bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatile organic compounds of mountainous plant species and the produced milk as affected by altitude in Greece: A preliminary study
Authors: Bozoudi Despina , Claps Salvatore , Abraham Eleni M , Parissi Zoi M , Litopoulou‐Tzanetaki Evanthia
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to characterise the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of plant species, bulk forage grazed by sheep and produced milk at different mountainous areas of Greece. The most abundant plant species of vegetation at 800 m (hill‐land) and 1300 m (highland) altitude, bulk forage and milk samples, were collected. The VOCs profiles of the plant species and milk varied. Common VOCs in milk from both areas were identified, whereas others were discriminatory for each area. Overall, the VOCs composition of mountainous milk could provide a basis for Feta cheese identification with its region.
Brexit and Uncertainty: Insights from the Decision Maker Panel
Authors: Bloom Nicholas , Bunn Philip , Chen Scarlet , Mizen Paul , Smietanka Pawel , Thwaites Greg , Young Garry
Published: December 2018

The UK's decision to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum created substantial uncertainty for UK businesses. The nature of this uncertainty is different from that of a typical uncertainty shock because of its length, breadth and political complexity. Consequently, a new firm‐level survey, the Decision Maker Panel (DMP), was created to investigate this, finding three key results. First, Brexit was reported to be one of the top three sources of uncertainty for around 40 per cent of UK businesses in the two years after the vote in the June 2016 referendum, and this proportion increased further in Autumn 2018. Hence, Brexit provided both a major and persistent uncertainty shock. Second, uncertainty has been higher in industries that are more dependent on trade with the EU and on EU migrant labour. Third, the uncertainties around Brexit are primarily about the impact on businesses over the longer term rather than shorter term, including uncertainty about the timing of any transition arrangements and around the nature of Brexit.
Changes in pediatric dental coverage and visits following the implementation of the affordable care act
Authors: Kranz Ashley M. , Dick Andrew W.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the impact of the inclusion of pediatric dental care in the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) core package of essential health benefits on dental coverage and utilization.

Data Sources

Children aged 1‐18 years included in the nationally representative 2010‐2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Study Design

We used regression‐adjusted difference‐in‐differences to examine changes in rates of dental coverage and visits pre‐ and post‐ACA for children likely to be affected by the ACA (have a parent working for a small employer) to a comparison group of children who were unlikely to be affected (have a parent in a firm with ≥50 employees). Models adjusted for relevant health and sociodemographic measures.

Data Collection

NHIS is an annual household survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Principal Findings

Comparing pre‐ and post‐ACA periods, private dental insurance increased by 4.6 percentage points more (P = 0.013) and annual dental visits were unchanged (2.7 percentage points, P = 0.071) among children likely to be affected by the ACA compared to children unlikely to be affected by the ACA.

Conclusion

Inclusion of pediatric dental care as an ACA essential health benefit increased dental insurance coverage, but not dental visits among children likely to be affected by this policy.
A Comprehensive Review of Corn Protein‐derived Bioactive Peptides: Production, Characterization, Bioactivities, and Transport Pathways
Authors: Zhu Biyang , He Hui , Hou Tao
Published: December 2018

Bioactive peptides are specific peptide fragments that positively exert various functional and biological activities and ultimately influence health. Corn protein are potential precursor proteins for bioactive peptides. This review encompasses the studies reported to date on the production, isolation, purification, and characterization technologies of bioactive corn peptides (CPs), with particular attention being devoted to these peptides’ different health effects, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, alcohol‐metabolism‐facilitating, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitory activities. The review also describes studies examining the potential mechanisms believed to be involved in these bioactivities, and the possible absorption and transport pathways of CPs are summarized.
Relationship Between Patterns in Antihypertensive Drugs Medication and Mortality in Incident Dialysis Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fujii Maya , Inaguma Daijo , Koide Shigehisa , Ito Eri , Takahashi Kazuo , Hayashi Hiroki , Tsuboi Naotake , Hasegawa Midori , Yuzawa Yukio
Published: December 2018

Hypertension is common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Whether blood pressure management before dialysis initiation influences prognosis during maintenance dialysis remains unclear. Hence, we surveyed the status of antihypertensive drug use in incident dialysis patients. Moreover, we examined the association between antihypertensive drug use patterns at the time of dialysis initiation and mortality. We used a database derived from the multicenter prospective Aichi Cohort Study of Prognosis in Patients Newly Initiated into Dialysis, which included 1520 incident dialysis patients in Aichi prefecture, Japan. The baseline in the present study was set as the time of dialysis initiation. We examined antihypertensive drug prescription patterns at baseline, as well as the association between use of antihypertensive drugs and mortality after dialysis initiation. Among all participants, 1440 were taking at least one antihypertensive drug. The rate of calcium channel blocker (CCB) use was highest, accounting for 74.3%. CCB use was significantly associated with lower all‐cause and cardiovascular‐related mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62 and 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46–0.85 and [0.35–0.91], respectively). Compared with no use of either drug, combination therapy with a renin angiotensin system blocker (RASB) and CCB was significantly associated with lower mortality (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34–0.76). The present study demonstrated that antihypertensive drugs were used in 95% of incident dialysis patients. In addition, use of a CCB and combination therapy with a CCB and RASB at the time of dialysis initiation was associated with lower mortality during maintenance dialysis.
Safety and efficacy of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors combined with insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Kexin , Xu Gaosi
Published: December 2018

Background

The safety and efficacy of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in a dose‐dependent manner for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are unclear.

