bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between fetal sex, birthweight percentile and adverse pregnancy outcome
Authors: Voskamp Bart Jan , Peelen Myrthe J. C. S. , Ravelli Anita C. J. , van der Lee Robin , Mol Ben W. J. , Pajkrt Eva , Ganzevoort Wessel , Kazemier Brenda M.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The objective was to evaluate the association between fetal sex and adverse pregnancy outcome, while correcting for fetal growth and gestational age at delivery.

Material and methods

Data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (1999‐2010) were used. The study population comprised all white European women with a singleton delivery between 25+0 and 42+6 weeks of gestation. Fetuses with structural or chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Outcomes were antepartum death, intrapartum/neonatal death (from onset of labor until 28 days after birth), perinatal death (antepartum death or intrapartum/neonatal death), a composite of neonatal morbidity (including infant respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, meconium aspiration, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, periventricular leukomalacia, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, and intracranial hemorrhage) and a composite adverse neonatal outcome (perinatal death or neonatal morbidity). Outcomes were expressed stratified by birthweight percentile (p90 [large for gestation]) and gestational age at delivery (25+0‐27+6, 28+0‐31+6, 32+0‐36+6, 37+0‐42+6 weeks). The association between fetal sex and outcome was assessed using the fetus at risk approach.

Results

We studied 1 742 831 pregnant women. We found no increased risk of antepartum, intrapartum/neonatal and perinatal death in normal weight and large‐for‐gestation males born after 28+0 weeks compared with females. We found an increased risk of antepartum death among small‐for‐gestation males born after 28+0 weeks (relative risk [RR] 1.16‐1.40). All males born after 32+0 weeks of gestation suffered more neonatal morbidity than females regardless of birthweight percentile (RR 1.07‐1.34). Infant respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, and intracranial hemorrhage all occurred more often in males than in females.

Conclusions

Small‐for‐gestation males have an increased risk of antepartum death and all males born after 32+0 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of neonatal morbidity compared with females. In contrast to findings in previous studies we found no increased risk of antepartum, intrapartum/neonatal or perinatal death in normal weight and large‐for‐gestation males born after 28+0 weeks.
An online updating approach for testing the proportional hazards assumption with streams of survival data
Authors: Xue Yishu , Wang HaiYing , Yan Jun , Schifano Elizabeth D.
Published: August 2019

The Cox model—which remains the first choice for analyzing time‐to‐event data, even for large data sets—relies on the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. When survival data arrive sequentially in chunks, a fast and minimally storage intensive approach to test the PH assumption is desirable. We propose an online updating approach that updates the standard test statistic as each new block of data becomes available and greatly lightens the computational burden. Under the null hypothesis of PH, the proposed statistic is shown to have the same asymptotic distribution as the standard version computed on an entire data stream with the data blocks pooled into one data set. In simulation studies, the test and its variant based on most recent data blocks maintain their sizes when the PH assumption holds and have substantial power to detect different violations of the PH assumption. We also show in simulation that our approach can be used successfully with “big data” that exceed a single computer's computational resources. The approach is illustrated with the survival analysis of patients with lymphoma cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The proposed test promptly identified deviation from the PH assumption, which was not captured by the test based on the entire data.
Distinctive low epidermal nerve fiber density in schwannomatosis patients provides a major parameter for diagnosis and differential diagnosis
Authors: Farschtschi Said C. , Kluwe Lan , Schön Gerhard , Friedrich Reinhard E. , Matschke Jakob , Glatzel Markus , Weis Joachim , Hagel Christian , Mautner Victor‐Felix
Published: August 2019

Schwannomatosis and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) are two distinct neuro‐genetic tumor predisposition disorders, which, however, share some clinical and genetic features. While germline mutations in the NF2 gene are only found in NF2, a majority of schwannomatosis patients have germline mutations in the SMARCB1 or LZTR1 genes. The overlapping clinical phenotypes pose a serious challenge in differential diagnosis and in risk stratification of these two entities which is further complicated by frequent mosaicism in both disorders. Chronic neuropathic pain which is a typical consequence of small fiber neuropathy, is characteristic for schwannomatosis. By contrast, NF2 patients do not have chronic pain but may have moderate to severe sensory deficits and paresis which are not characteristic for schwannomatosis. In the present study, we determined intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IEND) in skin biopsies of 34 clinically ascertained schwannomatosis and 25 NF2 patients. In the NF2 group, 11/25 (44%) presented with IEND below the age‐ and gender‐matched bottom 5% normative reference IEND. In contrast, nearly all (33/34 = 97%) schwannomatosis patients showed IEND below or on the bottom 5% normative reference. The reduction of IEND in schwannomatosis patients was age‐independent. Paired t‐test revealed no difference between the NF2‐IEND and the corresponding bottom 5% normative reference (P = 0.98). By contrast, IEND in the schwannomatosis patients were highly significantly lower than the corresponding 5% normative reference IEND (P < 0.0001). In addition, the difference between the IEND of our patients and the 5% lowest normative reference IEND was highly significantly larger in schwannomatosis patients than in NF2 patients (P < 0.0001). IEND of our patients did not correlate with neither the presence nor types of germline mutations in neither the NF2 nor the LZTR1 gene. In conclusion, schwannomatosis patients have marked low IEND which provides a major parameter for diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
Child maltreatment types and adolescent substance use: The role of deviant peer affiliation
Authors: Yoon Dalhee , Snyder Susan M. , Yoon Susan
Published: August 2019

