bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased risk of larynx cancer in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease from a national sample cohort
Authors: Kim So Young , Park Bumjung , Lim Hyun , Kim Miyoung , Kong Il Gyu , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The present study evaluated the associations between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and head and neck cancer using a national sample cohort of the Korean population.

Design

We designed two studies using data collected from patients aged ≥40 years in the Korean National Health Insurance Service‐National Sample Cohort from 2002 to 2013.

Main outcome Measures

Study I included participants with GERD matched 1:2 with controls and analysed the incidences of lip and oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx cancers. Study II included participants with larynx cancer matched 1:4 with controls and analysed the previous histories of GERD. Head and neck cancer was identified using medical claim codes for surgical, radiation and chemotherapeutic treatments and death records from the National Statistical Office. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were analysed using unconditional logistic regression analyses. Subgroup analyses were performed on groups stratified by age and sex.

Results

The adjusted HR for larynx cancer was 2.32 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.53‐3.52, P < 0.001) in the GERD group. However, the HRs for lip and oral cavity cancer, oropharynx cancer and hypopharynx cancer were not statistically significant (study I). The adjusted OR for GERD was 2.03 (95% CI = 1.40‐2.96, P < 0.001) in the larynx cancer group; consistent results were obtained in subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

Gastroesophageal reflux disease increases the risk of larynx cancer.
Microtargeting for conservation
Authors: Metcalf Alexander L. , Phelan Conor N. , Pallai Cassandra , Norton Michael , Yuhas Ben , Finley James C. , Muth Allyson
Published: March 2019

Widespread human action and behavior change is needed to achieve many conservation goals. Doing so at the requisite scale and pace will require the efficient delivery of outreach campaigns. Conservation gains will be greatest when efforts are directed toward places of high conservation value (or need) and tailored to critical actors. Recent strategic conservation planning has relied primarily on spatial assessments of biophysical attributes, largely ignoring the human dimensions. Elsewhere, marketers, political campaigns, and others use microtargeting—predictive analytics of big data—to identify people most likely to respond positively to particular messages or interventions. Conservationists have not yet widely capitalized on these techniques. To investigate the effectiveness of microtargeting to improve conservation, we developed a propensity model to predict restoration behavior among 203,645 private landowners in a 5,200,000 ha study area in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (U.S.A.). To isolate the additional value microtargeting may offer beyond geospatial prioritization, we analyzed a new high‐resolution land‐cover data set and cadastral data to identify private owners of riparian areas needing restoration. Subsequently, we developed and evaluated a restoration propensity model based on a database of landowners who had conducted restoration in the past and those who had not (n = 4978). Model validation in a parallel database (n = 4989) showed owners with the highest scorers for propensity to conduct restoration (i.e., top decile) were over twice as likely as average landowners to have conducted restoration (135%). These results demonstrate that microtargeting techniques can dramatically increase the efficiency and efficacy of conservation programs, above and beyond the advances offered by biophysical prioritizations alone, as well as facilitate more robust research of many social–ecological systems.
Postoperative complications following colonic resection for cancer are associated with impaired long‐term survival
Authors: Arnarson Ö. , Butt‐Tuna S. , Syk I.
Published: March 2019

Aim

Surgery for colorectal cancer is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to analyse whether postoperative complications following radical resection for colorectal cancer are associated with increased recurrence rate and impaired survival.

Method

Patients operated for colon cancer between 2007 and 2009 with curative intent were identified through the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. The cohort was divided into three subgroups: patients who developed severe postoperative complications, patients who developed non‐severe complications and patients who did not develop any complication (controls).

Results

Of 6779 patients included in the study, 640 (9%) developed severe complications, 994 (15%) non‐severe complications and 5145 (76%) had no complications. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 60.3% in the severe complication group, 64.2% in the non‐severe complication group and 72.8% in the control group (P < 0.01). The 3‐year disease‐free survival rate was 66.8%, 70.9% and 77.8% respectively (P < 0.01). The recurrence rate did not differ between the three groups. In multivariate analysis, both severe and non‐severe complications were found to be risk factors for decreased overall survival at 5 years [hazard ratio (HR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.47–1.92, and HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.27–1.60 respectively; P < 0.05) as well as for decreased 3‐year disease‐free survival (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.14–1.65, and HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.48 respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Complications after colonic resection for cancer are associated with impaired 5‐year overall survival and 3‐year disease‐free survival and exhibit more severe postoperative complications, mainly via mechanisms other than cancer recurrence.
THE IMPACT OF HIGHLY PUBLICIZED CAMPUS SCANDALS ON COLLEGE OUTCOMES
Authors: Rooney Patrick , Smith Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Recently, many high‐profile scandals have occurred on college campuses. How might scandals affect colleges' outcomes? To investigate, we construct a dataset of scandals at the top 100 U.S. universities from 2001 to 2013. We find that scandals with significant media coverage substantially reduce applications. For example, a scandal covered in a long‐form news article leads to a 10% drop in applications the following year‐roughly the same impact of dropping ten spots in prominent college rankings. This impact persists for 2 years. We find no impact on incoming student body competitiveness, yield, or alumni donations, and little effect on deterring future scandals. (JEL L82, I23, D83)
The impact of viewing conditions on observer variability for cross‐media colour reproduction
Authors: Cho Yoon Ji , Cui Guihua , Luo Ronnier , Sohn Kwanghoon
Published: March 2019