Methods

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials until August 2018.

Results

Thirteen RCT with 5397 participants were included. SGLT2 inhibitors were proved to be effective in glycemic control and weight loss in T1DM. In the subgroups of different doses, SGLT2 inhibitors exhibited reductions in glycated haemoglobin, bodyweight, fasting plasma glucose, mean daily glucose, basal insulin dose, bolus insulin dose, estimated glomerular filtration rate and systolic blood pressure, and elevations in the mean amplitude of glucose excursions, and percentage of time in target glucose range in a dose‐dependent manner. Reductions in total insulin dose and urinary glucose excretion were dose‐independent. SGLT2 inhibitors did not induce hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, cardiovascular events, bone fracture and all‐cause mortality, but increased the risk of adverse events (AE), adverse events related to the drug treatment, infections, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and renal disease correlated with dosage.

Conclusions

SGLT2 inhibitors in high and moderate doses can achieve a better outcome on efficacy, but may induce a higher risk of adverse events, especially DKA.
Diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography for assessment of disease activity in large vessel vasculitis
Authors: Schramm Nicolai , Ingenhoff Janina , Dechant Claudia , Treitl Karla‐Maria , Treitl Marcus , Proft Fabian , Schulze‐Koops Hendrik , Hoffmann Ulrich , Bartenstein Peter , Rominger Axel , Czihal Michael
Published: December 2018

Aim

To determine the diagnostic yield of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) in disease activity assessment of large vessel vasculitides (LVV).

Methods

Patients with LVV who had undergone PET (between 2004 and June 2010) or PET co‐registered with computed tomography (PET/CT; since June 2010) were identified. Clinical disease activity was assessed using established scoring systems. PET images were reviewed by two blinded nuclear medicine physicians. Uptake of the aortic wall was compared to the liver uptake utilizing a visual 4‐point score, with a vessel wall uptake similar or higher than liver uptake considered as active disease. Various target‐to‐background ratios were calculated. Receiver operator characteristics analysis was applied to determine the diagnostic accuracy of PET for detecting clinically active disease. Interobserver agreement of visual readings was measured with Cohen´s kappa.

Results

Eighty examinations in 62 patients were analyzed, with a mean time between diagnosis and PET of 106 ± 171 weeks. Fifty‐seven cases were finally classified as clinically active and 23 cases as clinically inactive. With a cut‐off value of 1.3, the aorta‐to‐liver ratio yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 84.2% and 82.6% (area under the curve 0.9). Overall, sensitivity and specificity of visual analysis were 68.4% and 91.3%, but sensitivity decreased to 54% in patients treated for more than 3 months. Interobserver agreement of visual rating was excellent (κ: 0.93).

Conclusion

Positron emission tomography is specific and reliable in disease activity assessment of LVV, but lacks sensitivity for detecting active disease in patients under long‐term immunosuppressive treatment.
Association between cumulative methotrexate dose, non‐invasive scoring system and hepatic fibrosis detected by Fibroscan in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving methotrexate
Authors: Lertnawapan Ratchaya , Chonprasertsuk Soonthorn , Siramolpiwat Sith
Published: December 2018

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) is recommended by recent American College of Rheumatology and European League against Rheumatism guidelines as a first‐line drug for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Liver fibrosis, which occurs as a long‐term side effect is of major concern. Monitoring aminotransferase and albumin is suggested in the guidelines, unfortunately this method is unreliable for detecting liver fibrosis. We try to find the association between clinical parameters, cumulative MTX dosage, liver fibrosis scoring systems and the presence of liver fibrosis assessed by transient elastography (TE; Fibroscan®).

Method

Rheumatoid arthritis patients prescribed MTX were evaluated for liver fibrosis with TE. Two subgroups of patients were compared: non‐fibrosis and fibrosis (TE > 7 kPa). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with liver fibrosis.

