bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between sleep efficiency and diabetes mellitus in community‐dwelling individuals with or without sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Yan Bin , Zhao Binbin , Fan Yajuan , Yang Jian , Zhu Feng , Chen Yunchun , Ma Xiancang
Published: September 2019

Background

Sleeping habits have been reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to explore the relationship of sleep efficiency with diabetes mellitus in individuals with or without sleep‐disordered breathing based on polysomnography records.

Methods

We enrolled participants from the Sleep Heart Health Study. Objective indicators of sleep characteristics including sleep efficiency, sleep latency, slow‐wave sleep, wake after sleep onset, and total arousal index were monitored via in‐home polysomnography. Sleep efficiency was divided into grade 1 (≥85%), grade 2 (80%‐84.9%), and grade 3 (<80%). Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the association between sleep quality and diabetes mellitus.

Results

The present study comprised 4737 participants with a mean age of 63.6 ± 11.0 years. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was higher in those with grade 3 sleep efficiency than that in those with grade 1 and grade 2 sleep efficiency in participants with (10.9% vs 8.5% vs 8.3%, respectively; P =.134) or without (9.5% vs 5.6% vs 3.5%, respectively; P <.001) sleep‐disordered breathing. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, sleep efficiency <80% was associated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus only in participants without sleep‐disordered breathing (odds ratio, 1.894; 95% confidence interval, 1.187‐3.022, P =.007).

Conclusion

Poor sleep efficiency is associated with diabetes mellitus in those without sleep‐disordered breathing. Therefore, the relationship between sleep efficiency and diabetes mellitus is worth further investigation.
Association between snus use over time and smoking cessation in Norwegian smokers
Authors: Lund Ingeborg , Christiansen Solveig Glestad
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

The effect of snus (Swedish moist snuff) use over time on smoking cessation has not been clearly established. This study aimed to assess whether there is an association between snus use over the life‐span and smoking cessation in Norway.

Design and Setting

Yearly national cross‐sectional surveys (2007–17) among Norwegian adults.

Participants

A total of 5353 ever‐daily smokers aged 16–79 years, 61.0% of whom (n = 3268) had quit daily smoking, and 16.9% (n = 903) were ever snus users.

Measurements

Retrospective data on smoking and snus use initiation and smoking cessation. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the association between time from initiation of snus use and quitting smoking.

Findings

There was a significant association between snus use and quitting smoking during the 5 first years after starting using snus (hazard ratio = 1.92, confidence interval = 1.62–2.26), but not thereafter.

Conclusion

In Norway, snus use appears to be associated with a higher likelihood of quitting smoking within the first 5 years of initiation of this use.
Derived muscle arrangements and their shared innervation patterns of external and internal cheek pouches in rodents
Authors: Kawashima Tomokazu , Thorington Richard W. , Bohaska Paula W. , Sato Fumi
Published: September 2019

Cheek pouches have evolved from the oral cavity in rodents and act as temporary food storage repositories. There are two types of opening, internal and external. Details about the complex cutaneous muscles controlling the pouches have still not been fully elucidated. To understand the shared and derived traits of the muscles surrounding the cheek pouch and their innervation, we carried out an evolutionary morphological study using two desert kangaroo rats (Dipodomys deserti) and three plains pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius) from each of the two families equipped with external cheek pouches, and four Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with internal cheek pouches. The most conspicuous derived trait of the muscles between the external and internal cheek pouches, the sphincter sacculi, surrounds almost all of the edge of the outer entrance of the pouch. It is present in both species with external pouches, but not in hamsters, which have internal pouches. Our neurological findings demonstrate that most pouch muscles are innervated by both the facial and the cervical nerves, regardless of the pouch type. In these dually innervated muscles, the ventromedial part of the muscles tends to be innervated dominantly or uniquely by the cervical nerves, which usually enter from the superficial or lateral aspect. As a trait shared with the cervical nerves innervating the propatagial muscles in aerodynamic mammals such as bats and flying squirrels, and panniculus carnosus in most mammals, our neurological evidence suggests that the cervical nerve has the potential to innervate derived cutaneous muscles in the cervicofacial region.
Clinical impact of pre‐treatment FDG‐PET/CT staging of primary ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers in women
Authors: Sponholtz Sara E. , Mogensen Ole , Hildebrandt Malene G. , Jensen Pernille T.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

To assess the clinical impact of preoperative fludeoxyglucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in women with ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer with focus on consequences of added findings (AFs).

Material and methods

FDG‐PET/CT was implemented as a standard imaging modality for women with newly diagnosed ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer at our institution in 2008. After full implementation, all preoperative scans were reviewed and AFs were evaluated from January 2011 to December 2012. Decisions regarding further examination made at the first multidisciplinary team conference were recorded. Subsequent procedures were tracked via medical records, and the impact of AFs on additional examinations, delay, and change in treatment plans was evaluated.