This is the first study to examine the mediating effects of deviant peer affiliation on the association between different types of child maltreatment and adolescent substance use that includes alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Peer deviance is a well‐established correlate of adolescent substance use, but most studies exploring the relationship between child maltreatment and adolescent substance use have failed to include peer deviance. Structural equation modelling was conducted to examine the direct effects of each type of child maltreatment (i.e., physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect) on adolescent substance use, as well as indirect effects via deviant peer affiliation, using Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. The results indicated that deviant peer affiliation fully mediated the individuals who had been emotionally abused showed increased deviant peer affiliation, which in turn was associated with higher levels of adolescent substance use. None of the four types of child maltreatment was directly associated with adolescent substance use. The study's findings underscore the importance of early assessment and intervention for the peer relationships of youth who have been emotionally abused.
Needs and availability of support among care‐leavers: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Refaeli Tehila
Published: August 2019

Data are scarce on the long‐term needs of care‐leavers and on the support resources that are available for them in the years after leaving care. This mixed‐methods study presents data on the needs and availability of support of 222 Israeli care‐leavers, suggesting that the most urgent needs of care‐leavers are a lasting need for a stable and available support figure and assistance with educational issues. For some care‐leavers, these needs are fulfilled by their mentors. Parents and other familial figures were found to be the most common support resource for care‐leavers, which highlights the need for the intervention of social workers to improve relationships within families while the children are still in care. Due to high rate of young people who have no support resources and a low rate of services utilization, social services should provide a platform to support this group, using mentors and other supporters. The longitudinal data of up to 4 years after leaving care indicated that the availability of various types of informal support improved over the years, and the reports on difficulties in relationships of the care‐leavers with their parents were significantly fewer 4 years after leaving care than on the verge of leaving care.
Clinical assessment of the palatal alveolar bone thickness and its correlation with the buccolingual angulation of maxillary incisors for immediate implant placement
Authors: Do Thanh A. , Shen Yen‐Wen , Fuh Lih‐Jyh , Huang Heng‐Li
Published: August 2019

Background

Clinicians needed to be aware of the thinness of the palatal bone plate when identifying severe protrusion of maxillary incisors, as this could result in perforation of the palatal bone plate during surgical procedures associated with immediate maxillary implant placement.

Purpose

This study evaluated the thickness of the palatal bone plate, the buccolingual angulation of maxillary incisors, and the correlation between these two parameters in relation to immediate implant placement.

Materials and Methods

Cone‐beam computed tomography images of 37 Asian patients (20‐60 years old) with no evidence of dental treatment in the maxillary incisor area were collected and classified into groups based on sex and incisor locations. Sagittal slices were used to measure the palatal bone plate thickness at the cervical, middle, and apical levels, and the buccolingual angulation of each tooth was also measured. The intraclass correlation, Shapiro‐Wilk test, descriptive analysis, Student's t‐test, and Pearson correlation were used for statistical and correlation analyses, with P < .05 applied as the criterion for statistical significance.

Results

At the apical level of all inspected teeth and the middle level of lateral incisors, the palatal bone was significantly thicker in males than in females. The inclination of the maxillary lateral incisor showed a moderate negative linear correlation with the palatal bone thickness at the apical level (R = −0.517 and R = −0.579 for males and females, respectively).

Conclusions

In an Asian population, an increased buccolingual angulation of the maxillary lateral incisors was correlated with a thinner palatal bone plate at the apical level.
Topographic cues of a novel bilayered scaffold modulate dental pulp stem cells differentiation by regulating YAP signalling through cytoskeleton adjustments
Authors: Du Yu , Montoya Carolina , Orrego Santiago , Wei Xi , Ling Junqi , Lelkes Peter I. , Yang Maobin
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Topographic cues can modulate morphology and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. This study aimed to determine how topographic cues of a novel bilayered poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold affect osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).

Methods

The surface morphology of the scaffolds was visualized by scanning electron microscope, and the surface roughness was measured by profilometry. DPSCs were cultured on each side of the scaffolds. Cell morphology, expression of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation were analysed by immunohistochemistry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Alizarin Red S staining. In addition, cytochalasin D (CytoD), an F‐actin disruptor, was used to examine the effects of F‐actin on intracellular YAP localisation. Verteporfin, a YAP transcriptional inhibitor, was used to explore the effects of YAP signalling on osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs.