Results

One hundred and eight patients were recruited. Twenty‐nine patients (26.8%) were classified by transient elastography as liver fibrosis cases. The multivariate analysis demonstrated statistical significance only in the association of body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22; 95% CI 1.05‐1.41; P = 0.01); fatty liver (OR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.58‐9.19; P = 0.02); alanine transaminase (OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.02‐1.09; P = 0.04) and cumulative MTX dosage (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01‐1.04; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Liver fibrosis measured with Fibroscan was associated with cumulative MTX. RA patients with metabolic syndrome including high body mass index and fatty liver, had a higher risk of MTX‐induced hepatic fibrosis. RA patients with high cumulative MTX dose, especially patients with concurrent metabolic syndrome, should be cautiously monitored for liver fibrosis.
Association of good oncological response to therapy with the development of rheumatic immune‐related adverse events following PD‐1 inhibitor therapy
Authors: Liew David F. L. , Leung Jessica L. Y. , Liu Bonnia , Cebon Jonathan , Frauman Albert G. , Buchanan Russell R. C.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To investigate whether any patient or treatment characteristics are associated with the development of rheumatic immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) following programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) inhibitor therapy for cancer.

Method

This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who were dispensed nivolumab or pembrolizumab at a single center before 1 January, 2017, with follow‐up until 1 July, 2017. Patients with any diagnosis of a non‐cutaneous irAE were identified, regardless of severity, and rheumatic irAEs were characterized.

Results

Of 244 episodes of therapy, a non‐cutaneous irAE occurred in 72 (29.5%). Rheumatic irAEs were diagnosed in 19 episodes of therapy (7.8%), with 12 de novo diagnoses (5.1% of episodes without a pre‐existing autoimmune rheumatic disease) and 7 exacerbations of existing disease. Review by a rheumatologist occurred in only 11 of these. Rheumatic irAEs were more common in patients with a good oncological response to therapy (relative risk [RR] 11.16), those being treated for melanoma (RR 2.94) and those who developed another non‐cutaneous irAE (RR 2.64).

Conclusion

Rheumatic irAEs are relatively common with PD‐1 inhibitor therapy, and appear to be associated with a good oncological response to therapy. Many rheumatic irAEs were not referred to rheumatological services. Prospective systematic investigation would be of benefit to explore these characteristics.
Assessment of the validity and reliability of the Jenkins Sleep Scale in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Duruoz Mehmet Tuncay , Ulutatar Firat , Ozturk Ekim Can , Unal‐Ulutatar Cagri , Sanal Toprak Canan , Kayhan Onder
Published: December 2018

Aim

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) affects sleep quality. Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) Evaluation Questionnaire is a simple and easy to understand scale. The aim of this study is to constitute validity and reliability of JSS‐TR in AS patients.

Methods

Jenkins Sleep Scale was translated and culturally adapted by using guidelines. Clinical and demographic data of AS patients were noted. Correlations with other functional parameters such as Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess convergent validity of JSS‐TR (Turkish version). Discriminant validity was also assessed. Shapiro‐Wilk test was used as a test of normality. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess the relation.

Results

Sixty patients (24 female and 36 male) with mean age of 39.6 ± 10.8 years were recruited. The JSS‐TR took an average of 1.5 minutes (±30 seconds) to complete. JSS‐TR had the strongest correlation with PSQI scores (ρ = 0.75) and moderate‐strong correlations with MAF, ASQoL, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores. There was insignificant correlation with non‐clinical parameters.

Conclusions

JSS‐TR is a valid, simple and feasible sleep instrument that can be easily applied to AS patients both in research and clinical settings.
A nuclear lamina‐chromatin‐Ran GTPase axis modulates nuclear import and DNA damage signaling
Authors: Dworak Natalia , Makosa Dawid , Chatterjee Mandovi , Jividen Kasey , Yang Chun‐Song , Snow Chelsi , Simke William C. , Johnson Isaac G. , Kelley Joshua B. , Paschal Bryce M.
Published: December 2018

The Ran GTPase regulates nuclear import and export by controlling the assembly state of transport complexes. This involves the direct action of RanGTP, which is generated in the nucleus by the chromatin‐associated nucleotide exchange factor, RCC1. Ran interactions with RCC1 contribute to formation of a nuclear:cytoplasmic (N:C) Ran protein gradient in interphase cells. In previous work, we showed that the Ran protein gradient is disrupted in fibroblasts from Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) patients. The Ran gradient disruption in these cells is caused by nuclear membrane association of a mutant form of Lamin A, which induces a global reduction in heterochromatin marked with Histone H3K9me3 and Histone H3K27me3. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that heterochromatin controls the Ran gradient. Chemical inhibition and depletion of the histone methyltransferases (HMTs) G9a and GLP in normal human fibroblasts reduced heterochromatin levels and caused disruption of the Ran gradient, comparable to that observed previously in HGPS fibroblasts. HMT inhibition caused a defect in nuclear localization of TPR, a high molecular weight protein that, owing to its large size, displays a Ran‐dependent import defect in HGPS. We reasoned that pathways dependent on nuclear import of large proteins might be compromised in HGPS. We found that nuclear import of ATM requires the Ran gradient, and disruption of the Ran gradient in HGPS causes a defect in generating nuclear γ‐H2AX in response to ionizing radiation. Our data suggest a lamina–chromatin–Ran axis is important for nuclear transport regulation and contributes to the DNA damage response.
Withdrawal from Brief Repeated Alcohol Treatment in Adolescent and Adult Male and Female Rats
Authors: Fleming Weston , Jones Quincy , Chandra Upasana , Saini Aashna , Walker David , Francis Reynold , Ocampo Gabriela , Kuhn Cynthia
Published: December 2018

