bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resonant herbs: botanical socialities, personal boundary work, and the politics of self‐care in Southern California
Authors: Vine Michael
Published: March 2019

In the Southern California desert, a group of primarily young women seek to enlist the assistance of wild plants as simultaneously material, social, and spiritual beings in negotiating what they perceive to be the signature challenge of the present moment: how to fortify the boundaries of the self against harm while staying open to the prospect of positive interpersonal connection. An analysis of concrete practices through which these spiritual herbalists relate to plants, their selves, and each other will contribute to efforts made by anthropologists to rethink the constitution of the interior landscape of self from the perspective of lived experience, while also demonstrating how the constitution of the human self is in practice actively scaffolded by an exterior landscape of nonhuman others.
Investigating students' perceived cognitive needs in university academic reading: a latent variable approach
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Brown Gavin T.L.
Published: March 2019

Although there have been extensive theoretical discussions on the various reading skills needed in academic situations, empirical investigations on this topic are scarce. There is even much less research on the latent structure underlying those skill needs. This study attempts to fill this gap by investigating the perceived factorial structure of academic reading skills and the relative importance of each factor based on questionnaire responses by 221 undergraduates from an English‐medium university in New Zealand. A series of factor analyses and hierarchical model testing revealed that the respondents' perceived needs in academic reading consisted of five distinguishable subdomains, which could be further divided into non‐expeditious reading and expeditious reading. It was also found that the subdomain of textbase comprehension (e.g., understanding explicit details and main ideas) was needed significantly more than other subdomains, although all subdomains were reported to be needed more than half of the time. These findings not only support previous major theoretical discussions about reading types from a novel perspective (i.e., students' perceived needs) but also help specify the skill areas that academic reading curricula and assessments may need to cover and prioritise.
An observational study of adolescent health outcomes associated with school‐based health service utilization: A causal analysis
Authors: Denny Simon , Grant Sue , Galbreath Ross , Utter Jennifer , Fleming Theresa , Clark Terryann
Published: March 2019

Objective

Our aim is to examine the unbiased association between use of school‐based health services (SBHS) and student health outcomes.

Data Sources

Data are from a nationally representative health and well‐being survey of 8500 New Zealand high school students from 91 high schools.

Study Design

Student data were linked to the level of SBHS available to them: no SBHS, regular clinics from visiting health professionals, a health professional onsite, or a health team onsite.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Causal analyses are used to compare utilization of SBHS and their association with student‐reported health outcomes, including foregone health care, depressive symptoms, emotional and behavioral difficulties, suicide risk, substance use, and unsafe sexual behaviors.

Principal Findings

Results from the multinomial propensity score–weighted regressions show that the use of SBHS was associated with poorer health outcomes, suggesting that selection bias was present due to unmeasured confounders. Instrumental variable analyses found that that students using team‐based SBHS had a 4.7 percent (95% CI 0.5‐8.9) probability of high levels of depressive symptoms compared to 14.2 percent (95% CI 11.5‐16.8) among students not using team SBHS. For suicide attempt, students using team‐based SBHS had a 2.0 percent (95% CI −0.3‐4.2) probability of a suicide attempt in the previous 12 months compared to 5.6 percent (95% CI 2.6‐8.5) among students not using team SBHS.

Conclusions

These analyses suggest that team‐based SBHS are associated with better mental health among students who attend them.
Nontargeted Analytical Methods as a Powerful Tool for the Authentication of Spices and Herbs: A Review
Authors: Oliveira Marciano M. , Cruz‐Tirado J.P. , Barbin Douglas F.
Published: March 2019

Food fraud in herbs and spices is an important topic, which has led to new technologies being studied as potential tools for fraud identification. Nontargeted technologies have proven to be a useful tool for the authentication of herbs and spices. The present review focuses on the use of near‐infrared, hyperspectral imaging, Fourier‐transform infrared, Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy for the authentication of spices, which includes the determination of origin and irradiated spices and the identification of adulterants. The methods developed based on vibrational spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques seem to be promising tools for determining the presence of adulterants and contaminants in herbs and spices. On the other hand, nuclear magnetic resonance seems to be the most efficient technology to determine the origin of herbs and spices although, for some cases, studies with near‐infrared spectroscopy can be a viable substitute. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy is the technique par excellence used for the authentication of irradiated herbs and spices, so its use should be expanded to many more spices’ varieties. Portable devices are preferred by those involved in the food industry, due to its manageability and low cost. Data fusion and big data are shown as promising tools for spice fraud control. In conclusion, spectroscopic techniques show a great efficiency to authenticate spices, although their evaluation must be expanded to other spice varieties, to new strategies of data analysis (as data fusion and big data), and to the use of portable devices.
Predictors of in‐hospital cardiac arrest within 24 h after emergency department triage: A case–control study in urban Thailand
Authors: Srivilaithon Winchana , Amnuaypattanapon Kumpol , Limjindaporn Chitlada , Imsuwan Intanon , Daorattanachai Kiattichai , Dasanadeba Ittabud , Siripakarn Yaowapha
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study describes the predictors of in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) within 24 h of ED triage and evaluates their ability to predict patients at risk of IHCA.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted in the ED. ‘Cases’ are herein defined as hospitalised patients who experienced IHCA within 24 h after ED triage. The exclusion criteria were those younger than 16 years old, cases of traumatic arrest, or had do‐not‐resuscitate orders. The controls were adults, non‐traumatic cases, who did not experience IHCA within 24 h of ED triage. A multivariable regression model was used to identify significant predictors of IHCA. The ability to discriminate was quantified by utilising an area under receiver operating characteristic (AuROC) curve.