This study investigates observer metamerism in cross‐media colour reproduction (CMCR) between monitor and physical colours. An LCD display was placed inside a viewing cabinet. The cabinet had a mid‐grey interior. Observers were asked to match a colour displayed on the monitor to a printed colour patch, which was also inside the viewing cabinet in two configurations, one consisting of two samples separated by a hairline gap (Configuration 1), and the other consisting of two samples separated by a large gap (Configuration 2). Eleven observers were asked to first match the background colour and then 10 test colours for each configuration, and this was repeated five times. The observers’ variability results showed little difference between inter‐ and intra‐variability, and between the two configurations. Comparing the observers’ results with the CIE 1964 standard colorimetric observer, Configuration 1 and Configuration 2 each showed similar agreement. In both configurations, the results of observer variability were smaller than those obtained by Oicherman et al. in 2008. In addition, each configuration's results showed better agreement with the CIE standard colorimetric observer than Oicherman et al.'s results. This implies that both configurations, one with two samples having a hairline gap and with two samples separated by a large gap in a viewing cabinet, could be recommended for future CMCR systems. However, if choosing between the two, then Configuration 2 is recommended rather than Configuration 1.
RETRACTED: miR‐664a‐3p functions as an oncogene by targeting Hippo pathway in the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Bowen , Zhang Lu , Li Qing , He Zhongyuan , Zhang Xuan , Huang Xiaoxu , Xu Zhipeng , Xia Yiwen , Zhang Qiang , Li Qiang , Xu Jianghao , Sun Guangli , Xu Zekuan
Published: March 2019

Objectives

It has been accounted that miR‐664a‐3p has different functions in several malignancies; however, the precise role and underlying mechanism in gastric cancer have not been elucidated. Our study aims to explore the function of miR‐664a‐3p on the progression of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

qRT‐PCR was applied to detect the expression of miR‐664a‐3p in GC tissues and cells. The functions of miR‐664a‐3p on GC in vitro were examined by cell proliferation assay, and transwell assay. Related proteins of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and signal pathway were evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. The bioinformatic, dual‐luciferase assay or ChIP assay were employed to identify the interaction between miR‐664a‐3p and its target gene or Foxp3. The effects in vivo were investigated through a mouse tumorigenicity model.

Results

miR‐664a‐3p was frequently upregulated in GC tissues and cells. Elevated expression of miR‐664a‐3p significantly promoted proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. MOB1A was confirmed to be a target of miR‐664a‐3p and restoration of MOB1A attenuated the effects of miR‐664a‐3p. A series of investigations indicated that miR‐664a‐3p contributed to EMT process and inactivated the Hippo pathway by downregulating MOB1A.

Conclusion

Taken together, we revealed that miR‐664a‐3p functions as an oncogene by targeting Hippo pathway in the development of gastric cancer.
Advocating Workers' Collective Rights: The Prospects and Constraints Facing ‘Collective Bargaining’ NGOs in the Pearl River Delta, 2011–2015
Authors: Zhou Mujun , Yan Guowei
Published: March 2019

Labour struggles are frequent in China, but because workers’ organizational resources are controlled by the state, these struggles have been fragmented. Targeting this problem, a group of internationally connected labour NGOs emerged in the Pearl River Delta between 2011 and 2015. These organizations sought to advocate workers’ collective rights by helping workers organize outside the state system. Adopting a relational approach to the study of civil society, this article examines the impact of these NGOs. Based on ethnographic research and a unique data set, it argues that although the organizational skills shared by these NGOs could to some extent sustain workers’ collective actions, they could not be used to integrate the fragmented struggles. Due to the lack of institutional guarantees, activists’ interventions can generate more mistrust than solidarity. The preference of the key donor for a more confrontational and independent labour movement further widened the gap between NGOs and workers, and distracted the NGOs from channels that had the potential to influence policy. The study contributes to an understanding of social movements and NGO intervention by emphasizing the necessity of locating advocacy channels within the state, and the importance of recognizing and maintaining the complex ecology of civil society.
Ageing and epigenetics: linking neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Starr John M
Published: March 2019

Epigenetics has classically been recognized as crucial to neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders. More recently its role in ageing processes, including neurodegenerative disorders has emerged, although far more research is required in this area, particularly in humans. Epigenetic processes that regulate gene expression comprise strata of DNA modification (e.g. methylation), histone modification (e.g. histone acetylation), and mRNA translation (e.g. by microRNAs). These strata are progressively more fluid whereby changes in DNA methylation may persist for many years whilst expression of microRNAs fluctuates over short periods. There is considerable ‘cross‐talk’ between these epigenetic strata. Epigenetic mechanisms are open to parental imprinting and thus they are candidates for linking diseases, not just over the life course, but also intergenerationally. There is a genetic overlap between intellectual disability and cognitive ageing. Epigenetic pathways may strengthen the links between neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

What this paper adds

DNA methylation has relevance to both neurological development and neurodegeneration.

