bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of NETs‐associated markers by flow cytometry and serum assays in patients with thrombosis and sepsis
Authors: Lee K. H. , Cavanaugh L. , Leung H. , Yan F. , Ahmadi Z. , Chong B. H. , Passam F.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of extracellular fibres produced from neutrophil DNA with a pathogenic role in infection, thrombosis and other conditions. Reliable assays for measuring NETs are desirable as novel treatments targeting NETs are being explored for the treatment of these conditions. We compare a whole blood flow cytometry method with serum assays to measure NETs‐associated markers in patients with sepsis and thrombosis.

Methods

Patients with deep venous thrombosis (n = 25), sepsis (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 23) were included in the study. Neutrophil surface NETs markers were determined by flow cytometry on whole blood samples by gating of neutrophils stained for surface citrullinated histone (H3cit) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Serum double‐stranded (ds) DNA, MPO, myeloid‐related protein, nucleosomes, DNAse, elastase, human high‐mobility group box 1 and MPO‐DNA complexes were quantified as circulating markers of NETs.

Results

Neutrophil NETs markers by flow cytometry and serum NETs markers were significantly higher in patients with thrombosis and sepsis compared with healthy controls. Neutrophil NETs markers significantly correlated with the serum marker dsDNA.

Conclusion

Flow cytometry detection of neutrophil NETs markers is feasible in whole blood and correlates with serum markers of NETs. We propose the flow cytometry detection of MPO/H3cit positive neutrophils and serum dsDNA as simple methods to quantify cellular and extracellular NET markers in patients with thrombosis and sepsis.
Caesarean section among immigrants with different obstetrical risks
Authors: Trinh Lieu Thi Thuy , Assareh Hassan , Achat Helen , Chua Seng , Guevarra Veth
Published: March 2018

Aim

To determine the variation in caesarean section rates among immigrant populations.

Background

Australia is one of the most multicultural in the world and is also among those with the highest caesarean section rates.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Methods

Routinely collected data from a Local Heath District between 2011 and 2015 were analysed. Women were categorized into regional groups based on country of birth. Obstetrical risk was classified using the Robson classification.

Results/Findings

In total 48 711 women gave birth, of whom 64.0% were born overseas; 13 966 had a caesarean section (28.7%). South and Central Asia women had a high number of caesarean sections (n = 4139; 29.6% of all caesarean sections), a high overall adjusted caesarean section rate (31.4%; 95% CI, 30.5%–32.3%), and consistently high caesarean section rates among women with single cephalic term pregnancy without a previous caesarean section. High adjusted caesarean section rates were seen among South East Asia women with nulliparous, single cephalic, term pregnancy, and spontaneous labour. Demographic and clinical characteristics explained 83.5% of the variation in overall caesarean section rates between country of birth and 21.8% to 100% depending on Robson group.

Conclusions

Caesarean section rates varied by country of birth and within some Robson groups. The studied factors had various effects on the variation in caesarean section rates between country of birth and Robson groups.
Mapping the landscape of urology: A new media‐based cross‐sectional analysis of public versus academic interest
Authors: Borgmann Hendrik , Salem Johannes , Baunacke Martin , Boehm Katharina , Groeben Christer , Schmid Marianne , Siegel Fabian P , Huber Johannes
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To quantify public and academic interest in the urological field using a novel new media‐based methodology.

Methods

We systematically measured public and academic interest in 56 urological keywords and combined in nine subspecialties. Public interest was quantified as video views on YouTube. Academic interest was quantified as article citations using Microsoft Academic Search. The public‐to‐academic interest ratio was calculated for a comparison of subspecialties as well as for diseases and treatments.

Results

For the selected 56 urological keywords, we found 226 617 591 video views on YouTube and 2 146 287 citations in the academic literature. The public‐to‐academic interest ratio was highest for the subspecialties robotic urology (ratio 6.3) and andrological urology (ratio 4.6). Prostate cancer was the central urological disease combining both a high public (20% of all video views) and academic interest (26% of all citations, ratio 0.8). Further diseases/treatments of high public interest were premature ejaculation (ratio 54.4), testicular cancer (ratio 11.4), erectile dysfunction (ratio 5.5) and kidney transplant (ratio 3.7). Urological treatments had a higher public‐to‐academic interest ratio (median ratio 0.25) than diseases (median ratio 0.05; P = 0.029).

