schütte H. , Suttorp N. , Welte T. , Rohde G. ,   the CAPNETZ study group
Published: January 2015

Background

Addition of assessment of comorbid diseases (‘D’) and oxygen saturation (‘S’) to the CRB‐65 score has been recommended to improve its accuracy for risk stratification in community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study was to validate the resulting DS‐CRB‐65 score in a large cohort of patients with CAP.

Methods

A total of 4432 patients prospectively enrolled in the CAPNETZ cohort were included in this study. Predefined end points were 28‐day mortality, requirement for mechanical ventilation or vasopressors (MV/VS) and requirement for MV/VS or intensive care unit admission (MV/VS/ICU). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the accuracy of the CRB‐65 score and the addition of D (extra‐pulmonary comorbidities) and S (oxygen saturation <90% or partial pressure of oxygen <8 kPa). Binary logistic regression and the method of Hanley and McNeil were used to compare the criteria.

Results

The mortality rate was 4.0%, and 4.2% of patients required MV/VS and 6.6% required MV/VS/ICU. After multivariate analysis, D and S independently were added to the CRB‐65 criteria for mortality prediction, but only S improved prediction of MV/VS and MV/VS/ICU (P < 0.001 for all). The area under the curve of the CRB‐65 score was significantly improved by adding D and S for all end points (P < 0.02). Amongst patients who died or required MV/VS despite a CRB‐65 score of 0, 64–80% would have been identified by the DS‐CRB‐65 score.

Conclusions

The addition of assessment of oxygenation and comorbidities significantly improved the prognostic accuracy of the CRB‐65 score. Consequently, the DS‐CRB‐65 score may have a useful role in risk stratification algorithms for CAP.
Prevalence and Clinical Effects of Certain Therapy Concepts among Partially Edentulous Serbian Elderly
Authors: Tanasić Ivan Vladimir , Tihacek‐Sojić Ljiljana Đorđe , Milić-Lemić Aleksandra Milorad
Published: January 2015

Purpose

This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of partially edentulous individuals in Serbia and to identify prosthodontic treatment used for their rehabilitation as well as to compare prosthodontic treatment concepts among Serbian elderly participants who answered closed‐format questionnaires.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted at the Clinic for Dental Prosthetics, University of Belgrade, Military Medical Academy and the Department of Prosthodontics of Home Centre Belgrade; the study consisted of 120 participants. A questionnaire with closed‐format questions regarding the influence of applied therapy concepts for participants with Kennedy Class I partial edentulism was created. Statistical software SPSS 11.5 was used for data analysis. Chi‐square tests were performed, and p‐values were calculated for each parameter.

Results

A total of 1081 people were examined; 730 participants were partially edentulous in at least one jaw. Five hundred forty‐one participants wore Kennedy Class I maxillary or mandibular removable partial dentures (RPDs). Ninety percent of the patients were restored with RPDs; 60% of participants were unrestored, had shortened dental arches, and requested alternative therapeutic solutions. Significantly lower needs for new treatments were identified in participants with fixed dental prostheses (7.5%).

Conclusions

Kennedy Class I was the most common type of partial edentulism among Serbian elderly, usually treated with RPDs. Elderly participants with the applied shortened dental arch and RPD therapy concepts requested alternative therapeutic solutions more often than those rehabilitated with fixed partial dentures.
Fatalistic Beliefs and Completion of the HPV Vaccination Series Among a Sample of Young Appalachian Kentucky Women
Authors: Vanderpool Robin C. , Dressler Emily Van Meter , Stradtman Lindsay R. , Crosby Richard A.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Uptake and completion of the 3‐dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is important for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. However, HPV vaccination rates among adolescent females and young women remain low in certain geographic areas of the United States, including Appalachia. Although greater fatalistic beliefs have been previously associated with lower rates of preventive cancer behaviors among adults, little research exists on the impact of fatalism on HPV vaccination behaviors, especially among younger individuals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between fatalistic beliefs and completion of the full HPV vaccine series among young women, ages 18‐26, in Appalachian Kentucky.

Results

Data from this study were from a baseline survey completed by 344 women randomized into a communication intervention trial focused on increasing adherence to the 3‐dose HPV vaccine series. Principal components analysis was used to construct 2 fatalism‐related subscales from 8 survey questions.

Findings

In a controlled analysis, 1 subscale—“lack of control over cancer”—was significantly associated with not completing the full HPV vaccine series. In a rural area that experiences higher rates of cervical cancer, poverty, limited access to health care, and negative cancer‐related attitudes and experiences, fatalism may be common, even among young people.