Links between epigenetics, genotype and phenotype are emerging.
Influence of O2 and CO2on fungal development and hydrophobin expression during the interaction between Heterobasidion parviporum and Phlebiopsis gigantea
Authors: Kern Linda , Linkies Ada
Published: March 2019

Heterobasidion annosum is a very destructive fungal pathogen causing massive losses on forest trees in the northern hemisphere. Tree infection usually takes place through the cut surface after felling. Phlebiopsis gigantea is commonly used as a biological control agent, applied directly after cutting on the stump surface. We investigated the interaction between both fungi in different gas compositions with lowered O2 (0.1% and 0.4%) and enhanced CO2 (15%) concentrations, imitating conditions as present on the wood surface and inside living wood tissue. When grown under 0.1% O2 and 15% CO2, fungal development of both species was altered, growth rate of P. giganteawas decreased and of H. parviporum slightly increased. Low O2 and high CO2 induced the formation of highly hydrophilic tissue with impaired conidia formation and germination capacity. In H. parviporum,this effect was more striking after 7 dpi with 45% reduced vitality, in P. gigantea after 14 dpi with 89% vitality reduction. These observations suggest that entering the tree through the cut surface is accompanied by altering fungal tissue to be more hydrophilic with a concurrent reduction of conidia formation and germination. Expression of the hydrophobin genes HAH1 and HAH2 of H. parviporum at ambient air decreased significantly in response to fungal interaction with P. gigantea. Gene expression was also influenced by O2 and CO2 content. Reduction of O2to 0.4% led to significantly decreased transcription rate of both HAH1 and HAH2 in single and dual cultures.
Inducible and reversible silencing of the Pvalb gene in mice: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Filice Federica , Blum Walter , Lauber Emanuel , Schwaller Beat
Published: March 2019

Inducible and reversible regulation of gene expression is a powerful approach for unraveling gene functions. Here, we describe the generation of a system to efficiently downregulate in a reversible and inducible manner the Pvalb gene coding for the calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin (PV) in mice. We made use of an IPTG‐inducible short hairpin RNA to activate Pvalb transcript knockdown and subsequently downregulate PV. The downregulation was rapidly reversed after withdrawal of IPTG. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed a decrease in PV expression of ≥50% in the presence of IPTG and full reversibility after IPTG removal. We foresee that the tightly regulated and reversible PV downregulation in mice in vivo will provide a new tool for the control of Pvalb transcript expression in a temporal manner. Because PV protein and PVALB transcript levels were found to be lower in the brain of patients with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, the novel transgenic mouse line might serve as a model to investigate the putative role of PV in these neurodevelopmental disorders.
Interspecific conflict and the evolution of ineffective rhizobia
Authors: Gano‐Cohen Kelsey A. , Wendlandt Camille E. , Stokes Peter J. , Blanton Mia A. , Quides Kenjiro W. , Zomorrodian Avissa , Adinata Eunice S. , Sachs Joel L.
Published: March 2019

Microbial symbionts exhibit broad genotypic variation in their fitness effects on hosts, leaving hosts vulnerable to costly partnerships. Interspecific conflict and partner‐maladaptation are frameworks to explain this variation, with different implications for mutualism stability. We investigated the mutualist service of nitrogen fixation in a metapopulation of root‐nodule forming Bradyrhizobium symbionts in Acmispon hosts. We uncovered Bradyrhizobium genotypes that provide negligible mutualist services to hosts and had superior in planta fitness during clonal infections, consistent with cheater strains that destabilise mutualisms. Interspecific conflict was also confirmed at the metapopulation level – by a significant negative association between the fitness benefits provided by Bradyrhizobium genotypes and their local genotype frequencies – indicating that selection favours cheating rhizobia. Legumes have mechanisms to defend against rhizobia that fail to fix sufficient nitrogen, but these data support predictions that rhizobia can subvert plant defenses and evolve to exploit hosts.
Automatically detecting and tracking free‐ranging Japanese macaques in video recordings with deep learning and particle filters
Authors: Ueno Masataka , Hayashi Hidetaka , Kabata Ryosuke , Terada Kazunori , Yamada Kazunori
Published: March 2019

Recently, automated observation systems for animals using artificial intelligence have been proposed. In the wild, animals are difficult to detect and track automatically because of lamination and occlusions. Our study proposes a new approach to automatically detect and track wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) using deep learning and a particle filter algorithm. Macaque likelihood is derived through deep learning and used as an observation model in a particle filter to predict the macaques’ position and size in an image. By using deep learning as an observation model, it is possible to simplify the observation model and improve the accuracy of the classifier. We investigated whether the algorithm could find body regions of macaques in video recordings of free‐ranging groups at Katsuyama, Japan to evaluate our model. Experimental results showed that our method with deep learning as an observation model had higher tracking accuracy than a method that uses a support vector machine. More generally, our study will help researchers to develop automatic observation systems for animals in the wild.
Genome‐wide signatures of environmental adaptation in European aspen (Populus tremula) under current and future climate conditions
Authors: Ingvarsson Pär K. , Bernhardsson Carolina
Published: March 2019