Results

The closed side of our scaffold showed smaller pores and less roughness than the open side. On the closed side, DPSCs exhibited enhanced F‐actin stress fibre alignment, larger spreading area, more elongated appearance, predominant nuclear YAP localization and spontaneous osteogenic differentiation. Inhibition of F‐actin alignments was correlated with nuclear YAP exclusion of DPSCs. Verteporfin restricted YAP localisation to the cytoplasm, down‐regulated expression of early osteogenic/odontogenic markers and inhibited mineralization of DPSCs cultures.

Conclusions

The surface topographic cues changed F‐actin alignment and morphology of DPSCs, which in turn regulated YAP signalling to control osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation.
Evaluation of Aloe arborescens gel as new coating to maintain the organoleptic and functional properties of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Cadonga) fruits
Authors: Sicari Vincenzo , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Pellicanò Teresa M. , Giuffrè Angelo M. , Poiana Marco
Published: August 2019

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Cadonga) are highly perishable fruits with a storage life, which may be less than a week. In this study, Aloe arborescens gel was used as post‐harvest treatment in order to maintain strawberry quality. Strawberries coated with edible A. arborescens gel were packaged in a polypropylene box and stored. Fruit titratable acidity, pH, soluble solid content, ascorbic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity evaluated by two different tests (DPPH and ABTS) were measured during 14 days of storage. Significant differences were found (P < 0.05) for the samples treated with A. arborescens compared to the control. During conservation, use of Aloe gel maintained lower values for total soluble solids, a higher concentration of total phenols and ascorbic acid, and a better antioxidant activity when compared to the control. The anthocyanin content remained largely unchanged throughout, in all compared samples.
Diagnosis, management and prevention of Candida auris in hospitals: position statement of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Ong Chong W. , Chen Sharon C.‐A. , Clark Julia E. , Halliday Catriona L. , Kidd Sarah E. , Marriott Deborah J. , Marshall Caroline L. , Morris Arthur J. , Morrissey C. Orla , Roy Rita , Slavin Monica A. , Stewardson Andrew J. , Worth Leon J. , Heath Christopher H. ,   on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Mycoses Interest Group (ANZMIG); and the Healthcare Infection Control Special Interest Group (HICSIG); both of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID)
Published: August 2019

Candida auris is an emerging drug‐resistant yeast responsible for hospital outbreaks. This statement reviews the evidence regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this organism and provides consensus recommendations for clinicians and microbiologists in Australia and New Zealand. C. auris has been isolated in over 30 countries (including Australia). Bloodstream infections are the most frequently reported infections. Infections have crude mortality of 30–60%. Acquisition is generally healthcare‐associated and risks include underlying chronic disease, immunocompromise and presence of indwelling medical devices. C. auris may be misidentified by conventional phenotypic methods. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry or sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions and/or the D1/D2 regions of the 28S ribosomal DNA are therefore required for definitive laboratory identification. Antifungal drug resistance, particularly to fluconazole, is common, with variable resistance to amphotericin B and echinocandins. Echinocandins are currently recommended as first‐line therapy for infection in adults and children ≥2 months of age. For neonates and infants <2 months of age, amphotericin B deoxycholate is recommended. Healthcare facilities with C. auris should implement a multimodal control response. Colonised or infected patients should be isolated in single rooms with Standard and Contact Precautions. Close contacts, patients transferred from facilities with endemic C. auris or admitted following stay in overseas healthcare institutions should be pre‐emptively isolated and screened for colonisation. Composite swabs of the axilla and groin should be collected. Routine screening of healthcare workers and the environment is not recommended. Detergents and sporicidal disinfectants should be used for environmental decontamination.
Troponin measurements, myocardial infarction diagnoses and outcomes. An analysis of linked data from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: French John , Brieger David , Juergens Craig , Costa Bernadette , Carr Bridie , Chew Derek P. , Briffa Tom
Published: August 2019

Background

Cardiac troponin assays are very widely requested tests, particularly in emergency departments. Thus, many seriously ill patients who may not have heart disease as their primary discharge diagnosis have undergone troponin testing during hospitalisation.

Aims

To determine associations between cardiac troponin levels and mortality, including from cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular causes, among patients hospitalised in New South Wales, Australia over a 2‐year period.

Methods

Over a 2‐year period (2006–2008), 172 753 hospitalised patients had a quantitative or qualitative troponin assay performed in New South Wales (Australia). The associations were examined, using data linked to late outcomes, between elevations in levels of troponins T or I and 1‐year mortality. Mortality was determined for International Statistical Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnostic groups.

Results

Of 172 753 patients undergoing troponin testing, 44 357 (25%) had a cardiovascular diagnosis of whom (7% had myocardial infarction) 47 827 (28%) had a probable ischaemic heart disease diagnosis if the 23 873 (14%) of patients coded with ‘chest pain’ were included. In patients with a cardiovascular diagnosis and elevated troponin 3060 (1.8%) died in 12 months in comparison to 6262 (3.6%) in those with a non‐cardiovascular disease diagnoses and elevated troponin. The 1‐year mortality hazard with respect to a troponin elevation was 2.5 (95% confidence interval 2.3–2.7) and 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.99–2.01) for those with a cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular diagnosis respectively.