Background

Early initiation of alcohol drinking has been associated with increased risk of alcohol dependence in adulthood. Although negative affect mediated in part by corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) is a strong motivator for alcohol consumption in adults, comparisons of alcohol withdrawal in adolescents and adults generally have not included CRF‐related measures such as anxiety. The purpose of the present study was to compare withdrawal signs including anxiety‐like behavior after a brief multiday alcohol treatment in adolescent and adult male and female rats.

Methods

Animals were treated with a 5‐day regimen of alcohol injections (3 daily intraperitoneal injections of 1.5 g/kg at 3‐hour intervals, total of 15) starting on postnatal day (PN) 28 or PN 70. Spontaneous withdrawal signs and anxiety‐like behavior (light/dark box) were assessed 18 hours after the last injection as described. One cohort of rats was treated with alcohol, killed 18 hours after the last injection, and blood was collected to assess corticosterone. Another cohort of rats was treated with alcohol or vehicle, given 1, 2, or 3 alcohol injections (1.5 g/kg), and killed 1 hour after final injection to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Finally, adult and adolescent males and females received 5 days of alcohol or vehicle treatment followed by a final challenge with alcohol (3 g/kg), and blood was collected for corticosterone.

Results

BAC was comparable in adolescents and adults. Spontaneous withdrawal signs were comparable in adolescents and adults, and no sex differences were observed. Anxiety‐like behaviors (time and distance in light, latency to emerge, and light entries) differed in alcohol‐ and vehicle‐treated adults but not adolescents. Corticosterone was not elevated at withdrawal. Alcohol increased corticosterone significantly in vehicle‐treated animals, but both adolescents and adults were tolerant to alcohol‐induced elevation of corticosterone after 5 days of alcohol treatment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that adolescents experience milder negative affect during withdrawal from brief alcohol exposures relative to adults but comparable suppression of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis function.
Genome‐wide differential DNA methylation in tropically adapted Creole cattle and their Iberian ancestors
Authors: Sevane N. , Martínez R. , Bruford M. W.
Published: December 2018

Enhancing climate resilience and sustainable production for animals in harsh environments are important goals for the livestock industry given the predicted impacts of climate change. Rapid adaptation to extreme climatic conditions has already been imposed on livestock species, including those exported after Columbus's arrival in the Americas. We compared the methylomes of two Creole cattle breeds living in tropical environments with their putative Spanish ancestors to understand the epigenetic mechanisms underlying rapid adaptation of a domestic species to a new and more physiologically challenging environment. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to assess differences in methylation in Creole and Spanish samples and revealed 334 differentially methylated regions using high stringency parameters (P‐value <0.01, ≥4 CpGs within a distance of 200 bp, mean methylation difference >25%) annotated to 263 unique features. Gene ontology analysis revealed candidate genes involved in tropical adaptation processes, including genes differentially hyper‐ or hypomethylated above 80% in Creole samples displaying biological functions related to immune response (IRF6, PTGDR, FAM19A5, PGLYRP1), nervous system (GBX2, NKX2‐8, RPGR), energy management (BTD), heat resistance (CYB561) and skin and coat attributes (LGR6). Our results entail that major environmental changes imposed on Creole cattle have had an impact on their methylomes measurable today, which affects genes implicated in important pathways for adaptation. Although further work is needed, this first characterization of methylation patterns driven by profound environmental change provides a valuable pointer for the identification of biomarkers of resilience for improved cattle performance and welfare under predicted climatic change models.
The disposition effect in farmers’ selling behavior: an experimental investigation
Authors: Vollmer Elisabeth , Hermann Daniel , Musshoff Oliver
Published: December 2018

The identification of the optimal selling time of stored goods is among the most essential economic decisions on a farm. Beyond monetary aspects, behavioral factors influence farmers’ selling decisions. In financial economics, the disposition effect is a commonly observed phenomenon. It describes the fact that investors hold losing stocks too long, while they sell stocks that gained in value too early. In the context of agriculture, this behavioral bias has not been analyzed thoroughly yet. To close this research gap, we conducted an incentivized online experiment with 112 farmers from Germany. The experimental design was based on a well‐proven experiment from financial economics and adapted to an agricultural decision context where stored goods must be sold. Farmers were provided information on the uncertain price developments. In addition, lotteries were conducted to elicit farmers’ risk attitude, probability weighting, and loss aversion. Results indicate that there is a robust disposition effect in farmers’ selling behavior. Furthermore, more loss‐averse farmers exhibited a higher realization of gains.
Parasympathetic nervous system response to acidosis: Evaluation in an experimental fetal sheep model
Authors: Ghesquière Louise , De Jonckheere Julien , Drumez Elodie , Sharma Dyuti , Aubry Estelle , Deruelle Philippe , Storme Laurent , Houfflin‐Debarge Véronique , Garabedian Charles
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Heart rate variability and fetal heart rate decelerations are impacted by parasympathetic function and reflect acid‐base status. Our team developed a new heart rate variability index, the fetal stress index (FSI), which has lower interindividual variability and higher sensitivity for detecting fluctuations in parasympathetic nervous system activity. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of the FSI to predict fetal acidosis in a fetal sheep model.