Future climate change has been predicted to disrupt local adaptation in many perennial plants, such as forest trees, but the magnitude and location of these effects are thus far poorly understood. Here, we assess local adaptation to current climate in European aspen (Populus tremula) by using environmental association analyses to identify genetic variants associated with two representative climate variables describing current day variation in temperature and precipitation. We also analysed patterns of genetic differentiation between southern and northern populations and observe that regions of high genetic differentiation are enriched for SNPs that are significantly associated with climate. Using variants associated with climate, we examined patterns of isolation by distance and environment and used spatial modelling to predict the geographic distribution of genomic variation in response to two scenarios of future climate change. We show that climate conditions at a northern reference site will correspond to climate conditions experienced by current day populations located 4–8 latitude degrees further south. By assessing the relationship between phenotypic traits and vegetative fitness, we also demonstrate that southern populations harbour genetic variation that likely would be adaptive further north under both climate change scenarios. Current day populations at the lagging edge of the distribution in Sweden can therefore serve as sources for introducing adaptive alleles onto northern populations, but the likelihood of this largely depends on naturally occurring levels of gene flow.
Equine ulcerative keratitis with furrow: A review of the outcomes of 72 cases from 1987 to 2015
Authors: Berkowski W. M. , Craft W. F. , Whitley R. D. , Brooks D. E. , Plummer C. E.
Published: March 2019

Background

Ulcerative keratitis with peripheral furrow formation is a poorly‐described condition which has been associated with a grave prognosis due to rapid necrosis of the cornea.

Objective

To describe the infectious aetiologies associated with furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis, its overall clinical course and the efficacy of medical and surgical intervention in horses.

Study design

Retrospective clinical case series.

Methods

Medical records of 72 horses which presented with furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis at the University of Florida between 1987 and 2015 were reviewed.

Results

Seventy‐two horses (72 eyes) with furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis were treated at the University of Florida between 1987 and 2015. Of these, a definitive aetiologic diagnosis was available for 37 eyes. Ten of 37 eyes (27%) were diagnosed with fungal keratitis based on cytology of corneal scraping, culture, histopathology and/or fungalPCR. Fourteen of 37 eyes (38%) were diagnosed with a mixed fungal and bacterial keratitis. Thirteen of 37 eyes (35%) were diagnosed with bacterial keratitis. Overall, 26 of 72 total eyes were treated with medical therapy alone (36%). Forty‐six of 72 eyes were treated medically and surgically (64%). Of the 26 eyes which received medical therapy, 20 healed with a positive visual outcome (77%) and 6 eyes were non‐visual (23%). Of the 46 eyes which received surgical intervention, 40 healed with a positive visual outcome (87%), while six eyes were non‐visual (13%). Altogether, 60 of 72 eyes healed with a positive visual outcome following medical or surgical treatment of furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis (83%). Twelve of 72 eyes failed treatment (17%), with six eyes requiring enucleation and six globes becoming phthisical after treatment.

Main limitations

Inconsistencies in available medical record data due to the large span of time (1987–2015) are inherent in this retrospective study, along with gradual evolution of corneal surgical techniques and medical therapies over the decades.

Conclusions

Furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis was associated with a positive visual outcome in 83% of horses treated at the University of Florida between the years 1987 and 2015. Furrow formation may be associated with either fungal or bacterial infection.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of quadriceps on the quadriceps strength and functional performance in nursing home residents: A comparison of short and long stimulation periods
Authors: Acaröz Candan Sevim , Akoğlu Abdullah Sinan , Büğüşan Sema , Yüksel Fuat
Published: March 2019

Aim

To determine the effect of two neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) periods on quadriceps strength (QS) and functional performance in nursing home residents.

Methods

A total of 53 older adults living in a nursing home were randomized into two groups: NMES with a short stimulation period and NMES with a long stimulation period. The quadriceps muscles were bilaterally stimulated three times a week for 6 weeks in both groups. Strength was measured with a digital handheld dynamometer and 30‐s chair stand test. Functional performance was evaluated with the Berg balance scale, Timed Up and Go test and 6‐min walking test.

Results

Analysis was carried out on 44 older adults, who completed the study protocol. The isometric QS did not change within groups or between groups. Interestingly, the 30‐s chair stand test score increased for both groups, but the improvements were similar among groups. The Berg balance scale score, Timed Up and Go test time and 6‐min walking test distance also improved in both groups. However, no difference in any of the functional outcome measures was observed between groups.

Conclusions

The present findings showed that both NMES protocols might be an alternative to achieve an improvement in functional strength of the lower extremities and functional performance in nursing home residents, whereas neither of the two protocols seems effective for improving isometric QS. Both methods might contribute to maintaining isometric QS during the aging process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 409–413.
Reliability and acceptability of using a social robot to carry out cognitive tests for community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Takaeda Kana , Kamimura Tomoko , Inoue Takenobu , Nishiura Yuko
Published: March 2019

Aim

To improve access to cognitive testing for older adults, the reliability and acceptability of a speech‐based cognitive test administered by a social robot were investigated.