Conclusion

In a very large state‐wide hospitalised patient cohort, among patients with elevated troponin levels and non‐cardiac diagnoses, mortality was higher than in those with cardiovascular diagnoses, including MI.
Nanolayered attributes of calcium‐silicate‐hydrate gels
Authors: Masoumi Saeed , Ebrahimi Davoud , Valipour Hamid , Abdolhosseini Qomi Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2019

Calcium‐silicate‐hydrates (C–S–H) gel, the main binding phase in cementitious materials, has a complex multiscale texture. Despite decades of intensive research, the relation between C–S–H's chemical composition and mesoscale texture remains experimentally limited to probe and theoretically elusive to comprehend. While the nanogranular texture explains a wide range of experimental observations, understanding the fundamental processes that control particles’ size and shape are still obscure. This paper strives to establish a link between the chemistry of C–S–H nanolayers at the molecular level and formation of C–S–H globules at the mesoscale via the potential‐of‐mean‐force (PMF) coarse‐graining approach. We propose a new thermomechanical load‐cycling scheme that effectively packs polydisperse coarse‐grained nanolayers and creates representative C–S–H gel structures at various packing densities. We find that the C–S–H nanolayers percolate at ~10% packing fraction, significantly below the percolation of ideal hard contact oblate particles and rather close to that of overlapping ellipsoids. The agglomeration of C–S–H nanolayers leads to the formation of globular clusters with the effective thickness of ~5 nm, in striking agreement with small angle neutron and X‐ray scattering measurements as well as nanoscale imaging observations. The study of pore structure and local packing distribution in the course of densification shows a transition from a connected pore network to isolated nanoporosity. Furthermore, the calculated mechanical properties are in excellent agreement with statistical nanoindentation experiments, positioning nanolayered morphology as a finer description of C–S–H globule models. Such high‐resolution description becomes indispensable when investigating phenomena that involve internal building blocks of globules such as shrinkage and creep.
Ablation using 3D maps adjusted for spatial displacement of premature ventricular complexes relative to sinus beats: Improving precision by correcting for the shift
Authors: Steyers Curtis M. , Sodhi Sandeep , Faddis Mitchell N. , Cooper Daniel H. , Cuculich Phillip S. , Noheria Amit
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Point‐by‐point 3‐dimensional (3D) electroanatomic mapping (EAM) is used to guide catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). Due to the differences in the spatial excursion of the cardiac chambers during cardiac cycles in PVCs vs sinus rhythm, the 3D location registration during PVCs is shifted relative to sinus rhythm. In this study, we describe our strategy to adjust for this displacement in real‐time during PVC mapping.

Methods and Results

We report 21 patients who underwent catheter ablation of 23 unique PVCs using Carto 3. After mapping the earliest site for each PVC, we reregistered its 3D location to a sinus rhythm beat in real‐time, and used this to guide ablation lesion delivery. The PVC earliest location was spatially displaced from the successful ablation lesion in sinus rhythm by average 6.7 (range 3.3–13.0) mm. Offline, we subsequently analyzed 25 unique chamber maps and 606 PVC points. For each point, we reregistered the 3D location to a preceding sinus beat. The PVC points were displaced from sinus rhythm location by average 4.4 (0.3–13.7) mm. The maximally displaced point for each chamber was 7.7 (4.7–13.7) mm. The general direction of shift during PVC was leftward and inferior relative to sinus rhythm.

Conclusions

During electroanatomic mapping of PVCs using the Carto 3 system, points mapped during PVCs are spatially displaced relative to their location in sinus rhythm. Electrophysiologists should recognize this phenomenon and account for the shift to guide accurate delivery of ablation lesions.
From near‐zero to zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation procedures
Authors: Santoro Amato , Di Clemente Francesca , Baiocchi Claudia , Zacà Valerio , Bianchi Claudio , Bellini Cesare , Falciani Francesca , Valente Serafina , Gaspardone Achille , Lamberti Filippo
Published: August 2019

Aims

The use of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) systems can reduce radiation exposure (RX) and it can also completely eliminate the use of RX. Radiation exposure related to conventional radiofrequency ablation procedures can have a stochastic and deterministic effect on health. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of an entirely nonfluoroscopic approach to catheter ablation (CA) using EAM CARTO3.