Results

Two hundred and fifty IHCAs were compared with 1000 controls. Five predictors emerged that were: higher National Early Warning Score (NEWS) at triage, equal or increase of NEWS after ED management, coronary artery disease as a comorbid disease, the use of a vasoactive agent, and initial serum bicarbonate level lower than 23.5 mmoL/L, independently associated with IHCA. The AuROC of the final model from all predictors was 0.91 (95% CI 0.89–0.93) higher than NEWS alone model (AuROC at 0.78, 95% CI 0.74–0.81).

Conclusions

We conclude that a combination of NEWS and four independent predictors identify patients at risk of IHCA more effectively than NEWS alone.
Validation of MARK quadrant scoring system for early upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to detect gastric neoplasms in Chinese dyspeptic patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Yu Adrian Ho‐Kun , Cheung Yau‐Fung , Leong Heng‐Tat
Published: March 2019

Aim

Dyspepsia is a common reason for referral to the surgical outpatient department for consideration of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients at substantial risk of gastric neoplasm should be triaged for early endoscopy. The MARK quadrant scoring system is a new diagnostic tool to help predict the likelihood of gastric neoplasms in patients presenting with dyspepsia. The aim of the present study was to validate this tool in a surgical outpatient setting.

Patients and Methods

The present study involved a retrospective cohort of 604 patients at a local acute hospital in Hong Kong. Data were collected from the electronic health records for all first consultations at the surgical outpatient department for dyspepsia dating from 1 January to 31 December 2017. The MARK quadrant score was calculated and compared with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings and biopsy‐proven pathologies. Subgroup analysis for independent risk factors was performed.

Results

Fifty biopsy‐proven gastric neoplasms were identified, including 28 gastric adenocarcinomas, eight gastrointestinal stromal tumours, four gastric dysplasias and two gastric lymphomas. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was 0.954 [95 per cent confidence interval (CI): 0.908–0.999, P < 0.01]. At a cut‐off of 10, sensitivity was 90 per cent and specificity was 98.2 per cent. For subgroup analysis, male sex and smoking were positively associated with gastric neoplasms, with an odds ratio of 2.46 (95 per cent: CI 1.37–4.41, P < 0.01) and 2.60 (95 per cent CI: 1.36–4.98, P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

The MARK quadrant score helps predict the likelihood of gastric neoplasms in dyspepsia. Male sex and smoking are independent risk factors of gastric neoplasms.
Application of Lactobacillus as Adjunct Cultures in Wheat Dough Fermentation
Authors: Xing Xiaolong , Suo Biao , Yang Yong , Li Zhen , Nie Wenjing , Ai Zhilu
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential use of Lactobacillus from traditional Chinese sourdoughs of different regions as original adjunct cultures in the steamed bread making process. The effects of Lactobacillus on dough and steamed bread were evaluated. Some differences were obtained in the parameters of fermented dough (organic acid content, rheofermentative parameters, pH, and total titratable acidity [TTA]) and steamed bread (hardness, specific volume, organic acid content, shape, color, pH, TTA and sensory score) made with five different Lactobacillus strains (Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Weissella confusa, Lactobacillus crustorum, and Pediococcus acidilactici). Steamed bread made with P. pentosaceus showed a significant increase in specific volume (from 2.19 to 2.41) and a decrease in hardness (from 3,158 g to 2,301 g). Dough leavened by L. fermentum showed significantly higher amounts of lactic acid and acetic acid than dough inoculated with W. confusa, which had values similar to those of the control. The dough fermented by P. pentosaceus exhibited the most gas production (1,811 mL), which is an important index of streamed bread quality. Our research provides a reference for making steamed bread with Lactobacillus.

Practical Application

Probiotic Lactobacillus is widely used to produce fermenting foods and has been used in bread processing to improve the quality and characteristics of bread. Steamed bread is one of the most popular fermented foods in northern China. However, there is little information about the application of Lactobacillus in Chinese steamed bread. This study explored the potential use of Lactobacillus to improve the characteristics and quality of steamed bread.
Age‐associated cholesterol reduction triggers brain insulin resistance by facilitating ligand‐independent receptor activation and pathway desensitization
Authors: Martín‐Segura Adrián , Ahmed Tariq , Casadomé‐Perales Álvaro , Palomares‐Perez Irene , Palomer Ernest , Kerstens Axelle , Munck Sebastian , Balschun Detlef , Dotti Carlos G.
Published: March 2019