Conclusions

A quantification of academic and public interest in the urological field is feasible using a novel new media‐based methodology. We found several mismatches in public versus academic interest in urological diseases and treatments, which has implications for research strategies, conference planning and patient information projects. Regular re‐assessments of the public and academic interest landscape can contribute to detecting and proving trends in the field of urology.
New labour rights indicators: Method and trends for 2000–15
Authors: KUCERA David , SARI Dora
Published: March 2018

This article describes a new method for constructing indicators of freedom of association and collective bargaining (FACB) rights based on the coding of violations in nine textual sources, including six from the ILO, and texts from national legislation. The indicators were constructed for 185 ILO member States for five years between 2000 and 2015 and launched in 2015 by the Center for Global Workers’ Rights at Penn State University, together with the Global Labour University. Following a Resolution by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians in October 2018, the method provides the basis for Sustainable Development Goal indicator 8.8.2 on labour rights.
Infracapacitación, recuperación, pérdida del empleo y jubilación de trabajadores de edad en entornos de oficina. Estudio de cohorte prospectivo
Authors: GOMMANS Fleur G. , JANSEN Nicole W.H. , STYNEN Dave , KANT Ijmert , de GRIP Andries
Published: March 2018

Con una muestra de trabajadores de edad tomada del Maastricht Cohort Study, los autores investigan empíricamente la prevalencia y la evolución de la infracapacitación autopercibida y sus efectos en la necesidad de recuperación de los trabajadores, su riesgo de pérdida del empleo y sus intenciones de jubilación de 2012 a 2014. Encuentran la infracapacitación asociada a los dos primeros indicadores, pero no al tercero. Concluyen que es importante distinguir entre infracapacitación global o en determinadas competencias y que, en aras del empleo sostenible, conviene hacer un seguimiento del problema a lo largo de la vida profesional para intervenir a tiempo y evitar sus consecuencias.
Fear and blame in mental health nurses’ accounts of restrictive practices: Implications for the elimination of seclusion and restraint
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane Eimear , O'Kane Deb , Oster Candice
Published: March 2018

Restrictive practices continue to be used in mental health care despite increasing recognition of their harms and an international effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate their use. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore mental health nurses’ views of the potential elimination of these practices. Nine focus groups were conducted with 44 mental health nurses across Australia, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. Overall, the nurses expressed significant fear about the potential elimination of restrictive practices and saw themselves as being blamed for both the use of these practices and the consequences should they be eliminated. Findings detail the conflicts facing staff in balancing the need for ward safety for everyone present while at the same time providing person‐centred care. Nurses described the changing role of the mental health nurse in acute settings, being more focussed on risk assessment and medication while at the same time attempting to practise in trauma‐informed person‐centred ways. The impact on ward safety with increasing acuity of consumers plus the presence of forensic consumers and those affected by methamphetamine was emphasized. Change initiatives need to take into account nurses’ deep concerns about the consequences of eliminating all forms of control measures in hospitals and respond to the symptoms and behaviours consumers present with and associated unpredictable and concerning behaviours. Attempts to eliminate restrictive practices should, therefore, be carefully considered and come with a clear articulation of alternatives to ensure the safety of consumers, visitors, and staff.
The role of trade unions in supporting victims of domestic violence in the workplace
Authors: Wibberley Gemma , Bennett Tony , Jones Carol , Hollinrake Alison
Published: March 2018

This article explores the effects that domestic violence has on victims in their workplace and how trade unions respond. Focussing on the experiences of union representatives, the research highlights the support offered to victims, the barriers representatives face and the under‐acknowledged personal impact that these cases can have upon representatives.
One‐pot synthesis of sheet‐like MFI as high‐performance catalyst for toluene disproportionation
Authors: Chao Pei‐Yu , Hsu Chun‐Han , Loganathan Aswaghosh , Lin Hong‐Ping
Published: March 2018

In this study, one‐pot hydrothermal synthesis of sheet‐like ZSM‐5 as a high‐performance catalyst for toluene disproportionation was carried out using binary surfactants. In the dual template, tetraethylammonium hydroxide was used to construct the microporous structure of ZSM‐5, and cationic surfactant (e.g., octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (C18TMAC), hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (C16TMAB), and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, (C14TMAB)) can change the growth habits of the ZSM‐5 crystals by hindering the regular stacking of zeolite layers from their longer hydrophobic chain. From the XRD pattern of the as‐synthesized samples which were hydrothermally treated for different time, it was found that a lamellar mesostructured intermediate gradually transformed into the sheet‐like ZSM‐5 during hydrothermal process. With a proper amount of cationic surfactant, the thickness of the sheet‐like ZSM‐5 could be controlled to less than 30 nm. Concerning the catalyst application, the toluene disproportionation performance over the sheet‐like ZSM‐5 is 1.5 times higher than that of the commercial ZSM‐5. The higher conversion is ascribed to the faster diffusion amount due to the sheet‐like ZSM‐5.
Effects of the deep traps on the thermal‐stability property of CaAl2O4: Eu2+ phosphor
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Zhao Lei , Chen Wenbo , Xin Shuangyu , Fan Xiaotong , Bian Wenjuan , Yu Xue , Qiu Jianbei , Xu Xuhui
Published: March 2018