Results

Forty‐four (21.1%) of 209 women presented with AFs. Further examination was performed in 35/44 (79.5%). Malignancy was identified in 15/35 (42.9%), revealing metastases from ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer in 11, a synchronous primary cancer in 3, and recurrence of a previous cancer in 1 woman. The ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer metastases were localized in the lungs, uterus, colon, vagina, and breasts. The remaining 20 AFs revealed 2 benign lesions and 1 pre‐malignant lesion, whereas no abnormality was found in 17. Further examination of AFs resulted in a significant time delay until treatment start of median 4 days (range 1‐83 days, P < 0.004).

Conclusions

Further examinations of AFs by FDG‐PET/CT delayed time to start of treatment by median 4 days in women with newly diagnosed ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer in a contemporary institution with fast‐track access to additional diagnostics. The clinical implications of this must be balanced against the gain of detecting unrecognized malignancy in 15 of 209 women (7.2%).
An Examination of the Moderating Effect of Core Self‐Evaluations and the Mediating Effect of Self‐Set Goals on the Primed Goal‐Task Performance Relationship
Authors: Itzchakov Guy , Latham Gary P.
Published: September 2019

An understudied issue in the goal priming literature is why the same prime can provoke different responses in different people. The current research sheds light on this issue by investigating whether an individual difference variable, core self‐evaluations (CSE), accounts for different responses from the same prime. Based on the findings of experiments showing that individuals with high CSE have higher performance after consciously setting a task‐related goal than individuals with lower CSE, two hypotheses were tested: (1) Individuals who score high on CSE perform better following a subconsciously primed goal for achievement than do individuals who score low on CSE, and (2) this effect is mediated by a self‐set goal. Two laboratory experiments (n = 207, 191) and one field experiment (n = 62) provided support for the hypotheses. These findings suggest that personality variables such as the CSE can provide an explanation for the “many effects of the one prime problem”.
Statin use and peripheral nerve function—A prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Svendsen Toke de Koning , Krøigård Thomas , Wirenfeldt Martin , Schrøder Henrik Daa , Bak Søren , Möller Sören , Hallas Jesper , Sindrup Søren Hein , Gaist David
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To examine the association between use of statins and risk of deterioration of peripheral nerve function.

Methods

We prospectively followed patients who initiated statin treatment and compared them with statin never‐users (non‐users). At the time of inclusion and at 1‐year follow‐up, participants underwent tests for peripheral nerve function (ie nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing), skin biopsies and ratings of symptoms and signs of neuropathy. We selected five tests of nerve function and the intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) a priori as primary outcomes. We used linear regression to test for differences between statin users and non‐users with Holm‐Bonferroni‐corrected statistical significance level of .05.

Results

Comparisons were based on 57 statin users and 46 non‐users. Changes in nerve function test results during follow‐up were not uniform with regard to direction and were statistically not significant with the exception of IENFD (change in IENFD: statin users 1 fibre/mm vs. non‐statin users −2 fibres/mm; P‐value = .006). None of the participants developed overt peripheral neuropathy. However, five statin users developed neuropathy‐like symptoms and a post hoc analysis showed a significant decrease in vibration sensitivity compared to asymptomatic statin users.

Conclusion

Statin use was not clearly associated with increased risk of deterioration of peripheral nerve function analysed at a group level. However, given the sample size limitations of our study and the findings of our post hoc analysis, we cannot preclude that peripheral nerve function may be affected in some individuals exposed to statins.
Self‐regulatory consequences of observing others making goal progress: A longitudinal field study in weight loss groups
Authors: Reynolds James P. , Webb Thomas L. , McCulloch Kathleen C. , Fitzsimons Gráinne M.
Published: September 2019

Objective

What happens when people see others making progress toward a goal that they also hold? Is it motivating or could it undermine goal pursuit because people feel that they have made progress themselves (i.e., they experience vicarious goal satiation)?

Methods

We investigated these questions in a longitudinal field context – a group weight loss programme. N = 132 participants who were overweight or obese and attended weekly weight loss classes completed questionnaires over 11 weeks to investigate the consequences of observing other people making progress toward their goal of losing weight

Results

Observing others making good progress was associated with participants holding stronger intentions to lose weight themselves (B = 0.04, p = .012), positive goal‐related affect (B = 0.27, p = .017), and feeling that they were also making progress themselves (B = 0.22, p < .001). However, observing others making good progress was also associated with losing a smaller amount of weight over the following week (B = .13, p = .005). Mediation analyses showed a significant indirect effect of observing others making good progress, via feelings about their own progress, on changes in weight, B = .02, 95% CI [.00, .04].