Methods

In 2011 we started an RX‐minimization programme in all procedures using the CARTO system with the deliberate intention to not resort to the aid of RX unless strictly necessary. We divided procedures into two groups (group 1: from 2011 to 2013; group 2: from 2014 to 2017). The only exclusion criteria were the need for transseptal puncture, and nonidiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Results

From a total of 525 procedures, we performed CA entirely without RX in 78.5% of cases. From 2011 to 2013, we performed CA without RX in 38.5% of cases; from 2014 to 2017, we performed 96.2% of cases with zero RX. The use of RX was significantly reduced in group 2 (group 2: 1.4 ± 19.6 seconds vs group 1: 556.92 ± 520.76 seconds; P < .001). These differences were irrespective of arrhythmia treatment. There were no differences between the two groups in acute success, complications, or duration of procedures.

Conclusion

CA of supraventricular tachycardia and VT entirely without RX, guided by the CARTO system, is safe, feasible, and effective. After an adequate learning curve, CA can be performed entirely without RX.
Pulmonary vein isolation using a higher power shorter duration CLOSE protocol with a surround flow ablation catheter
Authors: Berte Benjamin , Hilfiker Gabi , Russi Ian , Moccetti Federico , Cuculi Florim , Toggweiler Stefan , Ruschitzka Frank , Kobza Richard
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The CLOSE protocol combines ablation index (AI) and ≤6 mm interlesion distance using standard power settings for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose was to compare the safety and efficacy of a conventional CLOSE and a higher power shorter duration (HPSD)‐CLOSE pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) strategy.

Methods and Results

All consecutive patients referred for PVI were included after informed consent was obtained from them. Group 1 was treated with a standard CLOSE protocol and group 2 with a HPSD‐CLOSE protocol (45 W anterior and 35 W posterior). Procedural parameters and 6‐month follow‐up were analyzed. In total, 174 patients (group 1: n = 94 [paroxysmal: n = 74]; group 2: n = 80 [paroxysmal: n = 65], similar baseline characteristics) were included. PVI was reached in all, but procedure duration (82 ± 18 minutes vs 100 ± 22 minutes; P < .0001) and radiofrequency (RF) time (23 ± 5 minutes vs 36 ± 11 minutes; P < .0001) was shorter in group 2. First pass isolation was similar in groups 2 and 1 (left veins: 94% vs 90%; P = .42 and right veins: 83% vs 84%; P = .79, respectively). Six‐month off‐ antiarrhythmic drugs freedom of AF/AT was similar in groups 2 and 1 (82% [paroxysmal: 86%] vs 83% [paroxysmal: 88%]; P = .93, respectively). Major complications were similar (group 2: 1% vs group 1: 3%; P = .39).

Conclusion

A higher‐power short duration approach can shorten a CLOSE procedure and reduce ablation time without having a negative impact on safety or efficiency.
Ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates CKD‐associated vascular calcification by inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zhang Xinyu , Guo Mengqi , Guo Rong , Wang Lei , Zhang Zihao , Lin Zongwei , Dong Mei , Dai Hongyan , Ji Xiaoping , Lu Huixia
Published: August 2019

Vascular calcification (VC) is a pathological process underpinning major cardiovascular conditions and has attracted public attention due to its high morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disease related to VC. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) has been reported to protect the cardiovascular system against vascular diseases, yet its role in VC and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we established a CKD‐associated VC rat model and a β‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP)‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification model to investigate the effects of Rb1 on VC. Our results demonstrated that Rb1 ameliorated calcium deposition and VSMC osteogenic transdifferentiation both in vivo and in vitro. Rb1 treatment inhibited the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway by activating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), and confocal microscopy was used to show that Rb1 inhibited β‐catenin nuclear translocation in VSMCs. Furthermore, SKL2001, an agonist of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, compromised the vascular protective effect of Rb1. GW9662, a PPAR‐γ antagonist, reversed Rb1's inhibitory effect on β‐catenin. These results indicate that Rb1 exerted anticalcific properties through PPAR‐γ/Wnt/β‐catenin axis, which provides new insights into the potential theraputics of VC.
Extraction and structural characterization of collagen from fishbone by high intensity pulsed electric fields
Authors: He Guidan , Yan Xiaoxia , Wang Xiaodan , Wang Ying
Published: August 2019

Collagen was extracted from fishbone by high intensity pulsed electric fields (PEF) and its structure was characterized. A maximum collagen yield of 16.13 mg/mL was achieved under the following conditions: pepsin dosage of 1%, material‐liquid ratio of 1:10, electric field strength of 20 kV/cm, and pulse number of 8. The change of each secondary structure component content was highly correlated with the PEF operating parameters (R2 > .900). The tertiary structure of collagen was changed by PEF. The surface hydrophobicity increased first and then decreased with the PEF operating parameters. Scanning electron microscopy results showed the tissues changes of sample particles from dispersed and disorganized to uniform by PEF, but the high electric field strength (>30 kV/cm) and pulse number (>8) causes samples over agglomerated, which were dispersed disorderly. This article has proposed a new approach for comprehensive utilization of fishbone, which has important research significance for the promotion of PEF.