The thermal quenching properties and mechanisms of phosphors employed in white light emitting diodes (wLEDs) are critical for their commercial application. Here, we attempted to characterize the deep traps for capturing and releasing carriers to improve the thermal stability of the blue‐emitting CaAl2O4: Eu2+, Tm3+ phosphors. The enhanced thermal stability contributed to the introduction of traps has been demonstrated, and the mechanism of the transport process of carriers, has been explored in detail. In comparison with Eu2+ doped sample, the co‐doped Tm3+ samples bring more deep traps. The releasing of carriers in deep traps therefore sustains the luminescence with increasing temperature and compensates the thermal luminescence intensity loss. The results provide a theoretical basis and new field of view for exploring excellent thermal stability phosphors for wLEDs.
Polymer‐derived SiCN cellular structures from replica of 3D printed lattices
Authors: Jana Prasanta , Santoliquido Oscar , Ortona Alberto , Colombo Paolo , Sorarù Gian Domenico
Published: March 2018

In comparison with metals and polymers, ceramics and/or carbon are more difficult to process into well‐defined cellular architectures (e.g., cubic, tetrakaidecadehron, etc.) using Additive Manufacturing techniques. The present work reports a simple method for generating complex and precise SiCN ceramic lattices using a preceramic polymer and applying the replica approach to structures fabricated using stereolithography of plastic materials, with the associated ease of fabrication. Three‐dimensional printed plastic lattices impregnated with a polysilazane were converted to SiCN by pyrolysis at 1000°C in inert atmosphere. In spite of the high amount of mass loss (~58%) and volume shrinkage (~65%), the impregnated structures did not collapse during pyrolysis, leading to highly porous (total porosity ~93 vol%) components possessing suitable strength for handling and potential use as lightweight components.
Pre admission treatment with Beta‐blockers in hypertensive patients with acute stroke and 3‐month outcome—Data from a national stroke registry
Authors: Eizenberg Yoav , Grossman Ehud , Tanne David , Koton Silvia
Published: March 2018

The impact of beta‐blockers (BB) treatment on stroke outcome is unclear. We used data from a prospective national stroke registry to assess the associations between use of BB and poor outcome 3 months after stroke. Using the National Acute Stroke Israeli (NASIS) registry, we identified 1126 patients with ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage with pre‐stroke hypertension treatment, who were followed for 3‐months. Functional outcome and mortality at 3‐month were compared by use of BB, adjusting for demographics and clinical factors. Pre‐stroke use of BB was reported by 615 (54.6%) patients. Users of BB showed higher rates of atrial fibrillation, heart disease, statin use, cancer, and severe stroke. Adjusted odds‐ratios (ORs, 95% CI) for BB users compared with non‐users 3 months after stroke were 0.86 (0.49‐1.52) for mortality and 1.07 (0.76‐1.50) for Barthel Index ≤60. In conclusion, treatment with BB is not associated with 3‐month poor outcome in hypertensive patients.
Genetic factors contributing to hypertension in African‐based populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yako Yandiswa Y. , Balti Eric V. , Matsha Tandi E. , Dzudie Anastase , Kruger Deirdre , Sobngwi Eugene , Agyemang Charles , Kengne Andre P.
Published: March 2018

In a systematic review, the authors explored genetic association studies of essential hypertension in African populations. Studies reporting on the association of polymorphism(s) with hypertension in African populations were included. Appropriate studies were pooled using random effects model meta‐analysis, under six potential inheritance models. In all, 46 polymorphisms in 33 genes were investigated for their association with hypertension or blood pressure levels. Meta‐analysis was possible for three single nucleotide polymorphisms: rs4340, rs699, and rs5186. An association was found between rs5186, rs699, and hypertension under allele contrast and homozygous codominant models (odds ratio, 1.63 [95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.54] and 4.01 [95% confidence interval, 1.17–13.80] for rs5186, respectively; and 1.80 [95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.87] for rs699). Findings were mostly robust in sensitivity analyses. According to the systematic review, there is currently insufficient evidence on the specific polymorphisms that pose the risk of hypertension in African populations. Large‐scale genetic studies are warranted to better understand susceptibility polymorphisms that may be specific to African populations.
Compressive stress, repetitive strain, and optimum expression of oil from bulk volumes of sesame seeds
Authors: Akangbe O.L. , Herák D.
Published: March 2018

Compressive expression of oil from bulk seeds is a self‐limiting process and commonly adopted techniques for optimizing oil recovery result in alterations of the product and its quality. In this study, effects of select magnitudes of compressive stress and repetitive strain on mechanical response and performance during cold compressive expression of oil from sesame seeds were investigated and responses modeled using forward stepwise regression technique. Significant gains in oil yield and performance were achieved through repeated induction of strain and by increasing magnitudes of the applied stress. Cumulative improvement in the performance of the scheme over existing single cycle compression techniques ranged between 34.1 and 161.9% over the range of treatments investigated. Corresponding improvement in mechanical response was also achieved. Specific mechanical energy demand was less with every additional compression cycle. The pressure ratio at the oil point during each compression cycle was an important indicator of recoverable oil.