Conclusions

People who view others making progress tend to be less successful at losing weight themselves over the following week. The findings suggest that this is, in part, explained by the person feeling as if they have made progress themselves; thereby providing the first demonstration of vicarious goal satiation in a field context.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Many people strive toward health goals (e.g., try to lose weight) with other people.

However, research into vicarious goal satiation (VGS) suggests that seeing someone else achieve their goal may lead people to believe that they have made progress themselves and undermine goal pursuit.

What does this study add?

A longitudinal test of VGS in a field context, namely weight loss groups.

Observing other people do well was motivating for the observer.

They also believed that they had made progress themselves and were less successful at losing weight.
E‐cadherin‐Fc chimera protein matrix enhances cancer stem‐like properties and induces mesenchymal features in colon cancer cells
Authors: Qian Yamin , Wu Xin , Yokoyama Yuhki , Okuzaki Daisuke , Taguchi Mai , Hirose Haruka , Wang Jiaqi , Hata Tsuyoshi , Inoue Akira , Hiraki Masayuki , Ohtsuka Masahisa , Takahashi Hidekazu , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Tanaka Shinji , Mori Masaki , Yamamoto Hirofumi
Published: September 2019

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a subpopulation of tumor cells with properties of high tumorigenicity and drug resistance, which lead to recurrence and poor prognosis. Although a better understanding of CSC is essential for developing cancer therapies, scarcity of the CSC population has hindered such analyses. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the E‐cadherin‐Fc chimera protein (E‐cad‐Fc) enhances cancer stem‐like properties because studies show that soluble E‐cadherin stimulates human epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream signaling pathways that are reported to play a crucial role in CSC. For this purpose, we used ornithine decarboxylase (ODC)‐degron–transduced (Degron(+)) KM12SM cells as a CSC model that retains relatively low CSC properties. Compared to cultures without E‐cad‐Fc treatment, we found that E‐cad‐Fc treatment further suppressed proteasome activity and largely enhanced cancer stem‐like properties of ODC‐degron–transduced KM12SM cells. These results include increased expression of stem cell markers Lgr5, Bmi‐1, SOX9, CD44, and CD44v9, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and enhancement of robust spheroid formation, and chemoresistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and oxaliplatin (L‐OHP). These effects could be attributed to activation of the EGFR pathway as identified by extensive phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. In SW480 cells, E‐cad‐Fc matrix induced some CSC markers such as CD44v9 and ALDH. We also found that E‐cad‐Fc matrix showed high efficiency of inducing mesenchymal changes in colon cancer cells. Our data suggest that the E‐cad‐Fc matrix may enhance CSC properties such as enhancement of chemoresistance and sphere formation.
Individual optimal dose of amrubicin to prevent severe neutropenia in Japanese patients with lung cancer
Authors: Makino Yoshinori , Makihara‐Ando Reiko , Ogawa Takanori , Sato Hitoshi , Goto Yasushi , Kanda Shintaro , Horinouchi Hidehito , Fujiwara Yutaka , Ohe Yuichiro , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2019

This study determined individual optimal amrubicin doses for Japanese patients with lung cancer after platinum‐based treatment. We carried out population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling incorporating gene polymorphisms of metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Fifty patients with lung cancer, who were given 35‐40 mg/m2 amrubicin on days 1‐3 every 3‐4 weeks, were enrolled. Mechanism‐based modeling described relationships between the pharmacokinetics of amrubicin and absolute neutrophil counts. A population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model was developed for amrubicin and amrubicinol (active metabolite), connected by a delay compartment. The final model incorporated body surface area as a covariate of amrubicin and amrubicinol clearance and distribution volume. SLC28A3 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs7853758) was also incorporated as a constant covariate of the delay compartment of amrubicinol. Performance status was considered a covariate of pharmacokinetic (amrubicinol clearance) and pharmacodynamic (mean maturation time) parameters. Twenty‐nine patients with grade 4 neutropenia showed higher amrubicinol area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUC0‐72, P = .01) and shorter overall survival periods than other patients did (P = .01). Using the final population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model, median optimal dose to prevent grade 4 neutropenia aggravation was estimated at 22 (range, 8−40) mg/m2 for these 29 patients. We clarified correlations between area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to 72 hours of amrubicinol and severity of neutropenia and survival of patients given amrubicin after platinum chemotherapy. This analysis revealed important amrubicin pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic covariates and provided useful information to predict patients who would require prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulating factor.
Face detection in 2‐ to 6‐month‐old infants is influenced by gaze direction and species
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth A. , Maylott Sarah E. , Mitsven Samantha G. , Zeng Guangyu , Jakobsen Krisztina V.
Published: September 2019