Practical Applications

Collagen was extracted from fishbone by high intensity pulsed electric fields. The prepared fishbone collagen can be widely used in foods, cosmetics, biology, fertilizers, medical materials, and other fields. This article provides a new technique for comprehensive utilization of fishbone. The structure of extracted collagen was characterized. This opens up a new dimension in the study of the impact of PEF technology on protein structure.
Effects of ultra‐high pressure on the biochemical properties and secondary structure of myofibrillar protein from Oratosquilla oratoria muscle
Authors: Gaoshang Li , Yanting Chen , Shifen Xuan , Mingchun Lv , Jinjie Zhang , Qiaoming Lou , Ru Jia , Yang Wenge
Published: August 2019

Oratosquilla oratoria (O. oratoria) were treated with 300, 350, and 400 MPa for 5, 8, and 10 min, respectively. The myofibrillar protein (MP) content, sulfhydryl content, Ca2+‐ATPase activity, surface hydrophobicity and secondary structure of MP were determined to investigate the effects of ultra‐high pressure (UHP) on the biochemical properties and secondary structure of MP from O. oratoria muscle. Results showed that the relatively low pressures have no significant effects on the MP content. When the pressure and holding time increased, the MP content decreased significantly. However, when the pressure condition reached 400 MPa for 10 min, the relative sulfhydryl content and Ca2+‐ATPase activity reduced to 62.76 and 47.88%, respectively, while the relative surface hydrophobicity increased to 132.20%. Moreover, as pressure increased, the β‐Turn and α‐Helix gradually converted to β‐Sheet and Random coil of MP. In short, the biochemical properties and secondary structure of MP from O. oratoria had significant correlations and they interacted with each other. These findings can provide a reference for using UHP to assist the shelling of O. oratoria.

Practical applications

UHP is an emerging food processing technology that is widely used in the processing of aquatic products, such as shelling. While whether the choice of conditions will affect the meat quality of shelled aquatic products is still less studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different UHP parameters on the biochemical characteristics and structure of myofibrillar protein in O. oratoria, and to determine the effects on the quality of O. oratoria meat. These results could provide theoretical guidance for determining the more suitable parameters of UHP, which was conducive to the development of O. oratoria products and the application of UHP technology in aquatic products processing.
Generative Devotion: A Theory of Sacred Relational Care in Families of Faith
Authors: Dollahite David C. , Marks Loren D. , Wurm Greg J.
Published: August 2019

Generative devotion is a middle‐range theory grounded in analyses of interviews with religious and nonreligious families that illuminates ways religion can facilitate strong family relations within and across generations. Generative devotion is a way of approaching religious and spiritual beliefs, practices, and communities that attends to the long‐term well‐being of family members, is essentially other‐oriented, responds to abiding needs of persons, respects the agency of others, and is consciously relational in nature. This article discusses various influences that have informed the development of the theoretical framework of generative devotion; the major terms of the framework and how generative devotion differs from other forms of religious devotion; 10 pathways to generative devotion; a metaprocess (generative family conversations) to better realize generative devotion; and assumptions about devotion in general, shared devotion, and generative devotion. Concepts are illustrated with quotes from in‐depth interviews.
Infliximab for very early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease: A tertiary center experience in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Ichiro , Kaburaki Yoichiro , Arai Katsuhiro , Shimizu Hirotaka , Hirano Yuri , Nagata Satoru , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Very early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO‐IBD), defined as IBD diagnosed before 6 years of age, tends to be refractory to conventional treatment for IBD. However, there have been a few reports about the usage of infliximab for VEO‐IBD. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab for VEO‐IBD.

Methods

Medical records of a cohort of children with VEO‐IBD who had received infliximab in a Japanese tertiary children's hospital were retrospectively reviewed for their disease characteristics and clinical course. Subjects were categorized into three groups for the descriptive comparison: ulcerative colitis type (UCT), non‐UCT with perianal disease (NUC‐PD), and non‐UCT without perianal disease (NUC‐NPD).

Results

Seventeen VEO‐IBD patients (five UCT, five NUC‐PD, and seven NUC‐NPD) had received infliximab as their first biologic. In the UCT group, infliximab was continued over 54 weeks in two patients, and three eventually required surgery. In contrast, all patients in the NUC‐PD and NUC‐NPD groups followed up over 54 weeks remained on infliximab, and two of three patients and three of five patients were in remission at week 54, respectively. Infusion reactions occurred in all five UCT, three of five NUC‐PD, and two of seven NUC‐NPD patients; however, except for two patients with severe reactions, infliximab was continued with premedication and slow infusions.