Material and methods

Repeated 1‐minute total umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) were performed every 2.5 minutes over 3 hours to generate fetal acidosis mimicking that which occurs during labor and contractions. Fetal hemodynamic parameters, blood gas, the FSI and the magnitude (from the beginning to the nadir) of the fetal heart rate deceleration were recorded at regular intervals. The data were analyzed over three time intervals because of variation in the duration of the experiments: period A (first 12 UCOs), period B (middle 12 UCOs) and period C (last 12 UCOs).

Results

Nine experiments were performed. Acidosis was progressive with a significant difference between the pH, lactate levels and base deficit values for the three periods of occlusion (P < 0.05). Both FSI and the magnitude of fetal heart rate decelerations gradually increased during the UCOs and both differed significantly between periods A and C (P = 0.0008 for FSI and P = 0.003 for deceleration).

Conclusion

This experimental protocol allowed the development of progressive acidosis in a good model of the physiology of labor. Parasympathetic nervous system activity increased during acidosis and could be measured using our index, the FSI, and the magnitude of fetal heart rate decelerations.
Efficacy and safety of vitrectomy for congenital cataract surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis based on randomized and controlled trials
Authors: Cao Kai , Wang Jinda , Zhang Jingshang , Yusufu Mayinuer , Jin Shanshan , Hou Simeng , Zhu Guyu , Wang Bingsong , Xiong Ying , Li Jing , Li Xiaoxia , Chai Lijing , He Hailong , Wan Xiu H.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To explore the effectiveness and safety of vitrectomy for congenital cataract surgery.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Science Direct, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Wanfang Database. Two researchers extracted data and assessed paper quality independently. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or visual axis opacification (VAO), reoperation rate, visual acuity, intraocular lenses (IOL) deposit, synechias, uveitis, secondary glaucoma, low‐contrast sensitivity and IOL decentration were compared.

Results

We included 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 634 congenital cataract eyes. Cases of posterior capsule opacification in vitrectomy group were significantly less than that of control group, with risk ratio (RR) of 0.15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09, 0.26], and there was no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.94). Reoperation rate in vitrectomy group was lower than that of control group either (RR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.94), and there was no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.85). Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measured in LogMAR unit of vitrectomy group was smaller, with a mean difference (MD) of −0.17 (95%CI: −0.28, −0.05), and I2 was only 22%, indicating of a small heterogeneity. No statistical difference was found between two groups on IOL deposit (RR = 1.23, 95%CI: 0.70, 2.17), and the heterogeneity was small (I2 = 16%, p = 0.31). No statistical difference was found between two groups on synechias (RR = 1.08, 95%CI: 0.60, 1.94), with a quite small heterogeneity (I2 = 3%, p = 0.38). No statistical difference was found between two groups on uveitis (RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.15, 2.01), and there was no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.94). There was no statistical difference on IOP either, with a MD of 0.25 (95%CI: −1.56, 2.07), and there was no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Egger's test showed that there was no publication bias for all assessed outcomes. Low‐contrast sensitivity was better in the vitrectomy group. And no evidence indicated vitrectomy could lead to a higher risk on secondary glaucoma or IOL decentration.

Conclusion

Vitrectomy helps lower the PCO risk and reoperation risk after congenital cataract surgery, and also, vitrectomy helps patients gain a better BCVA and achieve a better low‐contrast sensitivity, with no trade‐off on IOP control, IOL deposit, synechias, uveitis and secondary glaucoma. We recommend performing vitrectomy during congenital cataract surgery.
Hair cortisol concentration in patients with active central serous chorioretinopathy is elevated – a pilot study
Authors: Lenk Janine , Sandner Dirk , Schindler Lena , Pillunat Lutz E. , Matthé Egbert
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To investigate hair cortisol concentration (HCC), a biochemical correlate of long‐term cortisol output patterns, and its relationship to active central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods

Twenty‐six participants were included in this observational pilot study (11 patients with active CSC and 15 healthy controls). Hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) were determined from 3 cm hair strands collected near the scalp from patients and controls as an index of cumulative cortisol secretion over the 3‐month period prior to hair sampling.