Humans detect faces efficiently from a young age. Face detection is critical for infants to identify and learn from relevant social stimuli in their environments. Faces with eye contact are an especially salient stimulus, and attention to the eyes in infancy is linked to the emergence of later sociality. Despite the importance of both of these early social skills—attending to faces and attending to the eyes—surprisingly little is known about how they interact. We used eye tracking to explore whether eye contact influences infants' face detection. Longitudinally, we examined 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐month‐olds' (N = 65) visual scanning of complex image arrays with human and animal faces varying in eye contact and head orientation. Across all ages, infants displayed superior detection of faces with eye contact; however, this effect varied as a function of species and head orientation. Infants were more attentive to human than animal faces and were more sensitive to eye and head orientation for human faces compared to animal faces. Unexpectedly, human faces with both averted heads and eyes received the most attention. This pattern may reflect the early emergence of gaze following—the ability to look where another individual looks—which begins to develop around this age. Infants may be especially interested in averted gaze faces, providing early scaffolding for joint attention. This study represents the first investigation to document infants' attention patterns to faces systematically varying in their attentional states. Together, these findings suggest that infants develop early, specialized functional conspecific face detection.
Plasma mtDNA copy numbers are associated with GSTK1 expression and inflammation in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Deng X. , Yang G. , Zheng X. , Yang Y. , Qin H. , Liu Z‐X. , Deng H. , Liu S‐M.
Published: September 2019

Aims

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Glutathione S‐transferase kappa 1 (GSTK1) is critical to maintain mitochondrial function and homeostasis. We aimed to investigate whether a potential link exists between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers and inflammation, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and GSTK1 expression in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We assessed mtDNA copy numbers in plasma and GSTK1 expression in white blood cells in 123 people with type 2 diabetes and in 121 healthy controls using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). An automatic chemistry or immunoassay analyser was used to determine serum glucose, lipids and inflammatory markers. Multiple linear regression and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations and risks.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, individuals with diabetes showed higher mtDNA copy numbers (t = −3.938, P < 0.001) and lower GSTK1 expression (Z = −2.985, P = 0.002). mtDNA copy number was associated with type 2 diabetes risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.25–2.58, P = 0.001] after controlling for confounding factors. In individuals with diabetes, mtDNA copy number was negatively associated with GSTK1 expression (β = −0.235, P = 0.036) and positively associated with serum high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) (β = 0.839, P < 0.001), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) (β = 0.549, P < 0.001), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (β = 0.589, P = 0.006) and NEFA (β = 0.001, P = 0.020). In the diabetic group, individuals with an abnormal increase in NEFA, hsCRP, TNF‐α and IL‐6 showed significantly elevated mtDNA copy numbers (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

mtDNA copy numbers in plasma might have an important role in the progression of diabetic chronic inflammation via inhibition of GSTK1 and could be a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetes.
A novel approach to improve stress regulation among traumatized youth in residential care: Feasibility study testing three game‐based meditation interventions
Authors: Schuurmans Angela A. T. , Nijhof Karin S. , Scholte Ron , Popma Arne , Otten Roy
Published: September 2019

Aim

Many youth in residential care suffer from post‐traumatic symptoms that have adverse effects on a range of psychological, behavioural and physiological outcomes. Although current evidence‐based treatment options are effective, they have their limitations. Meditation interventions are an alternative to traditional trauma‐focused treatment. This pilot study aimed to evaluate three game‐based meditation interventions in a sample of traumatized youth in residential care.

Methods

Fifteen participants were randomly divided over three conditions (Muse, DayDream and Wild Divine) that all consisted of twelve 15‐minute game‐play sessions. Physiological measurements (heart rate variability) were conducted at baseline, post‐treatment and during each intervention session. Post‐traumatic symptoms, stress, depression, anxiety and aggression were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment and 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Physiological stress regulation was improved during the meditation sessions of all three interventions. User evaluations were in particular high for Muse with a rating of 8.42 out of 10 for game evaluation. Overall, outcomes on psychopathology demonstrated the most robust effect on stress. Muse performed best, with all participants showing reliable improvements (reliable change indexes [RCIs]) in post‐traumatic symptoms, stress and anxiety. Participants who played Daydream or Wild Divine showed inconsistent progression: some participants improved, whereas others remained stable or even deteriorated based on their RCIs.

Conclusions

Preliminary findings show promising outcomes on physiology, psychopathology and user evaluations. All indicate the potential of this innovative form of stress regulation intervention, and the potential of Muse in particular, although findings should be considered preliminary due to our small sample size. Further studies are warranted to assess intervention effectiveness effects of Muse or other game‐based meditation interventions for traumatized youth.
Risk factors for exertional heat illness in Thoroughbred racehorses in flat races in Japan (2005–2016)
Authors: Takahashi Y. , Takahashi T.
Published: September 2019

Background

Exertional heat illness (EHI) is recognised in horses, but few reports have investigated its risk factors.