In the brain, insulin plays an important role in cognitive processes. During aging, these faculties decline, as does insulin signaling. The mechanism behind this last phenomenon is unclear. In recent studies, we reported that the mild and gradual loss of cholesterol in the synaptic fraction of hippocampal neurons during aging leads to a decrease in synaptic plasticity evoked by glutamate receptor activation and also by receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling. As insulin and insulin growth factor activity are dependent on tyrosine kinase receptors, we investigated whether the constitutive loss of brain cholesterol is also involved in the decay of insulin function with age. Using long‐term depression (LTD) induced by application of insulin to hippocampal slices as a read‐out, we found that the decline in insulin function during aging could be monitored as a progressive impairment of insulin‐LTD. The application of a cholesterol inclusion complex, which donates cholesterol to the membrane and increases membrane cholesterol levels, rescued the insulin signaling deficit and insulin‐LTD. In contrast, extraction of cholesterol from hippocampal neurons of adult mice produced the opposite effect. Furthermore, in vivo inhibition of Cyp46A1, an enzyme involved in brain cholesterol loss with age, improved insulin signaling. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments pointed to a change in receptor conformation by reduced membrane cholesterol, favoring ligand‐independent autophosphorylation. Together, these results indicate that changes in membrane fluidity of brain cells during aging play a key role in the decay of synaptic plasticity and cognition that occurs at this late stage of life.
Complications of augmentation procedures for dental implants in private practice, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Dastaran M , Bailey D , Austin S , Chandu A , Judge R
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study audited complications associated with augmentation for dental implants, retrospectively over a 5‐year period in a variety of private dental practices in Victoria (Australia).

Methods

Complications were categorized as surgical or biological and compared to a group not requiring augmentation. Implant factors underwent univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The study assessed 8486 implants with 26.9% undergoing augmentation. Augmentation had no effect on implant survival, however, a significant increase in complications for those implants requiring augmentation was found (P = <0.001). The hard tissue augmented group had significantly more cases of insufficient bone/dehiscences at implant placement (P < 0.001), and post‐placement bone loss (P = 0.0014). These implants were grafted simultaneously (P < 0.05) with particulate autogenous bone and/or Bio‐Oss (P < 0.05) with resorbable xenograft membrane (P < 0.001). There was significantly more bone loss in open sinus lifted cases than implants placed in native bone (1.90% v 0.30%; P = 0.009).

Conclusions

The study demonstrated no increase in graft complications that could be related to any specific augmentation technique, suggesting that routine grafting procedures used in private practice were safe and appropriate. Previously augmented sites were found to be more likely to require further augmentation at implant placement.
First records of sea snakes (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae) diving to the mesopelagic zone (>200 m)
Authors: Crowe‐Riddell Jenna M. , D'Anastasi Blanche R. , Nankivell James H. , Rasmussen Arne R. , Sanders Kate L.
Published: March 2019

Viviparous sea snakes (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae) are fully marine reptiles distributed in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Their known maximum diving depth ranges between 50 and 100 m and this is thought to limit their ecological ranges to shallow habitats. We report two observations, from industry‐owned remotely operated vehicles, of hydrophiine sea snakes swimming and foraging at depths of approximately 250 m in the Browse Basin on Australia's North West Shelf, in 2014 and 2017. These observations show that sea snakes are capable of diving to the dim‐lit, cold‐water mesopelagic zone, also known as the ‘twilight’ zone. These record‐setting dives raise new questions about the thermal tolerances, diving behaviour and ecological requirements of sea snakes. In addition to significantly extending previous diving records for sea snakes, these observations highlight the importance of university‐industry collaboration in surveying understudied deep‐sea habitats.
Effects of the occurrence of a cyclone and the dominance of a bamboo species on the dynamics of subtropical forest fragments
Authors: Liebsch Dieter , de Maçaneiro João Paulo , Galvão Franklin , Marques Marcia Cristina Mendes , Mikich Sandra Bos
Published: March 2019

With the intensification of global warming, the occurrence of large‐scale natural events is becoming even more common in tropical regions, which can impact the structure of plant communities. In this study, we evaluated the isolated and combined effects of an extratropical cyclone and the dominance of a native bamboo species (Merostachys skvortzovii) on floristic composition, diversity, demographic rates and the increment of trees in Atlantic Forest fragments in Southern Brazil. In 2014 (T1) and 2016 (T2), we sampled 56 plots of 200 m² for the effects of an extratropical cyclone in 2009 (T0). We also evaluated another 60 plots of the same size not in the direct path of this cyclone. Half of the plots in each group were covered by dense groupings of bamboos, as a result of past human activities, which could potentially limit natural regeneration. We observed an increase in richness and diversity indices (H′ and 1/D) from the first (T0) to the following assessments (T1 an T2) on the sites affected by the cyclone, when compared to non‐affected sites. After the cyclone, both density and basal area they decreased, but there was an increase in recruitment, mortality, turnover rates and basal area, as well as basal increment. The diameter increment on surviving individuals was higher in cyclone‐affected sites than in non‐affected sites. Bamboo cover did not affect richness or demographic rates (except mortality between T0 and T1). Natural impacts of this nature can lead to significant alterations of demographic rates, allowing the input of new species and influencing the pace of demographic processes.
Detecting selection signatures in three Iranian sheep breeds
Authors: Manzari Z. , Mehrabani‐Yeganeh H. , Nejati‐Javaremi A. , Moradi M. H. , Gholizadeh M.
Published: March 2019