Results

Patients with CSC exhibited higher HCCs (mean value: 20.14, 95% CI: 14.89–27.16 pg/mg) than healthy controls (mean value: 11.06, 95% CI: 8.63–14.22 pg/mg, p = 0.008). Group differences were not affected by relevant covariates (BMI, smoking status, sex).

Conclusion

Patients with active CSC have increased HCC, supporting the fact that cortisol is a major player in CSC pathogenesis.
Review shows that donor milk does not promote the growth and development of preterm infants as well as maternal milk
Authors: Hård Anna‐Lena , Nilsson Anders K. , Lund Anna‐My , Hansen‐Pupp Ingrid , Smith Lois E. H. , Hellström Ann
Published: December 2018

Aim

This nonsystematic review examined differences in the composition of raw maternal breastmilk and pasteurised donor milk and possible health effects on preterm infants.

Methods

We searched PubMed up to July 2018 for studies published in English that focused on four comparisons as follows: raw maternal milk versus donor milk, human milk before and after Holder pasteurisation, milk from mothers who delivered preterm and at term and milk collected during early and late lactation. We also searched for possible effects of the milk components, as well as the effects of maternal and donor milk on preterm infants’ health.

Results

Raw maternal milk contained factors involved in antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory defence, gut microbiome establishment and the maturation of immune defences, food tolerability and metabolism. Many of these factors were reduced or abolished in processed donor milk. Both maternal milk and donor milk have been associated with a reduced incidence of necrotising enterocolitis. High‐dose feeding with maternal milk during the neonatal period reportedly reduced the risk of other morbidities and promoted growth and neurodevelopment.

Conclusion

Many of the components in raw maternal breastmilk were lacking in pasteurised donor milk, which was inferior in promoting the growth and development of very preterm infants.
Effects of porcine brain hydrolysate on impairment of cognitive learning ability in amyloid β(1–40)‐infused rats
Authors: Liu Yu‐Tse , Cheng Fu‐Yuan , Takeda Shiro , Lai Kung‐Ming , Lin Liang‐Chuan , Sakata Ryoichi
Published: December 2018

This study assessed whether administering porcine brain hydrolysate (PBH) ameliorates the impairment of spatial cognition learning ability in amyloid β (Aβ)‐infused rats. PBH was prepared using organic solvents (i.e., acetone and ethanol). Enzyme hydrolysates were derived from these PBH and the sequence of the Aβ peptide for infusion was selected. The results indicated the PBH, in particular EP (porcine brain extract with ethanol and protease N), demonstrated the potentials to reduce damage of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. The principal findings of this study indicate that PBH has prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Moreover, administering EP to Aβ(1–40)‐infused rats significantly improves their performance on reference, spatial performance, and working memory tests during water maze tasks; concurrent proportional decreases are also observed in malondialdehyde levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and Aβ accumulation levels in brain tissues. The PBH was suggested to ameliorate learning deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease by inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the brain of Aβ infused rat.
Healthcare decommodification in decentralization context: Reviewing the ideational constructions of “classless hospital policy” initiatives in Kulon Progo Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Yuda Tauchid Komara
Published: December 2018

This article illustrates the emergence of radical local welfare initiatives as a political response to the imperfect national program in decentralization context in Indonesia. In order to gain further understanding of the topic, it is worth reviewing Kulon Progo Regency's experience which recently embarked on removing class stratification at any in‐patient room in all local government‐owned hospitals through “classless hospital policy” initiatives. Using exploratory case study method, this article aims to review the ideational constructions of healthcare decommodification that is displayed on this initiative. It is concluded that the classless hospital policy reflects how social citizenship was organized through the mechanism of idea contestation which originated in the past community's behavior, combined with the vested interest of political regime for then subduing market logics under state power. This circumstance ultimately has provided the groundwork for encouraging innovative welfare outcome.
Understanding students’ engagement in MOOCs: An integration of self‐determination theory and theory of relationship quality
Authors: Sun Yongqiang , Ni Linghong , Zhao Yiming , Shen Xiao‐Liang , Wang Nan
Published: December 2018

Although Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) attract millions of people to enroll in their courses, the completion rate for most courses is very low. A majority of MOOCs students are not fully engaged in MOOCs, thus leading them to quit in the early stage of the courses. Therefore, it is important to investigate students’ engagement in MOOCs. Drawing on self‐determination theory and the theory of relationship quality, this study proposes a model that conceptualizes the MOOCs engagement as consisting of psychological engagement and behavioral engagement and explores the antecedents of students’ engagement in MOOCs. The research model is tested using data collected from 374 students of Chinese University MOOC. The results show that fulfillment of three basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness have significant positive effects on intrinsic motivation, increasing students’ psychological engagement in MOOCs. Relationship quality significantly predicts students’ psychological engagement, and psychological engagement promotes behavioral engagement in MOOCs. Implications for research and practice as well as limitations of this study are discussed finally.
Animal movements in fire‐prone landscapes
Authors: Nimmo Dale G. , Avitabile Sarah , Banks Sam C. , Bliege Bird Rebecca , Callister Kate , Clarke Michael F. , Dickman Chris R. , Doherty Tim S. , Driscoll Don A. , Greenville Aaron C. , Haslem Angie , Kelly Luke T. , Kenny Sally A. , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Lee Connie , Leonard Steven , Moore Harry , Newsome Thomas M. , Parr Catherine L. , Ritchie Euan G. , Schneider Kathryn , Turner James M. , Watson Simon , Westbrooke Martin , Wouters Mike , White Matthew , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: December 2018