Conclusions

Infliximab appeared useful for children with VEO‐IBD. Children with NUC‐PD and NUC‐NPD responded better with less infusion reaction compared with that with UCT.
Long‐run Asymmetries in Labor Demand: Estimating Wage Elasticities of Labor Demand Using a Fractional Panel Probit Model
Authors: Kölling Arnd
Published: August 2019

Models of labor demand usually use cost or production functions to derive profit‐maximizing firm performance. These models often rely on the assumption of symmetrical behavior, i.e., the response to a positive or negative wage shock of the same relative size is identical to the shock, and the estimated labor demand elasticities are the same for increasing and decreasing employment. However, behavioral economics models like loss aversion and endowment effects question the assumption of symmetry in labor demand. In addition, the influence of a labor shortage should be reflected in the investigations. Estimations of Fractional Panel Probit models for three different skill levels are applied to evaluate these findings with a large panel of German establishments. The results indicate asymmetrical structures for long‐run own‐wage elasticities and for some cross‐wage elasticities, putting some doubt on the assumption of strict rationality in labor demand and indicating the influence of labor shortages.
Two temperatures for one thermostat: The evolution of policy attitudes and support for independence in Catalonia (1991–2018)
Authors: Romero‐Vidal Xavier
Published: August 2019

Using data from 177 surveys, this study examines the evolution of mass preferences in Catalonia from 1991 to 2018, measuring (a) territorial preferences and (b) the central tendency of public opinion in the left–right scale. Consistent with previous research, I find that the political centre in the left–right scale of a subnational public opinion moves in an orderly manner in reaction to economics and both national and subnational incumbents. In contrast, demands for decentralization or independence do not systematically react to economic and political stimuli. Additionally, I find that, more and more, rises in support for independence are correlated with left‐wing shifts in public opinion.
Identity and functions of inorganic and inositol polyphosphates in plants
Authors: Lorenzo‐Orts Laura , Couto Daniel , Hothorn Michael
Published: August 2019

Inorganic polyphosphates (polyPs) and inositol pyrophosphates (PP‐InsPs) form important stores of inorganic phosphate and can act as energy metabolites and signaling molecules. Here we review our current understanding of polyP and inositol phosphate (InsP) metabolism and physiology in plants. We outline methods for polyP and InsP detection, discuss the known plant enzymes involved in their synthesis and breakdown, and summarize the potential physiological and signaling functions for these enigmatic molecules in plants.
Should Pearson's correlation coefficient be avoided?
Authors: Armstrong Richard A
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To survey the use of Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and related statistical methods in the ophthalmic literature, to consider the limitations of r, and to suggest suitable alternative methods of analysis.

Recent findings

Searching Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), Optometry and Vision Science (OVS), and Clinical and Experimental Optometry (CXO) online archives using correlation and Pearson's r as search terms resulted in 4057 and 281 hits respectively. Coefficient of determination, r square, or r squared received fewer hits (65, 8, and 22 hits respectively). The assumption that r follows a bivariate normal distribution was rarely encountered (3 hits) although several studies applied Spearman's rank correlation (70 hits). The intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was widely used (178 hits), but fewer hits were recorded for partial correlation (43 hits) and multiple correlation (13) hits. There was little evidence that the problem of sample size was addressed in correlation studies.

Investigators should be alert to whether: (1) the relationship between two variables could be non‐linear, (2) the data are bivariate normal, (3) r accounts for a significant proportion of the variance in Y, (4) outliers are present, the data are clustered, or have a restricted range, (5) the sample size is appropriate, and (6) a significant correlation indicates causality. In addition, the number of significant digits used to express r and the problems of multiple testing should be addressed. The problems and limitations of r suggest a more cautious approach regarding its use and the application of alternative methods where appropriate.
Structural Results for Average‐Cost Inventory Models with Markov‐Modulated Demand and Partial Information
Authors: Avci Harun , Gokbayrak Kagan , Nadar Emre
Published: August 2019

We consider a discrete‐time infinite‐horizon inventory system with non‐stationary demand, full backlogging, and deterministic replenishment lead time. Demand arrives according to a probability distribution conditional on the state of the world that undergoes Markovian transitions over time. But the actual state of the world can only be imperfectly estimated based on past demand data. We model the inventory replenishment problem for this system as a Markov decision process (MDP) with an uncountable state space consisting of both the inventory position and the most recent belief, a conditional probability mass function, about the actual state of the world. Assuming that the state of the world evolves as an ergodic Markov chain, using the vanishing discount method along with a coupling argument, we prove the existence of an optimal average cost that is independent of the initial system state. For our linear cost structure, we also establish the average‐cost optimality of a belief‐dependent base‐stock policy. We then discretize the uncountable belief space into a regular grid and observe that the average cost under our discretization converges to the optimal average cost as the number of grid points grows large. Finally, we conduct numerical experiments to evaluate the use of a myopic belief‐dependent base‐stock policy as a heuristic for our MDP with the uncountable state space. On a test bed of 108 instances, the average cost obtained from the myopic policy deviates by no more than a few percent from the best lower bound on the optimal average cost obtained from our discretization.
Making Human Rights Emotional: A Research Agenda to Recover Shame in “Naming and Shaming”
Authors: Ilgit Asli , Prakash Deepa
Published: August 2019