Methods

The Japanese version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status was administered by a social robot to participants recruited from retirement homes and adult daycare facilities. The robot's dialogue and gestures were preprogrammed, while the researcher controlled the timing of proceeding to the next question and scored participants’ responses. We examined the internal consistency, alternate form reliability (experiment 1) and test–retest reliability (experiment 2) of the cognitive test. The acceptability of the cognitive test was also examined using a questionnaire in experiment 2.

Results

A total of 66 individuals (mean age 81.2 ± 5.8 years) participated in experiment 1; the internal consistency (Cronbach's α) of the test was 0.691 and its alternate form reliability (measured by interclass correlation coefficient) was 0.728. A total of 40 of these individuals (mean age 82.0 ± 5.4 years) also participated in experiment 2, and the test–retest reliability was 0.818. According to the questionnaire responses, over half of the participants wanted (or very much wanted) to use the robot version of the test to measure the deterioration of their cognitive function.

Conclusions

A robot‐administered cognitive test might have satisfactory reliability and acceptability to community‐dwelling older adults if those aspects of the test implemented by the researcher can also be successfully automated. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 552–556.
Transparency and mistrust: Who or what should be made transparent?
Authors: Roelofs Portia
Published: March 2019

It is increasingly recognized in public administration that the relationship between trust and transparency is not straightforward. Recently, right‐wing populists have risen to power, rejecting transparency requirements based on documents while claiming that they “hide nothing.” Clearly, existing scholarly conceptualizations are insufficient for understanding how transparency operates as a value in real‐world political contestation. An analysis of state‐ and national‐level politics in Nigeria reveals that, while always retaining a core informational component, there are multiple competing conceptions of transparency. Popular demands for transparency express a belief that not only should data be made transparent, but also the social networks in which politicians are embedded. “Transparency in people” can clash with more traditional, technocratic transparency practices centered on data. By rethinking who or what should be made transparent—data, things, or people—this article offers fresh theoretical insights on the complex politics of transparency and trust.
Are public organizations suffering from repetitive change injury? A panel study of the damaging effect of intense reform sequences
Authors: Wynen Jan , Verhoest Koen , Kleizen Bjorn
Published: March 2019

In the last decade, reforms in the public sector have been implemented at an ever‐increasing pace. Hereby, organizations are repetitively subject to mergers, splits, absorptions, or secessions of units; the adoption of new tasks; changes in legal status; and other structural reforms. Although evidence is largely missing in the literature, there is a growing belief that such intense reform sequences may be damaging to organizations. This article aims to fill this gap in the literature by empirically examining the existence of such repetitive change injury for public organizations. To do so, we employ organizational absenteeism rates as an indicator for repetitive change injury and link this to the reform sequences an organization experienced. Results indicate that intense reform sequences disproportionally increase organizational absenteeism rates, supporting the existence of repetitive change injury and suggesting that reforms remain rooted in organizational memories for a longer time than is often assumed.
Liver fibrosis markers as assessed by ultrasound elastography and serum samples: A large comparative study in hepatitis virus B and C liver diseases
Authors: Nishimura Takashi , Iijima Hiroko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Kondo Reiichiro , Yano Hirohisa , Kage Masayoshi , Aoki Tomoko , Nakano Chikage , Yuri Yukihisa , Ishii Noriko , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Takata Ryo , Yoh Kazunori , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Takashima Tomoyuki , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Ikeda Naoto , Iwata Yoshinori , Enomoto Hirayuki , Hirota Seiichi , Fujimoto Jiro , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: March 2019

Aim

We aimed to compare the well‐established liver fibrosis (LF) markers in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n = 331) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC, n = 886) and to discuss possible causes of differences in results between CHB patients and CHC patients.

Methods

Virtual touch quantification (VTQ) in acoustic radiation force impulse, Fibrosis‐4 (Fib‐4) index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and hyaluronic acid (HA) were compared between the two cohorts. As an additional investigation, total collagen proportional area (TCPA, %) was tested using liver pathological samples (n = 83).

Results

Significant LF (F2 or greater) and advanced LF (F3 or greater) were identified in 153 (46.2%) and 76 (23.0%) patients in the CHB cohort and 579 (65.3%) and 396 (44.7%) patients in the CHC cohort. The median VTQ, Fib‐4 index, APRI, and HA values in the CHB cohort were 1.20 m/s, 1.36, 0.44, and 25 ng/mL; those in the CHC cohort were 1.32 m/s, 2.60, 0.74, and 65.5 ng/mL (P‐values, all <0.0001). Similar tendencies were noted by F stage‐based stratification. The median TCPA in the CHB cohort and the CHC cohort were 8.5% and 12.7% (P < 0.0006). The TCPA values in the CHC cohort were higher than those in the CHB cohort regardless of LF stage.