Objectives

To identify risk factors for EHI in racehorses participating in flat races in Japan.

Study design

Descriptive epidemiology and retrospective unmatched case–control study.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2016, veterinary records of horses diagnosed with EHI after flat races were reviewed retrospectively and data of the months from April to September were used for a case–control study. For each case, three control horses were randomly selected from starts between April and September. Race records of horses and estimated wet‐bulb globe temperature (WBGT) indexes at the local meteorological observatory closest to the racecourse were investigated. To identify risk factors for EHI, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used.

Results

Of 194 cases during the study period, 188 cases occurred between April and September. The highest incidence risk was in July (1.1 cases per 1000 starts, 95% confidence interval 0.84–1.45). In the final multivariable model, WBGT index, sex, race distance, age and bodyweight were associated with EHI. When WBGT index exceeded 28°C, the risk of EHI was considerably higher than <20°C (OR 28.5, 14.2–62.4, P<0.001). Compared with uncastrated males, geldings (OR 4.9, 1.8–13.3, p = 0.002) and females (OR 2.4, 1.5–3.7, P<0.001) were at high risk of EHI (P<0.01). Furthermore, races of >1600 m (OR 1.8, 1.2–2.8, P = 0.002), 4‐year‐old (OR 3.5, 1.6–7.9, P = 0.002) and ≥5‐year‐old (OR 3.9, 1.8–9.2, P = 0.001) horses and horses with low bodyweight (OR per 20 kg, 0.8, 0.7–1.0, P = 0.02) were associated with increased risk of EHI.

Main limitations

The median straight‐line distance between the racecourse and the local meteorological observatory was 14.2 km (range, 1.1–28.3 km). There was a lack of objective criteria of EHI due to the retrospective nature of the study.

Conclusions

We identified specific risk factors for EHI in racehorses. These results may be useful to the equine industry for reducing EHI occurrence in racehorses.
A multi‐centre cohort study investigating the outcome of synovial contamination or sepsis of the calcaneal bursae in horses treated by endoscopic lavage and debridement
Authors: Isgren C. M. , Salem S. E. , Singer E. R. , Wylie C. E. , Lipreri G. , Graham R. J. T. Y. , Bladon B. , Boswell J. C. , Fiske‐Jackson A. R. , Mair T. S. , Rubio‐Martínez L. M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Previous studies investigating factors associated with survival following endoscopic treatment of contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursa are limited.

Objectives

To investigate the factors associated with survival in horses with contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursae treated endoscopically and to describe the bacterial isolates involved in the synovial infections.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of clinical records.

Methods

Medical records from 128 horses with contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursae treated by endoscopic lavage at seven equine hospitals were reviewed. A follow‐up questionnaire was used to determine survival and return to athletic performance. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards survival models were used to determine factors associated with survival.

Results

Horses underwent one (n = 107), two (n = 19), or three (n = 2) surgeries. Survival to hospital discharge was 84.4%. Univariable survival analysis revealed that administration of systemic antimicrobials prior to referral was associated with reduced mortality (hazard ratio, [HR] 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.91, P = 0.03). Increased mortality was associated with bone fracture/osteomyelitis (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.12–5.26, P = 0.03), tendon involvement (≥30% cross sectional area) (HR 3.78 95% CI 1.78–8.04, P = 0.001), duration of general anaesthesia (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, P = 0.04), post‐operative synoviocentesis (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.36–7.43, P = 0.006) and post‐operative wound dehiscence (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.08–5.65, P = 0.04). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed reduced mortality after systemic antimicrobial administration prior to referral (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.60, P = 0.002) and increased mortality with tendinous involvement (≥30% cross‐sectional area) (HR 7.92, 95% CI 3.31–19.92, P<0.001). At follow‐up (median 30 months, range 0.25–13 years, n = 70) 87.1% horses were alive, 7.1% had been euthanised due to the calcaneal injury and 5.7% had been euthanised for unrelated reasons. From 57 horses with athletic performance follow‐up, 91.2% returned to the same/higher level of exercise, 5.3% to a lower level and 3.5% were retired due to persistent lameness of the affected limb.

Main limitations

Retrospective study and incomplete follow‐up.

Conclusion

Endoscopic treatment of contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursae has an 84% survival rate to hospital discharge. Tendinous involvement reduced survival whilst systemic antimicrobials administration prior to referral improved survival.
Inflammatory mediators are potential biomarkers for extracorporeal shockwave therapy in horses
Authors: Chen J.‐W. , Stefanovski D. , Haughan J. , Jiang Z. , Boston R. , Soma L. R. , Robinson M. A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can potentially mask painful injuries in equine athletes. Tests to detect whether a horse has received ESWT prior to competition are needed. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is known to affect inflammatory mediators in other species, and if these mediators are altered in the horse, these could serve as biomarkers of ESWT.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that a single application of ESWT will alter the circulating protein concentrations of 10 inflammatory mediators in horse plasma.