Practical applications

A technique for maximizing the yield of oil from oilseeds and efficiency during cold compressive expression is presented which may be incorporated in the design of compression devices or similar systems, which would permit repeated induction of stress with a view to optimizing process efficiency without denaturing the product or altering its quality. The pressure ratio at the oil point is also presented, which is a fitting indicator of requisite stress for optimizing yield and performance.
Shiga‐toxigenic Escherichia coli of cattle origin represents a surveillance priority and an important human health threat to public and travelers of the Indian Ocean islands
Authors: Ian Lloyd Thierry Sebastien , Jaufeerally‐Fakim Yasmina , Gannon James Edward , Santchurn Sunita Jeewantee
Published: March 2018

Shiga‐toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), also known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. Livestock animals are well known reservoirs of STEC. In this study, cattle were investigated in situ on the tropical island of Mauritius. This island is of economic importance as it has a consolidated tourism industry and possesses several attributes which are increasingly being experienced by other tropical oceanic islands. Throughout our research, STEC were recovered in 20.3% (146/718) of E. coli isolates screened from faecal, milk, and meat samples. Prevalence‐wise, non‐EHEC‐7 dominates EHEC‐7 (seven serogroups classified as most virulent) and accounts for 77.4% and 22.6% of data set, respectively. Different virulent profiles were observed, with eaeA and EHEC‐hlyA genes being more frequent. These virulent E. coli strains represents potential threats to both local and international travelers. Mauritius today may thus serve as an “overview” of the potential threat encountered by many other oceanic islands.

Practical applications

As in any risk assessment procedures, there is a need for identification and characterization of potential threats. With the flourishing tourism industry and increasing population in the Indian Ocean region, a greater demand for safe food justifies the need for a more effective surveillance system approach. Given the gap in the Indian Ocean surveillance system and the presence of Shiga‐toxigenic Escherichia coli in cattle with potential for zoonotic transmission to humans resulting from this study, we believe that providing information to policy makers and public health decision makers will enable the setting up of an Indian Ocean Zoonoses Control Programme supervised by the WHO to help promote prevention, public health education, research, surveillance, and control of zoonoses in this part of the globe, most commonly associated with diarrheal disease among both local and international travelers of the Indian Ocean region.
Couple Differentiation: Mediator or Moderator of Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction?
Authors: Bartle‐Haring Suzanne , Ferriby Megan , Day Randal
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether differentiation at the couple level would act as a moderator or a mediator in the association between marital satisfaction and depressive symptoms over time. In a sample of 412 couples, a latent profile analysis was performed to determine how couple differentiation scores were clustered. An Actor/Partner Interdependence Model was then estimated via a group comparison procedure in structural equation modeling. There was no evidence of a moderating effect of differentiation. A mediating model was then estimated and there was evidence that differentiation mediated the association between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction via actor and partner effects.
Educational Assortative Mating and Income Dynamics in Couples: A Longitudinal Dyadic Perspective
Authors: Qian Yue
Published: March 2018

The question of how educational assortative mating may transform couples' lives and within‐family gender inequality has gained increasing attention. Using 25 waves (1979–2012) of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and longitudinal multilevel dyad models, this study investigated how educational assortative mating shapes income dynamics in couples during the marital life course. Couples were grouped into three categories—educational hypergamy (wives less educated than their husbands), homogamy, and hypogamy (wives more educated than their husbands). Results show that change in husbands' income with marital duration is similar across couples, whereas change in wives' income varies by educational assortative mating, with wives in educational hypogamy exhibiting more positive change in income during the marital life course. The finding that husbands' long‐term economic advancement is less affected than that of wives by educational assortative mating underscores the gender‐asymmetric nature of spousal influence in heterosexual marriages.
Effect of Chemical Disinfectants on the Color Stability of Maxillofacial Silicones: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Chamaria Ankita , Aras Meena A. , Chitre Vidya , Rajagopal Praveen
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of chemical disinfection on the color stability of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) maxillofacial silicone elastomer with and without pigment addition.

Materials and Methods

Sixty specimens were obtained from a RTV maxillofacial silicone. The specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups according to pigments and disinfectant to be used (n = 10). NP‐DW‐nonpigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in distilled water (control). NP‐S‐ nonpigmented silicone specimens to be rubbed with an anti‐bacterial soap. NP‐CHX‐nonpigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in chlorhexidine gluconate solution (2%). P‐DW‐pigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in distilled water (control). P‐S‐pigmented silicone specimens to be rubbed with antibacterial soap. P‐CHX‐pigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in chlorhexidine gluconate solution (2%). Disinfection was conducted 6 times a day for 60 days simulating 1 year of usage. Color was evaluated after 60 days (disinfection period) using a reflectance spectrophotometer. Color alterations were calculated by the CIE L∗a∗b∗ system. Data were analyzed by t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results

NP‐S and P‐S exhibited the highest color alterations, whereas NP‐DW and P‐DW the lowest color alterations.