Movement is a trait of fundamental importance in ecosystems subject to frequent disturbances, such as fire‐prone ecosystems. Despite this, the role of movement in facilitating responses to fire has received little attention. Herein, we consider how animal movement interacts with fire history to shape species distributions. We consider how fire affects movement between habitat patches of differing fire histories that occur across a range of spatial and temporal scales, from daily foraging bouts to infrequent dispersal events, and annual migrations. We review animal movements in response to the immediate and abrupt impacts of fire, and the longer‐term successional changes that fires set in train. We discuss how the novel threats of altered fire regimes, landscape fragmentation, and invasive species result in suboptimal movements that drive populations downwards. We then outline the types of data needed to study animal movements in relation to fire and novel threats, to hasten the integration of movement ecology and fire ecology. We conclude by outlining a research agenda for the integration of movement ecology and fire ecology by identifying key research questions that emerge from our synthesis of animal movements in fire‐prone ecosystems.
Toward a Unifying Model of Self‐regulation: A Developmental Approach
Authors: Cole Pamela M. , Ram Nilam , English Mary Samantha
Published: December 2018

The ability to self‐regulate is key to healthy, competent functioning. The breadth of evidence supporting the importance of self‐regulation is matched by such a diversity of terms, concepts, measures, and levels of analysis that the National Institutes of Health called for progress toward a unifying model. In this article, we review a lineage of conceptual models and suggest a path toward a more unifying model of self‐regulation that encompasses both the dynamics of moment‐to‐moment changes and age‐related change. Drawing from these models, we define self‐regulation as the influence of the recruitment of executive processes (EP) on prepotent responses (PR). We define these terms, locating self‐regulation in the dynamic relations between PR and EP, and offer a theoretical–mathematical approach to testing this model.
Impact of a zoledronate coating on early post‐surgical implant stability and marginal bone resorption in the maxilla—A split‐mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abtahi Jahan , Henefalk Gustav , Aspenberg Per
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of a bisphosphonate coating on a titanium implant on the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and the radiographic marginal bone levels at implants during early healing (2–8 weeks).

Materials and methods

In a randomized double‐blind trial with internal controls, 16 patients received a dental implant coated with zoledronate and one uncoated implant as a control. The coated and uncoated implants which were visually indistinguishable were bone level titanium implants with a moderately rough surface and a microthreaded neck. ISQ values were obtained at insertion and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Radiographs were obtained at insertion and at 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in ISQ values between the coated implants and the control implants at 4 and 6 weeks, corrected for insertion values. The secondary outcome was loss of marginal bone level from insertion to 8 weeks.

Results

Implant stability quotient values remained largely constant over the 8 weeks, and there was no significant difference between coated and uncoated implants at any time point. There was 0.12 (SD 0.10) mm marginal bone loss at the control implants and 0.04 (SD 0.08) mm at the coated implants. The difference was 0.17 mm; SD 0.14; p < 0.006). On blind qualitative scoring, 13 of the 15 control implants and two of 15 coated implants showed small marginal bone defects (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant differences observed in ISQ values between the coated and uncoated implants during the early healing. There was less marginal bone loss at the coated implants.
Drain fluid amylase as a sensitive biomarker for the early detection of anastomotic leakage in ileal pouch surgery
Authors: Clark D. A. , Cuda T. , Riddell A. , Radford‐Smith G. , Solomon M.
Published: December 2018

Aim

We studied the levels of amylase in drain fluid to investigate its utility as a biomarker of anastomotic leak in ileal pouch patients who did not have a covering loop ileostomy. The luminal contents of the small intestine are high in amylase. Ileal J pouches are formed for restoration of continuity in patients with ulcerative colitis after removal of the colon and rectum. A drain is placed alongside the ileal pouch in the pelvis.

Method

This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected daily drain fluid amylase levels in consecutive patients undergoing restorative proctectomy and ileal J pouch anal anastomosis, without a covering loop ileostomy, between November 2016 and April 2018.

Results

Thirteen patients underwent surgery without a covering loop ileostomy. Two patients suffered an anastomotic leak and were returned to theatre, one on day 5 and the other on day 6 postoperatively. The mean daily drain fluid amylase level in those who did not leak was between 25 and 46 U/l with a range of 22–139 U/l for all samples collected. In the two patients who suffered a clinical leak the drain fluid amylase level rose to 22 432 and 10 212 U/l on the day of clinical leak diagnosis. The mean rectal tube (intraluminal) amylase level was 63 097 U/l as measured on day 1 postoperatively.