Study design

Prospective repeated measures experimental study.

Methods

Eleven healthy horses were administered a single dose of ESWT on the dorsal surface of proximal MCIII. Blood samples were collected at −168, −144, −120, −96, −72, −70, −68, −66, −48, −24, −6, −4, −2, 0 h before and 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 336 and 504 h after ESWT. Plasma concentrations of interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA), IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐15, interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), soluble toll‐like receptor 2 (sTLR2) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) were measured to assess the effects of ESWT on these mediators.

Results

Baseline concentrations of inflammatory mediators did not change substantially during the week prior to ESWT. Plasma concentrations of five inflammatory factors changed following ESWT. IL‐1β and IL‐6 were significantly down‐regulated (P<0.01), while TNF‐α, IL‐1RA and TLR2 were significantly up‐regulated (P<0.01). The remaining cytokines were not significantly affected by ESWT.

Main limitations

This study was performed in a small number of sedentary, healthy pasture‐kept horses using a single dose of ESWT applied to a single location. Additional studies are necessary to determine the effect of ESWT on inflammatory mediators in athletic horses undergoing treatment for musculoskeletal injuries.

Conclusions

Plasma concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐1RA, IL‐6 and TLR2 were significantly affected by ESWT, and deserve further investigation as possible biomarkers of ESWT.
Fatigue design of welded double‐sided T‐joints and double‐sided cruciform joints in steel marine structures: A total stress concept
Authors: Qin Yanxin , den Besten Henk , Palkar Saloni , Kaminski Miroslaw Lech
Published: September 2019

Fatigue is a governing design limit state for marine structures. Welded joints are important in that respect. The weld notch stress (intensity) distributions contain essential information and formulations have been established to obtain a total stress fatigue damage criterion and corresponding fatigue resistance curve; a total stress concept. However, the involved weld load carrying stress model does not provide the required estimates and trends for varying geometry dimensions and loading & response combinations. A new one has been developed and performance evaluation for T‐joints and cruciform joints in steel marine structures shows that in comparison with the nominal stress, hot spot structural stress and effective notch stress concept based results up to 50% more accurate fatigue design life time estimates can be obtained. Taking advantage of the weld notch stress formulations, the effective notch stress concept performance has improved adopting a stress‐averaged criterion rather than a fictitious notch radius‐based one.
Evaluating functional diversity conservation for freshwater fishes resulting from terrestrial protected areas
Authors: Lamothe Karl A. , Alofs Karen M. , Chu Cindy
Published: September 2019

Protected areas are one of the hammers in conservation toolkits, yet few protected areas exist that were designed to protect freshwater ecosystems. This is problematic as freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened systems on earth. Nonetheless, terrestrial protected areas (TPAs) may afford spill‐over benefits to freshwater ecosystems included within their boundaries, but evaluations of these potential benefits for the protection of freshwater fish diversity are lacking.

Using fish community data from 175 lakes inside, outside, or bordering TPAs in Ontario, Canada, we sought to determine if TPAs preserve fish functional diversity. We focused on functional diversity because previous work indicated no taxonomic differences between these lakes, but a difference in normalised‐length size‐spectra slopes inside versus outside TPAs (indicator of unique predator–prey ratios and trophic energy transfer). We expected that communities inside TPAs would show greater functional diversity (i.e. functional dispersion and functional richness) and have more extreme trait combinations (i.e. functional divergence) than communities outside or bordering TPAs. We also tested for differences in the rarity of species‐specific functional traits between fish communities inside, outside, or bordering TPAs, between thermal guilds, and across average body size and overall prevalence of the species.

Our results indicated no significant differences in functional diversity among lake fish communities inside, outside, or bordering TPAs. However, fish communities inside TPAs had more extreme trait combinations than outside TPAs because abundant species in lake communities outside TPAs had more ubiquitous trait combinations than abundant fishes inside TPAs.

Small‐bodied species showed greater functional rarity than large‐bodied species, indicating that small‐bodied fishes fill functionally unique roles while the most prevalent, large‐bodied species possess a more generalist set of traits.