Conclusion

Disinfection procedures affect the color stability of maxillofacial silicone. Chlorhexidine gluconate solution (2%) can be effectively used as a chemical disinfectant for maxillofacial prostheses. Antibacterial soap produced clinically unacceptable color changes in the silicone, hence is not advisable as a disinfectant.
A Technique for Digital Impression and Bite Registration for a Single Edentulous Arch
Authors: Fang Yiqin , Fang Jing‐Huan , Jeong Seung‐Mi , Choi Byung‐Ho
Published: March 2018

Few studies have reported the application of digital technology for the process of impression and interocclusal recordings in edentulous patients. This article describes a digitizing system for generating digital edentulous models with a jaw relationship by taking direct digital impressions and a virtual bite registration using intraoral digital scanning. A specialized scan retractor was used to make digital impressions of edentulous jaws in patients’ mouths using an intraoral scanner. Virtual bite registration was obtained with optical scanning of the buccal surfaces of both jaws at the occlusal vertical dimension. The registration was then used as a reference for aligning both jaws. Digital edentulous models that include the jaw relationship would be clinically beneficial for the fabrication of complete dentures in edentulous patients.
Post‐operative arterio‐venous fistula blood flow influences primary and secondary patency following access surgery
Authors: Benaragama Kapila S. , Barwell Jennifer , Lord Chris , John Biku J. , Babber Adarsh , Sandoval Shella , Lindsey Ben , Fernando Bimbi
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Primary arteriovenous fistula arterio venous fistula (AVF) formation has proven to be the best and optimal vascular access for the majority of haemodialysis patients. At present there are limited data to suggest which haemodynamic parameters most correlate with the likelihood of early failure. The aim of this study is to identify the haemodynamic predictors of early failure, hence identify which fistulae may benefit from timely pre‐emptive intervention.

Material and Methods

Retrospective analysis of data was performed of 201 patients undergoing native AVF creation over a one year period. Demographic details, co‐morbidity, preoperative vessel calibre were collected. Flow was measured by duplex ultrasound post operatively.

Results

Preoperative vein calibre (p = 0.01) and fistula flow (p < 0.001) positively affected primary patency. Age, gender, ethnicity, type of fistula, hypertension and preoperative arterial calibre did not influence outcome. Regression analysis showed that the strength of correlation between early postoperative fistula flow and patency decreased progressively with time. Six week flow predicts early, but not late, failure. ROC analysis identified 300 ml/min flow as the best predictor of patency. Fistulae with flow above 300 ml/min were more likely to remain patent over the next 12 months (p < 0.001, HR = 7.4).

Conclusion

Postoperative fistula flow of less than 300 ml/min identifies AVFs at high risk of early failure. These may be candidates for early intervention with balloon assisted maturation. The findings of this retrospective cohort study strongly support the need for a more robust prospectively designed trial identifying haemodynamic factors that can predict mid and long‐term AVF patency.
Handling Plurality and Dealing With Difficult Work Experiences. A Comparative Study of Human Service Professionals’ Work With Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ineland Jens , Molin Martin , Sauer Lennart
Published: March 2018

This article examines how administrators in social services (n = 70) and habilitation staff in healthcare (n = 40) in Sweden experience difficulties in their work with people with intellectual disabilities. The research aim was to investigate the most typical aspects of difficult working situations and to apply a comparative analysis of differences and similarities, where the respondents' organizational affiliations are taken into account. The results are primarily based on a content analysis. Contextual standardized questions were included in this study. The results revealed that experiences of difficulties were categorized in four typological themes: difficult situations associated with (1) structure, (2) professional role, (3) relationships, and (4) collaboration. The respondents' experiences of difficult situations in social services and healthcare organizations did not correspond to the respondents' work dissatisfaction or unclear goals. On the contrary, handling this plurality within a specific organizational context was a fundamental aspect of professionalism. The different characteristics of the organizations in this study reflected two different institutional logics. While the administrators mainly operated within an administrative logic based on a regulatory framework, the habilitation staff operated within a therapeutic logic based on a cognitive framework. Consequently, the two groups had their own specific norms and rule systems, which influenced when, and to what extent, everyday situations were experienced and defined as difficult. The organizational context seems to influence experiences of difficult situations in the work with people with ID and this calls for a discussion of how it impacts the quality of services within intellectual disability services.
The Behaviour of Interest Rate Spreads Prior to and After the Financial Crisis: Evidence Across OECD Countries
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Cooray Arusha
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis on interest rate spreads across OECD countries, using a number of panel methodological approaches, over the 1990–2015 period. We examine the differential impact of the global financial crisis on interest rate spreads by dividing the sample period into two, i.e. the period prior to and after the crisis. Having identified and estimated the impact of a number of drivers on interest rate spreads, the findings document that after the 2008 financial crisis, the sensitivity of spreads to its determinants turn out to be statistically significant and incorporate credit risk to a greater extent. The findings survive a number of robustness checks. The policy implications of the empirical findings are also discussed.
Cross cultural comparison of constipation profiles at tertiary care centers between India and USA
Authors: Singh P. , Surana R. , Soni S. , Agnihotri A. , Ahuja V. , Makharia G. K. , Staller K. , Kuo B.
Published: March 2018

Background

Despite potential differences in patient perception of chronic constipation (CC) in geographically and culturally distinct regions, head‐to‐head studies comparing the clinical profile, constipation severity, impact on quality of life (QOL) and economic impact are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional cohort study of patients presenting with CC to tertiary care centers in the USA and India. Standardized instruments were used to assess constipation subtype, disease severity, disease‐specific QOL, somatization, and psychiatric comorbidities. We used multivariable linear regression to determine the predictors of QOL and number of healthcare visits.