The objective of genome mapping is to achieve valuable insight into the connection between gene variants (genotype) and observed traits (phenotype). Part of that objective is to understand the selective forces that have operated on a population. Finding links between genotype–phenotype changes makes it possible to identify selective sweeps by patterns of genetic variation and linkage disequilibrium. Based on Illumina 50KSNP chip data, two approaches, XP‐EHH (cross‐population extend haplotype homozygosity) and FST (fixation index), were carried out in this research to identify selective sweeps in the genome of three Iranian local sheep breeds: Baluchi (n = 86), Lori‐Bakhtiari (n = 45) and Zel (n = 45). Using both methods, 93 candidate genomic regions were identified as harboring putative selective sweeps. Bioinformatics analysis of the genomic regions showed that signatures of selection related to multiple candidate genes, such as HOXB9, HOXB13, ACAN, NPR2, TRIL, AOX1, CSF2, GHR, TNS2, SPAG8, HINT2, ALS2, AAAS, RARG, SYCP2, CAV1, PPP1R3D, PLA2G7, TTLL7 and C20orf10, that play a role in skeletal system and tail, sugar and energy metabolisms, growth, reproduction, immune and nervous system traits. Our findings indicated diverse genomic selection during the domestication of Iranian sheep breeds.
Bronchial asthma triggered by house dust mites in patients with local allergic rhinitis
Authors: Campo Paloma , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Plaza‐Serón María Carmen , Salas María , José Rodríguez María , Pérez‐Sánchez Natalia , González Miguel , Molina Ana , Mayorga Cristobalina , Torres María José , Rondón Carmen
Published: March 2019

Background

Over 30% of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients self‐report bronchial symptoms suggestive of asthma, but the relationship between the allergen exposure and the bronchial symptoms has not been studied.

Objective

To investigate whether a bronchial counterpart of LAR exists.

Methods

Patients were classified by clinical history, skin prick test/serum specific IgE (sIgE), and nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) into the LAR, allergic rhinitis (AR), and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) phenotypes. Twenty‐eight LAR, 18 AR, and 19 NAR patients self‐reporting bronchial symptoms suggestive of asthma and 8 healthy controls (HC) were subjected to a methacholine test (MT) before (Visit 1) and 24 hours after (Visit 3) a bronchial provocation test with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (BPT‐DP) (Visit 2). Induced sputum and peripheral blood obtained after each MT were analyzed for immune cell populations, tryptase, ECP, and sIgE.

Results

A positive MT was found in 50% of LAR, 83.3% of AR, 57.89% of NAR, and 0% of HC individuals (P = 0.022 AR vs LAR) at V1. BPT‐DP was positive in 8 LAR and 15 AR patients (28% vs 83.3%, P < 0.001), with no positive responses in NAR and HC. All BPT‐DP+ patients experienced a significant decrease of PC20 at V3 vs V1 (P = 0.016 LAR, P ≤ 0.001 AR). BPT‐DP+ patients also showed a significant increase of eosinophils, monocytes, and ECP in induced sputum at V3 compared with V1.

Conclusion

The results suggest the existence of a new asthma phenotype (local allergic asthma) defined by absence of systemic atopy and positivity to BPT with allergen.
Initial single institution experience with robotic biliary surgery and bilio‐enteric anastomosis in southeast Asia
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Low Tze‐Yi , Teo Jin‐Yao , Lee Ser‐Yee , Chan Chung‐Yip , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Ooi London L. P. J.
Published: March 2019

Background

Presently, experience with robotic biliary surgery (RBS) is increasing worldwide although widespread adoption remains limited. In this study, we report our initial experience with RBS.

Methods

Retrospective review of a single institution prospective database of 95 consecutive robotic hepatopancreatobiliary surgeries performed between 2013 and 2018. Of these, 27 patients who underwent RBS were included in this study. RBS was performed by three principal console surgeons of whom one surgeon performed 23 (85%) and supervised all cases. Additionally, to evaluate our initial outcomes with bilio‐enteric anastomoses, eight consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies were included.

Results

Of the 27 RBS performed, these included 10 hepaticojejunostomies with bile duct resections (including two concomitant pancreatoduodenectomies and one right hepatectomy) for choledochal cysts, bile duct strictures and biliary malignancies; five liver resections with hilar lymph node clearance for gallbladder cancer; four for Mirizzi syndrome; two cholecystectomies with cholecystoenteric fistula and two bile duct exploration after failed endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis. There were no open conversions, no 90‐day mortality and four (14.8%) major (>Grade II) morbidities. The median post‐operative stay was 6 (range 1–29) days and there was one (3.7%) 30‐day readmissions. Of our first 18 robotically constructed bilio‐enteric anastomoses, there was only one (5.5%) early anastomotic complication (bile leak requiring reoperation).