Conclusion

In this small cohort of patients, the measurement of drain fluid amylase is a highly sensitive biomarker of clinical anastomotic leak.
Parental drinking in Australia: Does the age of children in the home matter?
Authors: Bowden Jacqueline A. , Delfabbro Paul , Room Robin , Miller Caroline , Wilson Carlene
Published: December 2018

Introduction and Aims

Parental role modelling of alcohol use is known to influence alcohol consumption in adolescence and in later life. This study aimed to assess relationships between parental status, child age and alcohol consumption, which have not been well documented.

Design and Methods

Data were sourced from the 2013 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Analyses were conducted for 25–55 year olds (n = 11 591) by parental status, gender and age of youngest child in the household, controlling for socio‐demographic factors.

Results

Parents were less likely than non‐parents to exceed the alcohol guideline for increased lifetime risk (18.2% vs. 24.2%) and short‐term risk: at least weekly (14.2% vs. 21.2%); and at least monthly (27.5% vs. 35.9%). Fathers were just as likely to exceed the guidelines for lifetime risk as other men, but those with children aged 0–2, were less likely to exceed the guideline for short‐term risk. Women were least likely to exceed the guideline for lifetime risk if they had children aged 0–2, 6–11 or 15 years and over, or the guideline for short‐term risk, if they had children aged 0–2, or 15 years and over in the household. Parents were more likely to report drinking in the home.

Discussion and Conclusions

Parents were less likely to exceed alcohol guidelines than non‐parents, especially mothers whose youngest child was an infant or in high school or older. Consistent with population rates in men, fathers were more likely to exceed alcohol guidelines than mothers, and this excess consumption warrants public health attention.
Number gestures predict learning of number words
Authors: Gibson Dominic J. , Gunderson Elizabeth A. , Spaepen Elizabet , Levine Susan C. , Goldin‐Meadow Susan
Published: December 2018

When asked to explain their solutions to a problem, children often gesture and, at times, these gestures convey information that is different from the information conveyed in speech. Children who produce these gesture‐speech “mismatches” on a particular task have been found to profit from instruction on that task. We have recently found that some children produce gesture‐speech mismatches when identifying numbers at the cusp of their knowledge, for example, a child incorrectly labels a set of two objects with the word “three” and simultaneously holds up two fingers. These mismatches differ from previously studied mismatches (where the information conveyed in gesture has the potential to be integrated with the information conveyed in speech) in that the gestured response contradicts the spoken response. Here, we ask whether these contradictory number mismatches predict which learners will profit from number‐word instruction. We used theGive‐a‐Numbertask to measure number knowledge in 47 children (Mage = 4.1 years,SD = 0.58), and used theWhat's on this Cardtask to assess whether children produced gesture‐speech mismatches above their knower level. Children who were early in their number learning trajectories (“one‐knowers” and “two‐knowers”) were then randomly assigned, within knower level, to one of two training conditions: a Counting condition in which children practiced counting objects; or an Enriched Number Talk condition containing counting, labeling set sizes, spatial alignment of neighboring sets, and comparison of these sets. Controlling for counting ability, we found that children were more likely to learn the meaning of new number words in the Enriched Number Talk condition than in the Counting condition, but only if they had produced gesture‐speech mismatches at pretest. The findings suggest that numerical gesture‐speech mismatches are a reliable signal that a child is ready to profit from rich number instruction and provide evidence, for the first time, that cardinal number gestures have a role to play in number‐learning.
Largest single‐centre experience of dulaglutide for management of diabetes mellitus in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Singh Priyamvada , Pesavento Todd E. , Washburn Kenneth , Walsh Debbie , Meng Shumei
Published: December 2018

Published data regarding the approach to management of diabetes mellitus in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are limited. We performed a retrospective chart review of SOT recipients with diabetes, above 18 years of age, who were usisng dulaglutide. There was a sustained, statistically significant reduction in the primary endpoints of weight, body mass index (BMI) and insulin requirement in 63 SOT recipients at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. A total of 59, 50 and 13 recipients were followed during 6, 12 and 24 months, with a mean paired difference for weight reduction of 2.07 (P value <0.003), 4.007 (P value <0.001) and 5.23 (P value <0.034) kgs and a BMI reduction of 0.80 (P value <0.001), 1.35 (P value <0.005) and 2.015 (P value <0.045) kg/m2, respectively. The mean paired difference for insulin reduction before and after dulaglutide treatment was 5.94 units (P value <0.0002). There was no increased risk of malignancy, cardiovascular morbidity, graft‐failure or all‐cause mortality. Gastrointestinal manifestations were rare, even in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), and required no change in immunosuppressive agents. Thus, dulaglutide may be considered an important option for diabetes management in SOT.