Conclusion

Values of LF markers in CHB patients can differ from those in CHC patients even in the same LF stage. Difference in total amount of collagen fiber in CHB and CHC appears to be linked to the difference.
Rapid‐sintered dental zirconia for chair‐side one‐visit application
Authors: Li Ling , Zhao Chenyang , Du Zhaofu , Qiu Yuexiu , Si Wenjie
Published: March 2019

To satisfy the requirement of dental chair‐side clinical technique, zirconia ceramics is required to be sintered in 1 hour; the effect of rapid‐speed sintering dwell time on dental zirconia was investigated. The relative density was measured through Archimedes method; Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometer were employed to characterize the microstructures; Universal mechanical test machine and Vickers indenter were used to evaluate the mechanical properties; Spectrophotometer was utilized to analyze the optical transmittance, and optical microscope was used to estimate the marginal adaptation of zirconia crown with abutment. Previous results indicated that rapid‐speed sintering and dwelling at 1580°C for 20 minutes could help dental zirconia achieve adaptable clinical performances with bending strength of around 1151 MPa, hardness of 13.3 GPa, and fracture toughness of 5.92 MPa•m1/2, as well as adaptable optical transmittance and marginal adaptation.
“Migrant Capital” and Domestic Work: Labour Trajectories of Immigrant Women in Spain
Authors: del Rey Alberto , Rivera‐Navarro Jesús , Paniagua de la Iglesia Tania
Published: March 2019

This article analyses the labour trajectory of migrant women in domestic service. The research considers women's working conditions upon arrival, or their “migrant capital” (i.e. their human, social and economic capital) as the defining factors in their labour trajectories. The study, conducted on a sample of migrant women in domestic service, reveals the different value each type of capital has at each stage of a labour trajectory. The social network is the core capital in their first job. Nevertheless, the key factors in labour mobility are human capital and a household's financial needs. The processes of administrative regularization and family reunification prompt far‐reaching changes in these women's labour trajectories. Finally, labour trajectories during the economic crisis have been shaped by financial needs, leading to a decapitalization of the human capital acquired, with even legal status surrendering its value.
Utilisation of systemic therapy options in routine treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in Australia
Authors: Delahunty Rachel , Lee Margaret , Wong Hui‐Li , Johns Julie , Mckendrick Joseph , Lee Belinda , Kosmider Suzanne , Cooray Prasad , Ananda Sumitra , Desai Jayesh , Tran Ben , Tie Jeanne , Gibbs Peter , Wong Rachel
Published: March 2019

Background

In the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), exposure to all three active cytotoxic agents, 5‐fluorouracil/capecitabine, irinotecan and oxaliplatin, improves overall survival. The addition of biologic agents (bevacizumab and cetuximab/panitumumab) further improves survival. The uptake of available systemic agents for mCRC in routine practice in Australia is poorly described.

Methods

The ACCORD database was interrogated to determine demographics, treatments and outcomes for patients diagnosed with mCRC between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2016 at six Melbourne centres.

Results

About 1130 mCRC patients were identified: median age was 69 years (range 26–105); 61% had synchronous disease. KRAS status was known in 62%, of whom 49% were KRAS wild‐type. At the time of analysis, 67% of all patients had commenced systemic treatment, 50% had received two or more lines of therapy and 19% of KRAS wild‐type patients had received all five active drugs. Of KRAS‐mutated patients, 35% had received all four Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme–reimbursed active drugs. Patients who had not received chemotherapy included 72 patients who underwent metastasectomy alone. At a median follow up of 34 months, median overall survival was 25 months for all patients and 69 months for those who underwent metastasectomy.

Conclusion

In this community‐based cohort, 33% of patients had not received any systemic therapy for mCRC, and few patients had received all available active systemic agents. As many patients remain alive, these figures will likely increase over time. The overall survival of patients with mCRC in this community‐based cohort was 25 months and not dissimilar to that achieved in recent clinical trials.
Staff experiences and understandings of the REsTRAIN Yourself initiative to minimize the use of physical restraint on mental health wards
Authors: Duxbury Joy , Thomson Gill , Scholes Amy , Jones Fiona , Baker John , Downe Soo , Greenwood Paul , Price Owen , Whittington Richard , McKeown Mick
Published: March 2019

International efforts to minimize coercive practices include the US Six Core Strategies© (6CS). This innovative approach has limited evidence of its effectiveness, with few robustly designed studies, and has not been formally implemented or evaluated in the UK. An adapted version of the 6CS, which we called ‘REsTRAIN Yourself’ (RY), was devised to suit the UK context and evaluated using mixed methods. RY aimed to reduce the use of physical restraint in mental health inpatient ward settings through training and practice development with whole teams, directly in the ward settings where change was to be implemented and barriers to change overcome. In this paper, we present qualitative findings that report on staff perspectives of the impact and value of RY following its implementation. Thirty‐six staff participated in semi‐structured interviews with data subject to thematic analysis. Eight themes are reported that highlight perceived improvements in every domain of the 6CS after RY had been introduced. Staff reported more positively on their relationships with service users and felt their attitudes towards the use of coercive practices such as restraint were changed; the service as a whole shifted in terms of restraint awareness and reduction; and new policies, procedures, and language were introduced despite certain barriers. These findings need to be appreciated in a context wherein substantial reductions in the use of physical restraint were proven possible, largely due to building upon empathic and relational alternatives. However, yet more could be achieved with greater resourcing of inpatient care.
Predicting Stock Market Movements in the United States: The Role of Presidential Approval Ratings*
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Kanda Patrick , Wohar Mark E.
Published: March 2019