Conclusion

Our initial experience demonstrated that RBS can be adopted safely with a low open conversion rate. Robotically constructed bilio‐enteric anastomosis can be performed safely with a low anastomotic complication rate.
A cohort study of 49 933 women with surgically verified endometriosis: Increased incidence of breast cancer below the age of 40
Authors: Saavalainen Liisu , Lassus Heini , But Anna , Tiitinen Aila , Härkki Päivi , Gissler Mika , Pukkala Eero , Heikinheimo Oskari
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The association between endometriosis and breast cancer is unclear. We assessed the risk of breast cancer in women with surgically verified endometriosis, with special focus on the age at cancer diagnosis, time from endometriosis diagnosis and breast cancer histology.

Material and methods

All women with first endometriosis‐associated diagnoses occurring concomitantly with relevant surgical codes during 1987‐2012 were retrieved from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register in Finland. Breast cancers diagnosed after the endometriosis diagnosis were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry. The Finnish female population served as the reference. The endometriosis cohort consisted of 49 933 women (23 210 cases of ovarian, 20 187 peritoneal and 2372 deep infiltrating endometriosis). The outcome measure was the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of breast cancer calculated for the whole cohort and for the subtypes of endometriosis, stratified by the age at breast cancer diagnosis, histology and time from endometriosis diagnosis.

Results

The overall risk of breast cancer (1555 cases) was similar to the reference population (SIR 0.99; 95% CI 0.94‐1.03), did not differ in types of endometriosis, and was similar for ductal and lobular breast cancer. However, the SIR of breast cancer was increased in the age group of 20‐29 years (SIR 4.44; 95% CI 2.22‐7.94) and in the age group of 30‐39 years (SIR 1.28; 95% CI 1.03‐1.57). The risk of in situ breast cancer (170 cases) was increased in the entire endometriosis cohort (SIR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07‐1.44).

Conclusions

The overall risk of breast cancer in women with surgically verified endometriosis was similar to that of general population. However, the risk of breast cancer at young age was increased. Young women with surgically verified endometriosis represent highly symptomatic patients with more frequent surgeries and additional therapies that might also contribute to the risk of breast cancer.
Retrospective study identified fish and milk as the main culprits in cases of food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome
Authors: Douros Konstantinos , Tsabouri Sophia , Feketea Gavriella , Grammeniatis Vasilis , Koliofoti Eleana Georgia , Papadopoulos Marios , Sardeli Olympia , Triga Maria , Priftis Kostas N.
Published: March 2019

Aim

Food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non‐immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated food allergy, which is confined to the gastrointestinal tract and occurs most frequently in the first year of life. Our aim was to examine the clinical features, causative agents and outcomes of Greek children with FPIES.

Methods

This was a five‐year (2013–2017) retrospective study, based on chart reviews of 78 children with FPIES from six Greek paediatric allergy centres.

Results

Only five children needed an oral food challenge (OFC) for diagnosis, but 54 children (69%) had OFCs to monitor tolerance development. The most common problems were fish and milk, which affected affecting 42 (54%) and 25 (35%) of children, respectively. The median age of tolerance based on the results of the negative OFCs occurred by 34.0 (26.6–58.4) months. Fish and milk were tolerated by 24 (57%) and 13 (52%) of children by 43.8 and 24.3 months, respectively. Coexisting IgE sensitisation to the offending food was related to delayed tolerance.

Conclusion

Fish and milk were the most common food allergies in our series of Greek children with FPIES. Cases with IgE sensitisation to the food trigger took longer to resolve their allergies.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the growing incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis in children and adults in population‐based studies
Authors: Navarro Pilar , Arias Ángel , Arias‐González Laura , Laserna‐Mendieta Emilio J. , Ruiz‐Ponce Miriam , Lucendo Alfredo J.
Published: March 2019

Background

The frequency of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) occurrence is escalating. Current diagnostic criteria recently proposed for the disease, determine that previous estimates of incidence and prevalence are outdated.

Aim

To gauge the current incidence and prevalence of EoE by performing a systematic review of population‐based studies.

Methods

Three electronic databases were searched from their inception dates to September 2018. A total of 2386 documents were screened; 29 studies reported on the prevalence and incidence of EoE in the general population.

Results

The pooled prevalence of EoE was 34.4 cases per 100 000 inhabitants (95% CI, 23.1‐47.5), and was higher for adults (42.2; 95% CI, 31.1‐55) than for children (34; 95% CI, 22.3‐49.2). The pooled EoE incidence rates were 6.6/100 000 person‐years (95% CI, 3‐11.7) in children and 7.7/100 000 (95% CI, 1.8‐17.8) in adults. No differences were found between North American and European studies using varied sources of data (insurance and administrative databases compared to hospital‐bases case series). Subgroup analysis according to risk of bias did not change results significantly. A steady rise in EoE incidence and prevalence rates was observed over time, comparing studies conducted under subsequent definitions for EoE. No significant publication bias was found.