Shame is an emotion that is the cornerstone of International Relations (IR) human rights scholarship but remains undertheorized from an explicitly emotional perspective. Given the dubious and unsettled efficacy of human rights “naming and shaming” campaigns, in this article, we outline the theoretical and methodological contours of a research agenda designed (1) to uncover the emotional content of naming and shaming and (2) to pay greater attention to how nonstate actors, especially human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), evoke and experience shame, thus engaging in “emotional diplomacy.” Drawing on theories of emotions in IR and political psychology, we present a thicker account of shame by highlighting the individual and social origins of shame, discussing different varieties of shame, and by distinguishing between emotions that are often conflated with shame. We end with a discussion of the methodological tools suitable for pursuing this agenda, using examples of prominent human rights NGOs.
Pupil dilation as an implicit measure of appetitive Pavlovian learning
Authors: Pietrock Charlotte , Ebrahimi Claudia , Katthagen Teresa M. , Koch Stefan P. , Heinz Andreas , Rothkirch Marcus , Schlagenhauf Florian
Published: August 2019

Appetitive Pavlovian conditioning is a learning mechanism of fundamental biological and pathophysiological significance. Nonetheless, its exploration in humans remains sparse, which is partly attributed to the lack of an established psychophysiological parameter that aptly represents conditioned responding. This study evaluated pupil diameter and other ocular response measures (gaze dwelling time, blink duration and count) as indices of conditioning. Additionally, a learning model was used to infer participants’ learning progress on the basis of their pupil dilation. Twenty‐nine healthy volunteers completed an appetitive differential delay conditioning paradigm with a primary reward, while the ocular response measures along with other psychophysiological (heart rate, electrodermal activity, postauricular and eyeblink reflex) and behavioral (ratings, contingency awareness) parameters were obtained to examine the relation among different measures. A significantly stronger increase in pupil diameter, longer gaze duration and shorter eyeblink duration was observed in response to the reward‐predicting cue compared to the control cue. The Pearce‐Hall attention model best predicted the trial‐by‐trial pupil diameter. This conditioned response was corroborated by a pronounced heart rate deceleration to the reward‐predicting cue, while no conditioning effect was observed in the electrodermal activity or startle responses. There was no discernible correlation between the psychophysiological response measures. These results highlight the potential value of ocular response measures as sensitive indices for representing appetitive conditioning.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: Current understanding, diagnostic and surgical challenges, and developments in ultrasound application
Authors: Elkin Kenneth , Daveluy Steven , Avanaki Kamran (Mohammad)
Published: August 2019

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is debilitating, costly, chronic disease for which no cure exists and which often precipitates greater health concerns. While we are making advances in understanding, HS remains an area of attention which is evidenced by a 400% increase in research studies involving HS in the past 5 years. This includes research regarding the advantages and limitations of ultrasound (US) imaging and its ability to enhance the surgical treatment and medical management of HS. Herein, we describe the diagnostic and surgical obstacles that HS presents, the foremost of which is detection of subclinical information, and perform an in‐depth synthesis of current knowledge regarding the use of US imaging to mitigate these obstacles.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature review of US imaging in HS patients and a supplementary review of the current state of HS were conducted.

Conclusion

Ultrasound imaging is a powerful tool in the diagnosis, monitoring, clinical management, and preoperative assessment of HS. However, it also has relevant limitations that necessitate additional consideration.

Significance

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disabling skin disease that presents a diagnostic and surgical challenge. The invaluable advantages and relevant limitations that US imaging offers are beginning to be understood, leading to standardization and increased implementation. US imaging has the potential to drastically improve patient care and merits further attention.
Multiple Linear Regression Model of Rice Production using Conjugate Gradient Methods
Authors: Norddin Nur Idalisa , Mohd Ali Mohd Rivaie , Fadhilah Nurul Hafawati , Atikah Nur , Shahida Anis , Nohd Noh Nur Hidayah
Published: August 2019

Regression is one of the basic relationship models in statistics. This paper focuses on the formation of regression models for the rice production in Malaysia by analysing the effects of paddy population, planted area, human population and domestic consumption. In this study, the data were collected from the year 1980 until 2014 from the website of the Department of Statistics Malaysia and Index Mundi. It is well known that the regression model can be solved using the least square method. Since least square problem is an unconstrained optimisation, the Conjugate Gradient (CG) was chosen to generate a solution for regression model and hence to obtain the coefficient value of independent variables.  Results show that the CG methods could produce a good regression equation with acceptable Root Mean-Square Error (RMSE) value.
Liquid water, by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Shah Dhruv , Patel Dhananjay I. , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: August 2019

Near ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at ca. 2500 Pa, or higher in some cases. With NAP-XPS, XPS can be used to analyze moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show survey, O 1s, O KLL, and valence band NAP-XPS spectra from liquid water, a material that could not be analyzed at moderate pressures by conventional approaches. The O 1s signal was fit to two components attributed to liquid and vapor phase water. The carbon in the survey spectrum is attributed to contaminants in the water and/or adventitious carbon.