Key Results

Sixty‐six and 98 patients with CC were enrolled in the USA and India, respectively. Indian patients with CC had significantly more frequent bowel movements/week compared to their USA counterparts (Median 5 vs 3, P < .0001). The proportion of patients with Bristol stool form scale type 1 and 2 was significantly higher in the USA compared to India (65.5% vs 48%, P = .04). Higher depression score (P = .001), more severe constipation symptoms (P = .001) and site of the study being USA (P = .008) independently predicted worse QOL. Indian patients (P < .001) and worse QOL (P = .02) were independent predictors of number of healthcare visits in the last 12 months.

Conclusions and Inferences

Indian patients with CC have more frequent and softer bowel movements compared to those in the USA suggesting significant differences in perception of CC in different geographic and cultural settings. QOL and economic impact related to constipation varies with geographic/cultural setting irrespective of other clinical and psychosomatic features.
Diabetes‐induced colonic slow transit mediated by the up‐regulation of PDGFRα+ cells/SK3 in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Song N.‐N. , Lu H.‐L. , Lu C. , Tong L. , Huang S.‐Q. , Huang X. , Chen J. , Kim Y.‐C. , Xu W.‐X.
Published: March 2018

Background

A major complication related to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in diabetic patients is chronic constipation. Constipation has serious negative impacts on quality of life; however, without a comprehensive understanding of the disease, currently available treatments cannot provide a cure. Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha‐positive cells (PDGFRα+ cells), which form the SIP syncytium with interstitial cells of Cajal and smooth muscle cells, play important roles in GI motility. In the present study, the contributions of PDGFRα+ cells to diabetes‐induced colonic slow transit were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice.

Methods

Western blotting, quantitative PCR, contractile experiments, and intracellular recording were used in the present study.

Key Results

The results demonstrated that the colon length was increased in STZ‐treated mice. The colonic transit of artificial fecal pellets in vitro was significantly delayed in STZ‐treated mice. The mRNA and protein expression of PDGFRα, small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K channels (SK3), and P2Y1 receptors were increased in the colons of STZ‐treated mice. In contractile experiments, the colonic smooth muscles were more sensitive to the SK3 agonist and antagonist (CyPPA and apamin) and the P2Y1 agonist and antagonist (MRS2365 and MRS2500) in STZ‐treated mice. Intracellular recordings showed the responses of membrane potentials in colonic smooth muscle cells to CyPPA, apamin, MRS2365, and MRS2500 were more sensitive in STZ‐treated mice. The electric field stimulation‐induced P2Y1/SK3‐dependent fast inhibitory junctional potentials (fIJPs) of colonic smooth muscles were more significantly hyperpolarized in STZ‐treated mice.

Conclusions and Inferences

These results suggest that the purinergic neurotransmitters/P2Y1/SK3 signaling pathway is up‐regulated in the diabetic colons, thereby mediating diabetes‐induced colonic slow transit.
Systematic review: Disease‐specific instruments to assess gastrointestinal symptoms in functional dyspepsia
Authors: Smeets F. G. M. , Masclee A. A. M. , Conchillo J. M. , Keszthelyi D.
Published: March 2018

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with incompletely understood pathophysiology and heterogeneous symptom presentation. Assessment of treatment efficacy inFDis a methodological challenge as response to treatment must be assessed primarily by measuring subjective symptoms. Therefore, the use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) is recommended by regulatory authorities to assess gastrointestinal symptoms in clinical trials forFD. In the last decades, a multitude of outcome measures has been developed. However, currently noPROMhas been approved by the regulatory authorities, and no consensus has been reached with regard to the most relevant outcome measure inFD.

Purpose

This systematic review discusses the available disease‐specific outcome measures for assessment ofFDsymptoms with psychometric validation properties, strengths, and limitations. Moreover, recommendations for use of current available outcome measures are provided, and potential areas of future research are discussed.
Links between the organization of the family home environment and child obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Bates C. R. , Buscemi J. , Nicholson L. M. , Cory M. , Jagpal A. , Bohnert A. M.
Published: March 2018