Conclusions

In a systematic review and meta‐analysis, we found a sharp increase, higher than previous estimates, in the incidence and prevalence of EoE in population based studies. Results from studies carried out in developed countries show broad consistency and provide evidence of increasing pooled prevalence and incidence of EoE rates over time.
Pollination and dispersal trait spectra recover faster than the growth form spectrum during spontaneous succession in sandy old‐fields
Authors: Fantinato Edy , Sonkoly Judit , Silan Giulia , Valkó Orsolya , Tóthmérész Béla , Deák Balázs , Kelemen András , Miglécz Tamás , Del Vecchio Silvia , Bettiol Francesca , Buffa Gabriella , Török Péter
Published: March 2019

Question

Spontaneous succession is the most natural and cost‐effective solution for grassland restoration. However, little is known about the time required for the recovery of grassland functionality, i.e., for the recovery of reproductive and vegetative processes typical of pristine grasslands. Since these processes operate at different scales, we addressed the question: do reproductive and vegetative processes require different recovery times during spontaneous succession?

Location

Kiskunság sand region (Central Hungary).

Methods

As combinations of plant traits can be used to highlight general patterns in ecological processes, we compared reproductive (pollination‐ and dispersal‐related) and vegetative (growth form) traits between recovered grasslands of different age (<10 years old; 10–20 years old; 20–40 years old) and pristine grasslands.

Results

During spontaneous succession, the reproductive trait spectra became similar to those of pristine grasslands earlier than the vegetative ones. In arable land abandoned for 10 years, pollination‐ and dispersal‐related trait spectra did not show significant difference to those of pristine grasslands; anemophily and anemochory were the prevailing strategies. Contrarily, significant differences in the growth form spectrum could be observed even after 40 years of abandonment; in recovered grasslands erect leafy species prevailed, while the fraction of dwarf shrubs and tussock‐forming species was significantly lower than in pristine grasslands.

Conclusions

The recovery of the ecological processes of pristine grasslands might require different amounts of time, depending on the spatial scale at which they operate. The reproductive trait spectra recovered earlier than the vegetative one, since reproductive attributes first determine plant species sorting at the regional level towards their respective habitats. The recovery of the vegetative trait spectrum needs more time as vegetative‐based interactions operate on a smaller spatial scale. Thus, vegetative traits might be more effective in the long‐term assessment of restoration success than the reproductive ones.
Balancing competing interests and obligations in mental health‐care practice and policy
Authors: Kirby Jeffrey
Published: March 2019

It is often challenging for mental health‐care providers and health organizations to perform their various roles and to meet their varied obligations. In complex mental health‐care circumstances the concurrent application of relevant ethical principles and values often leads to the emergence of completing obligations that need to be carefully weighed and balanced in the making of care‐related decisions. Although some clinical circumstances, such as those potentially triggering the duty to warn, are adequately guided by existing rules based on legal precedents, there is a gap in decision‐making support in other mental health‐care domains. This article proposes that a set of targeted, decision‐making approaches be developed to assist in the handling of specific, challenging circumstances. By way of illustration, two novel approaches are introduced; that is, choosing to work within a moral relational space of optimal therapeutic engagement (at the micro level of clinical practice), and the use of a health policy development approach that instantiates deliberative engagement (at the meso and macro levels of health organization).
Connecting the dots: Theorizing and mapping learning entanglement through archaeology and design
Authors: Carvalho Lucila , Yeoman Pippa
Published: March 2019

Designing for digitally enhanced learning has increased in complexity. In response, this paper calls for a reconceptualization of technology—as the reconfiguring of space, place, materials, time and social relations—enrolled and refashioned in emergent learning activity. Such reconceptualization requires analytical tools, methods and processes to map heterogeneous assemblages of people, tools and tasks. Educational researchers and designers are in need of approaches and theories that move beyond deterministic accounts about the utility of individual learning technologies, to connect theory, research and practice. Our research shows that in learning to distinguish between elements that are open to alteration through design and those that are not, educational designers gain deeper insights into the flows of matter, information and humans characteristic of productive networked learning environments. And this, in turn, gives rise to valued qualities of emergent learning activity in alignment with current theories about learning. In this paper, we present a series of methods adapted from archaeology and design, illustrating their power in tracing the complex webs of dependence characteristic of productive learning entanglement, with the aim of supporting future design for learning.
Social scholarship revisited: Changing scholarly practices in the age of social media
Authors: Greenhow Christine , Gleason Benjamin , Staudt Willet K. Bret
Published: March 2019