Overall, the similarity of functional diversity metrics for lake fish communities inside, outside, or bordering TPAs in Ontario suggests that TPAs capture the functional diversity of Ontario's lake fish communities. However, we encourage similar evaluations in regions where environmental conditions and stressors are more distinct across TPA boundaries than they are in Ontario, as these types of evaluations will inform guidelines for the design of freshwater protected areas and monitoring of their effectiveness in the future.
Potential of biotechnological conversion of lignocellulose hydrolyzates by Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as a model organism for a bio‐based economy
Authors: Horlamus Felix , Wang Yan , Steinbach David , Vahidinasab Maliheh , Wittgens Andreas , Rosenau Frank , Henkel Marius , Hausmann Rudolf
Published: September 2019

Lignocellulose‐derived hydrolyzates typically display a high degree of variation depending on applied biomass source material as well as process conditions. Consequently, this typically results in variable composition such as different sugar concentrations as well as degree and the presence of inhibitors formed during hydrolysis. These key obstacles commonly limit its efficient use as a carbon source for biotechnological conversion. The gram‐negative soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a promising candidate for a future lignocellulose‐based biotechnology process due to its robustness and versatile metabolism. Recently, P. putida KT2440_xylAB which was able to metabolize the hemicellulose (HC) sugars, xylose and arabinose, was developed and characterized. Building on this, the intent of the study was to evaluate different lignocellulose hydrolyzates as platform substrates for P. putida KT2440 as a model organism for a bio‐based economy. Firstly, hydrolyzates of different origins were evaluated as potential carbon sources by cultivation experiments and determination of cell growth and sugar consumption. Secondly, the content of major toxic substances in cellulose and HC hydrolyzates was determined and their inhibitory effect on bacterial growth was characterized. Thirdly, fed‐batch bioreactor cultivations with hydrolyzate as the carbon source were characterized and a diauxic‐like growth behavior with regard to different sugars was revealed. In this context, a feeding strategy to overcome the diauxic‐like growth behavior preventing accumulation of sugars is proposed and presented. Results obtained in this study represent a first step and proof‐of‐concept toward establishing lignocellulose hydrolyzates as platform substrates for a bio‐based economy.
Host assemblage and environment shape β‐diversity of freshwater parasites across diverse taxa at a continental scale
Authors: Berkhout Boris W. , Borregaard Michael K. , Brandl Roland , Brändle Martin , Dehling D. Matthias , Hof Christian , Poulin Robert , Thieltges David W.
Published: September 2019

Aim

Positive relationships in compositional similarity between consumer and resource assemblages are widely known in free‐living taxa, but less is known about parasites and their hosts. We investigated whether congruent patterns of assemblage similarity across diverse taxa of hosts and parasites exist at a continental scale and quantified the relative importance of host assemblages and environmental variables in shaping these relationships.

Location

European freshwaters.

Major taxa studied

The hosts were fishes, birds and mammals. The parasites were monogeneans, trematodes and copepods.

Methods

We extracted distribution data from the Limnofauna Europaea for three aquatic parasite taxa and for three vertebrate taxa functioning as their definitive hosts across 25 biogeographical regions in Europe. First, we investigated β‐diversity congruence patterns between parasite and host assemblages, corrected for the distance between regions using partial Mantel tests. Second, we assessed the relative importance of host assemblages and environmental variables in shaping parasite β‐diversity patterns using generalized dissimilarity models (GDMs).

Results

Spatial community dissimilarities of regional parasite assemblages were positively correlated with those of their respective host assemblages in all five parasite–host groups studied. The GDMs highlighted the equal importance of both host assemblages and environmental variables in shaping parasite assemblages. However, the direct effect of host assemblages was relatively small compared with the effect of environmental factors mediated by host assemblages. Climatic parameters (precipitation and temperature) contributed most to the variance explained by environmental variables.

Main conclusions

Our analyses indicate that spatially congruent patterns of assemblage similarity exist between parasites and their hosts at a continental scale. They also suggest that this congruence is driven not only by host assemblages but also by environmental (climatic) variables, either directly or indirectly via their effects on host assemblages. Thus, environmental variables are important for mapping, forecasting and management of parasites at a geographical scale.
Histopathological evaluation of minor salivary gland papillary–cystic tumours: focus on genetic alterations in sialadenoma papilliferum and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
Authors: Nakaguro Masato , Urano Makoto , Ogawa Ikuko , Hirai Hideaki , Yamamoto Yoshinari , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Tanigawa Maki , Matsubayashi Jun , Hirano Hiroshi , Shibahara Junji , Tada Yuichiro , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Okada Yasuo , Sato Yuichiro , Ikeda Kenichiro , Sukeda Aoi , Honda Yumi , Mikami Yoshiki , Nagao Toshitaka
Published: September 2019

Aims

Minor salivary gland tumours showing a predominant papillary–cystic structure are rare, and constitute a mixture of various types of neoplasm; thus, the histopathological assessment of these tumours poses a significant diagnostic challenge. We aimed to delineate the histological characteristics of these tumours and further mutational aspects with a particular focus on sialadenoma papilliferum (SP) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