Conclusion

Future educational and interventional research addressing fatalistic beliefs in a culturally sensitive manner may be warranted to improve HPV vaccination behaviors and impact cancer disparities among Appalachian women.
Ohmic‐Assisted Texture Softening of Cabbage, Turnip, Potato and Radish in Comparison with Microwave and Conventional Heating
Authors: Kamali Elahe , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: January 2015

Recently, ohmic heating has shown promising advantages for accelerated and controlled texture softening of some vegetables over conventional cooking. Textural properties of ohmically cooked cabbage, radish, turnip and potato were measured by texture profile analysis, and compared with microwave and conventional cooking. The data were experimentally modeled into an exponential model and softening rate and residual texture were calculated.

Ohmic heating at 380 V softened the texture of all four studied vegetables at greater rates in comparison with microwave and conventional methods. Comparing the texture softening rate, k value, of the cooked vegetables indicated that they were in the order of radish > turnip > potato > cabbage, and among the four studied vegetables the maximum and minimum texture response changes to cooking were found in radish and cabbage, respectively. In contrast to conventional and microwave cooking, an interesting and emerging finding was the significant increase in cohesiveness of ohmically processed vegetables with cooking time.

Practical Applications

Ohmic cooking had recently been introduced as an emerging method to shorten cooking time and speed up texture softening of vegetables. In this research, four vegetables were cooked with ohmic technology and their textural properties were compared with the samples treated with conventional and microwave cooking. The results showed the ability of ohmic technology to soften the texture of vegetables faster than other methods with greater constant rate values and less residual textures. By applying ohmic processing, food industry can benefit from controlled texture modification of vegetables leading to higher textural quality of processed foods.
Glomerular Filtration Rate, Urine Production, and Fractional Clearance of Electrolytes in Acute Kidney Injury in Dogs and Their Association with Survival
Authors: Brown N. , Segev G. , Francey T. , Kass P. , Cowgill L.D.
Published: January 2015

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in dogs. Few studies have assessed sequential changes in indices of kidney function in dogs with naturally occurringAKI.

Objective

To document sequential changes of conventional indices of renal function, to better define the course ofAKI, and to identify a candidate marker for recovery.

Animals

Ten dogs withAKI.

Methods

Dogs were prospectively enrolled and divided into surviving and nonsurviving dogs. Urine production was measured with a closed system for 7 days. One and 24‐hour urinary clearances were performed daily to estimate solute excretion and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Solute excretion was calculated as an excretion ratio (ER) and fractional clearance (FC) based on both the 1‐ and 24‐hour urine collections.

Results

Four dogs survived and 6 died. At presentation,GFRwas not significantly different between the outcome groups, but significantly (P = .03) increased over time in the surviving, but not in the nonsurviving dogs. Fractional clearance of Na decreased significantly over time (20.2–9.4%,P < .0001) in the surviving, but not in the nonsurviving dogs. TheERandFCof solutes were highly correlated (r, 0.70–0.95).

Conclusion and Clinical Impact

Excretion ratio might be used in the clinical setting as a surrogate marker to follow trends in solute excretion. IncreasedGFR, urine production, and decreasedFCof Na were markers of renal recovery. TheFCof Na is a simple, noninvasive, and cost‐effective method that can be used to evaluate recovery of renal function.
Severe fungal sclerokeratitis caused by Metarhizium anisopliae: a case report and literature review
Authors: Eguchi Hiroshi , Toibana Toshi , Hotta Fumika , Miyamoto Tatsuro , Mitamura Yoshinori , Yaguchi Takashi
Published: January 2015

To date, there has been only one published report on the infectious sclerokeratitis caused by Metarhizium anisopliae, which is an entomopathogenic fungus. Regarding corneal infection, three reports have been published to date. Although the prognoses of the corneal infections are favourable, prognosis when scleral infection is involved is very poor. A 76‐year‐old patient presented with foreign body sensation in the left eye. Microscopic examination with Fungi Flora Y staining of the corneal scraping revealed fungal infection. The conjunctiva was melted by the infection over a wide area. Although intensive medications were administered, an emergency surgery was necessary because scleral thinning, corneal perforation and lens prolapse occurred. The fungal isolate was identified as M. anisopliae by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. Herein, we report the second known case worldwide of M. anisopliae sclerokeratitis, and we review the literature related to the ocular infections.