Due to increasingly high rates of child overweight and obesity, it is important to identify risk and protective factors that may inform more effective prevention and intervention. The degree of organization in the family home environment is a studied, but not well‐specified, factor that may impact child weight. Prior research on household organization has examined an array of constructs, including family routines, limit setting, household chaos, crowding and the broad home environment. This study systematically reviews literature on organization within the family home environment and weight among children ages 2–12. Six hundred thirty‐seven studies were reviewed by four coders for eligibility, and 32 studies were included in the final synthesis. Overall, 84% of studies provided evidence for relations between at least one indicator of organization within the family home environment and child weight. Studies provided compelling evidence across several constructs, suggesting that the relevance of household organization to child weight extends beyond a single indicator. Directions for future work include (i) examining the mediating role of health behaviours, (ii) examining the moderating role of socioeconomic factors, (iii) broadening this evidence base across cultures and nationalities and (iv) integrating constructs to develop a comprehensive model of organization within the home environment.
Patient‐reported side effects from liquid formulation of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in head and neck radiotherapy patients: an institutional experience and retrospective analysis
Authors: Patel V. , Young H. , White T. , McGurk M.
Published: March 2018

Aim

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a well‐recognised complication of head and neck radiotherapy. There is growing evidence that the use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PVe) is effective in managing established jaw necrosis and there is also early evidence for its use prophylactically to aid healing. The cohort of patients being prescribed these medications have radiation‐related problems such as dysphagia, xerostomia and trismus which means that swallowing large and multiple tablets is difficult or impossible. In such a situation, the solution is to prescribe liquid formulation of medications. Unfortunately, there is no commercial liquid formulation for pentoxifylline and so crushing the tablets and dissolving them in water produces an ad hoc form. The aim of this retrospective review was to determine patient‐reported side effects based on a named‐patient liquid formulation of pentoxifylline and liquid tocopherol.

Method

A total of 43 patients were prescribed liquid formulation of pentoxifylline and liquid tocopherol for either established ORN or as prophylaxis against ORN for a dental extraction. The dental records were retrospectively reviewed and assessed for side effects reported by the patient.

Results

Dysphagia was the most common indication for the prescription of liquid PVe (34/43 patients). Gastric irritation was reported in 2/43 (4.6%) patients while general side effects (nausea, malaise, vomiting) were reported in 11.6% (5/43) patients.

Conclusion

In comparison to other trials and studies reporting PVe side effects, this retrospective review did not appear to show a higher incidence when using the current manufactured liquid formulation of PVe.
Diagnostic dilemmas and management of odontogenic myxomas: a series of cases with a review of the literature
Authors: Shah S. , Kwok J. , Sproat C.
Published: March 2018

Odontogenic myxoma is a rare tumour of the jaw, making both its diagnosis and management challenging. In the majority of cases, diagnosis is largely dependent on the histopathological findings. On review of the literature, no definitive management options have been established; treatment options range from curettage of small lesions, to large resections. We present four cases of odontogenic myxomas diagnosed within a year and look at the current management of these lesions.
A comparative study for the efficacy of different forms of ozone as a treatment for alveolar osteitis
Authors: Khalifah M.A.A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Dry socket is one of the most common complications following dental extraction. Although blood clot disintegration is known to be the cause of the condition, an agreement is lacking regarding the relative merits of various treatment methods. Despite the fact that ozone is one recommended therapy, the literature is deprived of any comparative study for the different forms of ozone delivery. The aim of the current study therefore was to evaluate the efficacy of different forms of ozone as a treatment for this condition.

Methods

A total of 1521 patients were categorized into four groups (I,II,IIIandIV) according to pain severity depending on the need and the response to analgesics (mild, moderate, severe or agonizing, respectively). Each group was randomly and blindly divided into three subgroups according treatment method: Oleozon (Ole) which is an ozonized olive oil, ozonized water (OW), ozone gas (O3).

Results

While Ole,OWand O3were curative in groups I andII, only O3was curative for groupsIIIandIV.OWwas palliative in groupIV. Only O3was definitive therapy for all groups.

Conclusion

Ozone in the gaseous form is the most potent form of ozone therapy. Although ozonized oil shows the weakest form,OWhad an intermediate potency.
Analysis of the impact of race on blood transfusion in pediatric scoliosis surgery
Authors: Maher Keila M. , Owusu‐Akyaw Kwadwo , Zhou Jingzhu , Cooter Mary , Ross Allison K. , Lark Robert K. , Taicher Brad M.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis is associated with significant blood loss. Minimizing estimated blood loss and blood transfusion is beneficial as transfusions have been associated with increased morbidity, including risk of surgical site infections, longer hospitalizations, and increased cost. Although there is evidence that African‐American or Black adults are more likely to require intraoperative blood transfusion compared with Caucasian or White adults, the reasons for this difference are unclear.

Methods

The electronic records for all patients <18 y/o undergoing primary corrective scoliosis surgery by a single pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a single academic medical center between 2013 and 2015 were collected and reviewed. Multivariate models were performed to assess the association between Black race and blood loss/transfusion in primary pediatric scoliosis surgery.