In this paper we analyze whether presidential approval ratings can predict the S&P 500 returns over the monthly period of July 1941 to April 2018, using a dynamic conditional correlation multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (DCC‐MGARCH) model. Our results show that standard linear Granger causality test fail to detect any evidence of predictability. However, the linear model is found to be misspecified due to structural breaks and nonlinearity, and hence, the result of no causality from presidential approval ratings to stock returns cannot be considered reliable. When we use the DCC‐MGARCH model, which is robust to such misspecifications, in 69% of the sample period, approval ratings in fact do strongly predict the S&P 500 stock return. Moreover, using the DCC‐MGARCH model we find that presidential approval rating is also a strong predictor of the realized volatility of S&P 500. Overall, our results highlight that presidential approval ratings is helpful in predicting stock return and volatility, when one accounts for nonlinearity and regime changes through a robust time‐varying model.
Noninvasive ventilation in critically ill patients with the Middle East respiratory syndrome
Authors: Alraddadi Basem M. , Qushmaq Ismael , Al‐Hameed Fahad M. , Mandourah Yasser , Almekhlafi Ghaleb A. , Jose Jesna , Al‐Omari Awad , Kharaba Ayman , Almotairi Abdullah , Al Khatib Kasim , Shalhoub Sarah , Abdulmomen Ahmed , Mady Ahmed , Solaiman Othman , Al‐Aithan Abdulsalam M. , Al‐Raddadi Rajaa , Ragab Ahmed , Balkhy Hanan H. , Al Harthy Abdulrahman , Sadat Musharaf , Tlayjeh Haytham , Merson Laura , Hayden Frederick G. , Fowler Robert A. , Arabi Yaseen M. ,   The Saudi Critical Care Trials Group
Published: March 2019

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been used in patients with the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, but the effectiveness of this approach has not been studied.

Methods

Patients with MERS from 14 Saudi Arabian centers were included in this analysis. Patients who were initially managed with NIV were compared to patients who were managed only with invasive mechanical ventilation (invasive MV).

Results

Of 302 MERS critically ill patients, NIV was used initially in 105 (35%) patients, whereas 197 (65%) patients were only managed with invasive MV. Patients who were managed with NIV initially had lower baseline SOFA score and less extensive infiltrates on chest radiograph compared with patients managed with invasive MV. The vast majority (92.4%) of patients who were managed initially with NIV required intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation, and were more likely to require inhaled nitric oxide compared to those who were managed initially with invasive MV. ICU and hospital length of stay were similar between NIV patients and invasive MV patients. The use of NIV was not independently associated with 90‐day mortality (propensity score‐adjusted odds ratio 0.61, 95% CI [0.23, 1.60] P = 0.27).

Conclusions

In patients with MERS and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, NIV failure was very high. The use of NIV was not associated with improved outcomes.
Avian influenza A (H9N2) virus infections among poultry workers, swine workers, and the general population in Beijing, China, 2013‐2016: A serological cohort study
Authors: Ma Chunna , Cui Shujuan , Sun Ying , Zhao Jiachen , Zhang Daitao , Zhang Li , Zhang Yi , Pan Yang , Wu Shuangsheng , Duan Wei , Zhang Man , Yang Peng , Wang Quanyi
Published: March 2019

Background

Few studies have reported on the seroprevalence of antibodies against avian influenza A (H9N2) virus and the incidence of these infections in the northern China and among swine workers.

Methods

We conducted a serological cohort study among people working with poultry or swine or the general population in Beijing, China. It comprised four cross‐sectional serological surveys in November 2013, April 2014, April 2015, and April 2016. Blood samples collected from the participants were tested for anti‐H9N2 antibodies using a hemagglutination‐inhibition (HI) assay. Multivariable Poisson regression model was then used to compare the person‐month incidence rates for H9N2 viral infections among the three groups, assessed by incidence rate ratio (IRR).

Results

In the four cross‐sectional surveys, the highest seroprevalence of anti‐H9N2 antibodies (HI titer ≥ 80) was recorded in the poultry workers (2.77%, 19/685) in April 2016, while the lowest was recorded in the general population (0.09%, 1/1135) in April 2015. The highest incidence density rate for H9N2 infections across the whole study period was recorded among the poultry workers (3.75/1000 person‐months), followed by the swine workers (1.94/1000 person‐months) and the general population (1.78/1000 person‐months). Multivariable analysis showed that the poultry workers were at higher risk (IRR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.07‐5.48; P = 0.034) of contracting H9N2 virus than the general population.