This conceptual exploration revisits a key question from earlier work (Greenhow & Gleason, 2014): What is scholarship reconsidered in the age of social media?Social scholarshipis a framework that expanded Boyers’ (1990) conceptualization of scholarship to consider how social media affect discovery and research, teaching and learning, integration, and application. This paper critically reflects on how social scholarship continues to evolve in light of changing understandings in the field of educational technology and the role social media play in the academy. We provide recent examples of social scholarship such as altmetrics, interdisciplinary projects, crowdsourced educational technology syllabi and reconsideration of the needs of research participants. Moreover, we share concrete examples of how scholars might enact social scholarship, with what benefits and challenges, and surface new concerns regarding openness, equity, access, literacy, privacy and ethical considerations. Our paper concludes with recommendations for preparing scholars to enact social scholarship while mitigating the challenges it poses.
A Tale of Two Deltas: Labour Politics in Jiangsu and Guangdong
Authors: Elfstrom Manfred
Published: March 2019

This article examines the sources of variation in Chinese workplace governance between otherwise similar parts of the country. Jiangsu's portion of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and Guangdong's portion of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) are both booming export hubs with large numbers of migrant workers. Yet, in the former region, authorities manage conflict with orthodoxy and coaxing; in the latter, with experimentation and coercion. Using interviews and government yearbooks, the article conceives of the YRD and PRD as ‘regional fields’ within the broader ‘field’ of Chinese labour politics. Greater worker militancy and organization is pushing the PRD field off‐balance, yielding more innovative but brutal policies. Although it has become common to explain governance in China from an elite perspective, grassroots contention is thus key. Bottom‐up pressures generate top‐down policy. This, the author contends, is true even under Xi Jinping.
Activation of Kv7 channels as a novel mechanism for NO/cGMP‐induced pulmonary vasodilation
Authors: Mondéjar‐Parreño Gema , Moral‐Sanz Javier , Barreira Bianca , De la Cruz Alicia , Gonzalez Teresa , Callejo Maria , Esquivel‐Ruiz Sergio , Morales‐Cano Daniel , Moreno Laura , Valenzuela Carmen , Perez‐Vizcaino Francisco , Cogolludo Angel
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

The NO/cGMP pathway represents a major physiological signalling controlling tone in pulmonary arteries (PA), and drugs activating this pathway are used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Kv channels expressed in PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are key determinants of vascular tone. We aimed to analyse the contribution of Kv1.5 and Kv7 channels in the electrophysiological and vasodilating effects evoked by NO donors and the GC stimulator riociguat in PA.

Experimental Approach

Kv currents were recorded in isolated rat PASMCs using the patch‐clamp technique. Vascular reactivity was assessed in a wire myograph.

Key Results

The NO donors diethylamine NONOate diethylammonium (DEA‐NO) and sodium nitroprusside hyperpolarized the membrane potential and induced a bimodal effect on Kv currents (augmenting the current between −40 and −10 mV and decreasing it at more depolarized potentials). The hyperpolarization and the enhancement of the current were suppressed by Kv7 channel inhibitors and by the GC inhibitor ODQ but preserved when Kv1.5 channels were inhibited. Additionally, DEA‐NO enhanced Kv7.5 currents in COS7 cells expressing the KCNQ5 gene. Riociguat increased Kv currents at all potentials ≥−40 mV and induced membrane hyperpolarization. Both effects were prevented by Kv7 inhibition. Likewise, PA relaxation induced by NO donors and riociguat was attenuated by Kv7 inhibitors.

Conclusions and Implications

NO donors and riociguat enhance Kv7 currents, leading to PASMC hyperpolarization. This mechanism contributes to NO/cGMP‐induced PA vasodilation. Our study identifies Kv7 channels as a novel mechanism of action of vasodilator drugs used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
New molecular biomarkers in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: Impact of miR‐146, miR‐221 and miR‐222 levels in the evolution of the disease
Authors: Gómez‐Pérez Ana María , Cornejo Pareja Isabel María , García Alemán Jorge , Coín Aragüez Leticia , Sebastián Ochoa Arantzazu , Alcaide Torres Juan , Molina Vega María , Clu Fernández Carlos , Mancha Doblas Isabel , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: March 2019

Objective

MircroRNAs (miR) are small, noncoding RNA molecules of 18‐25 nucleotides. Their dysregulation has been widely studied in many human tumours including differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). miRs more frequently associated with these kinds of tumours are miR‐146, miR‐221 and miR‐222. Our objective was to assess the relationship among circulating miR levels and the evolution and outcomes of disease.

Design

We analysed a sample of 60 patients with DTC assigning them to one of three groups according to the dynamic scale of risk (excellent response, incomplete biochemical response and incomplete structural response).

Patients and measurements

At study inclusion, we determined thyroid‐stimulating hormone, thyroxine, thyroglobulin, antithyroglobulin antibodies and plasma levels of miR‐146, miR‐221 and miR‐222.

Results

Male sex and advanced age at diagnosis were associated with the worst disease progression. miR‐222 was twofold to threefold higher in tall cell papillary carcinomas (P = 0.038). miR‐146 (P = 0.016) and miR‐221 (P = 0.050) had a positive correlation with thyroglobulin at the time of sampling. In regression analysis, miR‐146 (P = 0.006), miR‐221 (P = 0.004) and miR‐222 (P = 0.007) predicted more than 70% of the variation in thyroglobulin levels at the time of sampling.