Methods and results

We retrieved 28 papillary–cystic tumours of the minor salivary glands, and performed histological re‐evaluation and mutation analyses of several key oncogenes. The histological classifications were as follows: SP (n = 10), SP‐like intraductal papillary tumour (SP‐IPT) (n = 2), IPMN (n = 9), intraductal papilloma, cystadenoma, and cystadenocarcinoma (two, three and two respectively). Whereas SP typically consisted of a combination of exophytic squamous epithelium and endophytic intraductal papillary infoldings, SP‐IPT lacked the exophytic component. SP and SP‐IPT frequently harboured BRAF V600E mutations (75.0%), which were identified in both squamous and ductal components. IPMN was characterised by a well‐demarcated cystic lesion filled exclusively with a papillary proliferation of mucinous cells and a high rate of AKT1 E17K mutations (88.9%). Intraductal papillomas were unilocular cystic lesions with intraluminal papillary growth of bland columnar cells. In contrast, both cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas showed a multicystic appearance with a papillary configuration. Cystadenocarcinomas invaded the surrounding tissue and were composed of markedly atypical tumour cells.

Conclusion

The appropriate interpretation of histological findings and specific genetic alterations (e.g. BRAF V600E and AKT1 E17K in SP and IPMN) would be useful for the correct diagnosis of minor salivary gland papillary–cystic tumours.
Sunscreen claims, risk management and consumer confidence
Authors: Diffey B.
Published: September 2019

This essay is a personal reflection on how the concept of risk is impacting on the development of sunscreen products and claims, and whether these developments are jeopardizing consumer confidence. In order to estimate the risk of harm, we need not only to identify a hazard but, as importantly, determine the degree of exposure to the hazard and understand the health of impact of consequent exposure. A practice by many manufacturers is simply to market a product that claims to be protective against a hazard with little, or no, regard to exposure or consequence. The inherent danger with this approach is to undermine trust in product efficacy and in so doing to put at risk consumer confidence in both product and manufacturer. An example of this approach using infrared radiation as the hazard will be discussed.
Introduction: Social security and the digital economy – Managing transformation
Authors: McKinnon Roddy
Published: September 2019

This special issue of the International Social Security Review considers the multidisciplinary topic of social security and the digital economy. The selected articles that comprise this issue offer a number of varying perspectives on the changing and increasingly complex environment in which social security institutions operate and critically assess not only how social security institutions are likely to be impacted but also how they may respond to the challenges foreseen. Social security institutions do not have control over external factors that can negatively impact the financing and coverage of social security programmes. Nonetheless, with the shift to the digital economy, the task at hand is to manage an unprecedented process of change. Though ensuring service continuity is the primary concern, also required are improvements in service delivery for all stakeholders and the development of responses to meet new operational challenges and emerging coverage risks. Particularly in more developed economies, the socio‐economic challenges that accompany the labour market changes associated with the transition to the digital economy are often characterized as presenting a risk of growing precarity. Regardless, the global policy goal remains one of ensuring sustainable and adequate social security protection for all.
Work, social protection and the middle classes: What future in the digital age?
Authors: Palier Bruno
Published: September 2019

The digitalization of the economy can be interpreted as an industrial revolution, a series of technological innovations associated with new practices and new business models. As for previous industrial revolutions, a phase involving the destruction of existing systems and structures is driving a profound transformation of the world of work and the development of new sectors of activity and new jobs, including changes in the labour market and in the types of jobs created. This puts into question the position of the middle classes, and presents new challenges for social protection. This article seeks to understand the impacts of digital technology on the economy and employment, including the phenomena of labour market polarization. It describes the new forms of employment and work and analyses the social risks and the likely ramifications for the middle classes in the digital age. In turn, new possibilities for social protection in the digital age are discussed. The article concludes that there is a need to re‐evaluate jobs that involve the provision of personal and care services, including to support social investment, to strengthen the future prospects of the weakened middle classes.
Shared decision‐making across the specialties: Much potential but many challenges
Authors: Kalsi Dilraj , Ward Joel , Lee Regent , Fulford Kenneth , Handa Ashok
Published: September 2019

Shared decision‐making (SDM) is a collaborative process through which patients and clinicians work together to arrive at a mutually agreed‐upon treatment plan. The use of SDM has gathered momentum, with it being legally mandated in some areas; however, despite being a ubiquitously applicable intervention, its maturity in use varies across the specialties and requires an appreciation of the nuanced and different challenges they each present. It is therefore our aim in this paper to review the current and potential use of SDM across a wide variety of specialties in order to understand its value and the challenges in its implementation. The specialties we consider are Primary Care, Mental Health, Paediatrics, Palliative Care, Medicine, and Surgery.

SDM has been demonstrated to improve decision quality in many scenarios across all of these specialties. There are, however, many challenges to its successful implementation, including the need for high‐quality decision aids, cultural shift, and adequate training. SDM represents a paradigm shift towards more patient‐centred care but must be implemented with continued people centricity in order to realize its full potential.