Conclusions

Although the seroprevalence of H9N2 antibodies was low in Beijing, the poultry workers were at higher risk of contracting H9N2 viral infections than the general population. Closer monitoring and strengthened protection measures for poultry workers are warranted.
Estrogenic effects on temporomandibular disorder and pain
Authors: Stinson Crystal , Bellinger Larry L. , Puri Jyoti , Ahuja Neelam , Bender Steven D. , Kramer Phillip R.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

It has become more apparent that studies focusing on the effect of sex steroids on orofacial pain in humans and animals require careful attention to the methods of hormone replacement. As a result, the purpose of this review is to highlight differences in estrogen concentration and its effects on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and behavior.

Methods

This literature review searched keywords TMJ, orofacial, pain, nociception sex steroids, estrous cycle, menstrual cycle estradiol, and progesterone.

Results

In the case of estrogen, the change in concentration was a consideration, as a rise in estrogen can lead to protective effects and a decrease in estrogen appears to exacerbate the pain response. The dosage and timing was important when administering sex steroids as many orofacial pain studies conducted on animals have used large pharmacologic dosages and/or have given the hormone in a nonphysiologic way that does not mimic natural secretion patterns.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that when performing studies or experiments these factors can result in alteration of the pain or behavioral response, as well as, joint structure and inflammatory response. Therefore, these factors must be considered when designing experiments focused on determining the mechanisms of action for sex steroids.
In situ Y2Si2O7 coatings on Hi‐Nicalon‐S SiC fibers: Phase formation and fiber strength
Authors: Boakye Emmanuel E. , Mogilevsky Pavel , Key Thomas S. , Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Keller Kristin A. , Opeka Samuel J. , Hay Randall S. , Cinibulk Michael K. , Corns Randall
Published: March 2019

Y2Si2O7 coatings were formed on Hi‐Nicalon‐S SiC fibers by reaction of solution‐derived YPO4 coatings with glass SiO2 scales formed by fiber oxidation. Two oxidation methods were used: pre‐oxidation, where fibers were oxidized prior to YPO4 coating, or post‐oxidation, where fibers were first coated with YPO4 and then oxidized. Fibers with YPO4/SiO2 films were heat‐treated in argon at 1200°C for 20 hours to react YPO4 and SiO2 to Y2Si2O7. The effects of SiO2 to YPO4 film thicknesses on fiber strength and on the Y2Si2O7formation kinetics were investigated. An optimized process to obtain single‐phase continuous Y2Si2O7 coatings on Hi‐Nicalon‐S fibers with low loss in fiber strength is suggested.
A novel chalcohalide fiber with high nonlinearity and low material zero‐dispersion via extrusion
Authors: Zhao Zheming , Chen Peng , Wang Xunsi , Xue Zugang , Tian Youmei , Jiao Kai , Wang Xian‐ge , Peng Xuefeng , Zhang Peiqing , Shen Xiang , Dai Shixun , Nie Qiuhua , Wang Rongping
Published: March 2019

High nonlinear fibers with low zero‐dispersion wavelength (ZDW), high laser power tolerance and large band‐gap are urgent for all‐optical‐band supercontinuum (SC) generations. Widely used chalcogenide fibers usually have a large ZDW and low laser power tolerance, and thus are not ideal for such purpose. Here, an ultra‐low material ZDW chalcohalide (ChH) glass fiber with high nonlinearity as well as high laser power tolerance has been fabricated successfully via a novel peeling‐off‐extrusion method. The step‐index fiber has double‐cladding structure, the inner cladding is GeGaSe‐CsI glass and the outer one is GeSbS jacket. The core glass has an ultra‐low material ZDW of 3.5 μm and large absorption edge of 2.0 eV. The nonlinear refractive index is 6.67 × 10−18 m2/W @1.55 μm. Broadband SC generation covering 1.05‐13.0 μm is demonstrated in this novel ChH fiber. Such glass fiber with high nonlinearity, wide transparent range, low ZDW and high laser damage threshold is promising for the applications in the mid‐infrared.
Experiences of peer support for newly qualified nurses in a dedicated online group: Study protocol
Authors: Webster Natalie , Jenkins Catharine , Oyebode Jan , Bentham Peter , Smythe Analisa
Published: March 2019

Aim

To explore experiences of online peer support for newly qualified nurses.

Design

Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Method

Phase one involves conducting focus groups with newly qualified nurses in the West Midlands area to refine the online peer support environment. Phase two involves 30–40 new nurses joining an online peer group for 3 months; participants will be able to access a general chat community alongside a more structured discussion board. Phase 3 will collect written interview data from all participants about their experiences of online peer support. Face‐to‐face interviews with 10–12 participants will also be undertaken. The study will run from May 2018–October 2019.

Findings

Data from focus groups, written and verbal interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo software. Findings will be disseminated to participants and key stakeholders involved in the study and also via publication and networking events.

Conclusion

If online peer support is found to be beneficial to new nurses, it may be adopted by local NHS trusts as part of an innovation scheme.

Impact

It is important that the psychological well‐being of nurses is addressed as more nurses are now leaving than joining the profession; this is an international concern. Online peer support may offer a sustainable and accessible means of promoting psychological well‐being in the nursing workforce. In such a way, contributory factors to low retention rates such as burnout, stress and job dissatisfaction may also be reduced.