Conclusions

Elevated miR‐222 and miR‐146 levels are associated with poorer outcomes of the disease and may have a prognostic value in the management and follow‐up of DTC.
Genome‐wide association study identifies new susceptibility loci for diabetic nephropathy in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jeong Kyung H. , Kim Jin S. , Woo Jeong‐Taek , Rhee Sang Y. , Lee Yu H. , Kim Yang G. , Moon Ju‐Young , Kim Su K. , Kang Sun W. , Lee Sang H. , Kim Yeong H. ,   Representing KNOW‐CKD Study Group and KNDP Study Group
Published: March 2019

Genetic factors are considered to be important in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Despite several genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) demonstrating that specific polymorphisms of candidate genes were associated with DN, there were some limitations in previous studies. We conducted a GWAS using customized DNA chips to identify novel susceptibility loci for DN in Korean. We analyzed a total of 414 DN cases and 474 normoalbuminuric diabetic hyper‐controls across two stages using customized DNA chips containing 98 667 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We explored the associations between SNPs and DN in samples from 87 DN cases, mostly confirmed by renal biopsy, and 104 diabetic hyper‐controls, and replicated these associations in independent cohort samples with 327 DN cases and 370 diabetic hyper‐controls. The top significant SNPs from the discovery samples were selected for replication in the independent cohort. rs3765156 in PIK3C2B was significantly associated with DN in the replication cohort after multiple test. The SNPs identified in our study provide new insights into the pathogenesis of DN in the Korean population. Additional studies are needed to determine biological effects and clinical utility of our findings.
Horizontal ridge augmentation with guided bone regeneration using particulate xenogenic bone substitutes with or without autogenous block grafts: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mendoza‐Azpur Gerardo , de la Fuente Andres , Chavez Elizabeth , Valdivia Erick , Khouly Ismael
Published: March 2019

Background

To evaluate dimensional bone alterations following horizontal ridge augmentation using guided bone regeneration (GBR) with or without autogenous block graft (ABG) for the rehabilitation of atrophic jaws with dental implants.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two patients, with 42 severe horizontal bone atrophy sites in the maxilla or mandible were randomly assigned to two groups: ABG or GBR. The ABG group received a combination of ABG with particulate xenograft, covered by a collagen membrane, while the GBR group received particulate xenograft alone, covered by a collagen membrane. After 6‐9 months of healing, implants were inserted. All implants were definitively restored 6 months after implant placement. Radiographic examination (cone‐beam computed tomograms) was performed immediately after bone grafting procedure (T0), at 6 months (T6), and at 18 months (T18), to evaluate the amount of horizontal bone width (HBW) gain. Patient demographic information, amount of ridge width augmentation, implant survival, complications, and contributing factors were gathered and analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients completed the study. Both groups developed enough bone ridge width for implant placement. A total of 65 implants were placed. Implant survival rate was 100% in both groups at T18. Mean increases in HBW amounted to 5.6 ± 1.35 mm in GBR sites and 4.8 ± 0.79 mm in ABG sites at T18. There was no statistically significant difference in HBW gain obtained in the GBR group when compared to the ABG group at 6 months (P = 0.26) or 18 months (P = 0.26). However, the ABG group had a statistically significant higher prevalence of sensory disturbances (P = 0.02) and hematomas (P = 0.002) compared to the GBR group.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that either GBR with or without ABG is an effective approach in augmenting resorbed horizontal deficient ridges prior to implant placement. However, more complications may be seen with the use of ABG related to the donor sites.
Implant failures and age at the time of surgery: A retrospective study on implant treatments in 4585 edentulous jaws
Authors: Jemt Torsten
Published: March 2019

Background

There is limited knowledge on the relationship between implant failures and patient age at implant surgery.

Purpose

To further analyze and report long‐term data on previously presented significant associations between implant failures and age at surgery in patients receiving treatment in the edentulous jaw.

Materials and Methods

A total of 4049 patients were provided with 24 781 implants during 4585 operations in edentulous jaws between 1986 and 2015 in one referral clinic. Patients were thereafter invited to be followed up until the termination of the study. All implant failures were recorded, and nonlinear spline statistical methods and calculations of survival curves for different age groups were used to analyze implant failures related to age at surgery.

Results

Ten‐year age groups presented consistently higher overall survival rates with increasing age. The overall 10‐year survival rates for treated jaws without failures ranged between 83.4% and 91.0% for different age groups. The risk of implant failures in 50‐year‐old patients was higher than in older patients within 15 years of follow‐up (66/78 years; P < 0.05). The difference between young (<45 years), middle‐aged (45‐64 years), and old (>64 years) patients became more pronounced in patients included later in the study (2003‐2015).

Conclusions

Young edentulous patients presented an overall significantly higher risk of implant failure than did old patients. The risk decreased consistently from patients in the youngest age group (30‐39 years) to those in the oldest age group (>79 years), with a more pronounced pattern for the patients included in the late period. This finding suggests a change in patient characteristics during the time of inclusion, but no causal explanations for the present observations have been established.