Results

In a multivariate model, Black race was independently associated with 1.61 times higher estimated blood loss than White race (P < .01; 95% CI = 1.16‐2.23). Additionally, compared to a White patient, the odds a Black patient received blood transfusion was 6.25 times higher (P = .03; 95% CI = 1.56‐25.06) and among the patients who received blood transfusion, Black race was independently associated with 2.61 times greater volume of blood transfusion than White race (P < .01; 95% CI = 1.54‐4.41).

Conclusion

Black race was independently associated with increased estimated blood loss, increased rate of blood transfusion, and increased amount of blood transfused during surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis. Further investigation is needed to better understand the etiology of the disparity and assess opportunities for improving outcomes.
Myshkin's Million: Merchants, Capitalists, and the Economic Imaginary in The Idiot
Authors: SHNEYDER VADIM
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the contribution of Dostoevsky’s The Idiot to the multi‐generic elaboration of an economic imaginary that was taking place in the Russian print media in the era of the Great Reforms. In The Idiot, this imaginary is defined by a struggle between two groups of wealthy men–capitalists like General Epanchin and Totskii on the one hand and merchants, such as Rogozhin, on the other. These groups are distinguished by their biographies, the sources of their wealth, and by the forms their money assumes in the novel. While the capitalists’ wealth is largely invisible, assuming the form of unseen businesses and money‐making schemes, the merchants’ money is obdurately material: it makes its most striking appearance in the famous scene at Nastasia Filippovna’s in Part 1. Prince Myshkin, who has traditionally been seen as a being far removed from the financial excesses of 1860s St. Petersburg, is entangled in this economic typology as well. The novel goes to considerable lengths to explain the origin of his unexpected inheritance in the accumulated fortune of a merchant. Myshkin inherits not just the wealth but also the fate of the merchants; while the capitalists prosper, their lives extending beyond the novel’s narrative, the merchants are doomed to stasis, sterility, and failure; both Rogozhin’s and Myshkin’s stories come to an unhappy end.
How do pension and healthcare systems frame long‐term care policy? Comparison of the Czech Republic and Poland
Authors: Łuczak Paweł
Published: March 2018

This article compares changes in long‐term care (LTC) policies in the Czech Republic and Poland. The article challenges the view that countries from Central and Eastern Europe can be treated as a homogenous group with regard to LTC. To account for the dissimilarity between the countries, the article adopts Ranci and Pavolini's (2015, p. 274) recent recommendation that changes in LTC policies must be analyzed in the context of reforms of traditional and more expensive social policies, such as pensions and healthcare. Using the approach of political institutionalism, the article argues that these two countries' pension and healthcare systems established different opportunity structures and strategic preferences for change in LTC policy. Consequently, the persistent difference between the two countries over the past decade is explained by how their pension and healthcare systems frame LTC policy. The article also finds that “functional equivalents” to social care programs that are instituted either in pensions (i.e., lowering the retirement age, which impacts the supply of informal care) or in healthcare (i.e., increasing the availability of nursing homes) should be included in the analysis of LTC policy development.
NKG2D‐ligands: Putting everything under the same umbrella can be misleading
Authors: Campos‐Silva C. , Kramer M. K. , Valés‐Gómez M.
Published: March 2018

NKG2D is a key receptor for the activation of immune effector cells, mainly Natural Killer cells and T lymphocytes, in infection, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Since the detection of ligands for NKG2D in sera of cancer patients is, in many human models, indicative of prognosis, a large number of studies have been undertaken to improve understanding of the biology regulating this receptor and its ligands, with the aim of translating this knowledge into clinical practice. Although it is becoming clear that the NKG2D system can be used as a tool for diagnosis and manipulated for therapy, some questions remain open due to the complexity associated with the existence of a large number of ligands, each one of them displaying distinct biological properties. In this review, we have highlighted some key aspects of this system that differ between humans and mice, including the properties of NKG2D, as well as the genetic and biochemical complexity of NKG2D‐ligands. All of these features affect the characteristics of the immune response exerted by NKG2D‐expressing cells and are likely to be important factors in the clearance of a tumour or the development of autoimmunity. Implementation of more global analyses, including information on genotype, transcription and protein properties (cellular vs released to the blood stream) of NKG2D‐ligands expressed in patients will be necessary to fully understand the links between this system and disease progression.
Detection of an HLA‐B*15 variant, HLA‐B*15:192, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: March 2018

One nucleotide replacement at codon 145 of HLA‐B*15:01:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐B*15:192.
New extensions of Chebyshev type inequalities using generalized Katugampola integrals via Polya-Szegö inequality
Authors: Set Erhan , Dahmani Zoubir , Mumcu İlker
Published: March 2018

A number of Chebyshev type inequalities involving various fractional integral operators have, recently, been presented. In this work, motivated essentially by the earlier works and their applications in diverse research subjects, we establish some new Polya-Szego inequality involving generalized Katugampola fractional integral operator and use them to prove some new fractional Chebyshev type inequalities which are extensions of the results in the paper: [On Polya-Szego and Chebyshev type inequalities involving the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral operators, J. Math. Inequal, 10(2) (2016)].