bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent presentations to an adult hospital emergency department
Authors: Noori Omar , Batra Shweta , Shetty Amith , Steinbeck Katharine
Published: August 2017

Objective

Age‐related policies allow adolescents to access paediatric and adult EDs. Anecdotally, paediatric and adult EDs report challenges when caring for older and younger adolescents, respectively. Our aim was to describe the characteristics of an adolescent population attending an adult ED, co‐located with a tertiary paediatric ED.

Methods

The Westmead Hospital ED database was accessed for 14.5–17.9 years old presentations between January 2010 and December 2012. Patient diagnosis coding (SNOMED) was converted to ICD‐10. De‐identified data were transferred into Microsoft Excel with analysis performed using spss V22.

Results

There were 5718 presentations made to the Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia ED by 4450 patients, representing 3.3% (95% CI 3.2–3.4) of total visits from all patients 14.5 years and above. The mean age of the sample was 16.6 years (male 51.8%). Presentations triaged as level 4 or 5 represented 61.0% (95% CI 58.7–61.3) of visits. The proportion of patients who did not wait to receive care was 13.8% (95% CI 12.9–14.7), which was significantly higher than adult rates (P < 0.01). There were 279 unscheduled return visits (visits made <72 h of discharge) representing 4.9% (95% CI 4.4–5.8) of all presentations. Injury was the most common diagnosis (30.2%, 95% CI 28.8–31.6). Chronic physical illness and alcohol‐related visits comprised 2.1% (95% CI 1.7–2.5) and 0.8% (95% CI 0.6–1.0) of adolescent presentations, respectively.

Conclusion

Contrary to reported staff perceptions, adolescent chronic physical illness presentations were not a major burden. Alcohol was likely under‐recorded as a contributing factor to presentations.
Primary omental fibromatosis presenting as an incarcerated inguinal hernia: Case report from a single institution over 20 years
Authors: Tian Cheng , Yip Jeremy , Lo Oswens Siu‐Hung , Ng Ka‐Kin , Liu Zhong‐Hui , Law Wai‐Lun , Fan Joe King‐Man
Published: August 2017

Inguinal omental fibromatosis is a rare disease entity that could mimic incarcerated inguinal hernia clinically. In the present study, we review the incidence of inguinal omental fibromatosis at our centre. From 1 January1996 to 30 June 2016, all hernia operations performed in all the affiliated hospitals of the University of Hong Kong were reviewed retrospectively; data were retrieved from patient records. A total of 7039 hernia operations were carried out during the period, in which 564 were incarcerated or strangulated hernia operations, and two were omental fibromatosis, accounting for an incidence of 0.028 per cent of groin explorations. In the present study, we report the second case at our centre. A 26‐year‐old man was admitted with a history of reducible right groin mass from birth. The mass had become irreducible for 2 months. The patient had no symptoms of bowel obstruction. On palpation, a firm mass was found in the right groin extending to the right scrotum, and could not be reduced completely. Bilateral testes in the scrotum were palpable. Computed tomography scan of pelvic cavity showed that there was a herniated omentum in the right scrotum. The omental mass was completely resected and free‐tension repair was performed. The histopathological examination revealed that the tumour consisted of spindle‐shaped cells that were consistent with fibromatosis. Inguinal omental fibromatosis is rare and could present as incarcerated hernia clinically. Fibromatosis could be part of a syndromal disease presentation, such as Gardner syndrome. Recurrence is higher than in sporadic cases, despite radical surgery.
Birmingham vasculitis activity score of more than 9.5 at diagnosis is an independent predictor of refractory disease in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Yoo Juyoung , Kim Ho Jae , Jung Seung Min , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won
Published: August 2017

Aim

We investigated whether clinical manifestations, anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs), Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and five factor score (FFS) at diagnosis can predict relapse or refractory disease in 30 histology‐proven GPA patients with follow‐up duration ≥ 12 weeks.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 30 GPA patients. We collected clinical data, ANCAs, BVAS for GPA, FFSs at diagnosis, and we compared variables between the two groups based on relapse or refractory disease. The optimal cut‐offs were extrapolated. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox hazard model analyses were conducted to identify predictors of refractory disease.

Results

The mean age and follow‐up duration of patients were 63.3 years old and 45.2 months. The mean initial BVAS for GPA, FFS (1996) and FFS (2009) were 5.4, 0.6 and 1.0. There were no significant predictors of relapse. The mean BVAS for GPA, FFS (1996) and FFS (2009) of patients with refractory disease were higher than those without (P < 0.05 for all). Patients having BVAS for GPA ≥ 9.5, FFS (1996) ≥ 2 and FFS (2009) ≥ 2 exhibited significantly enhanced risk of refractory disease than those without (relative risk 23.0, 11.0, and 55.0, respectively), and low cumulative refractory disease‐free survival rates. Multivariate Cox hazard model analysis proved BVAS for GPA ≥ 9.5 was an independent predictor of refractory disease during the follow‐up duration (odds ratio 12.892).

Conclusion

BVAS for GPA ≥ 9.5 was an independent predictor of refractory disease during follow‐up duration ≥ 12 weeks.
Overexpression of NRF2 is correlated with prognoses of patients with malignancies: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Yangyang , Shen Luyan
Published: August 2017

Background

Previous published research has demonstrated that NRF2 expression is a poor prognostic factor for many malignancies. However, because of the small sample enrolled in a single study, it is difficult to draw valuable conclusions. Therefore, we hypothesized that NRF2 overexpression in cancer tissues may be associated with the prognoses of patients with solid malignancies, and conducted a systemic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, and Ovid databases for relevant studies regarding the role of NRF2 expression in solid malignancies was conducted. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from these studies to provide pooled estimates of the effect of NRF2 expression on patients’ overall and disease‐free survival.

Results

Nine studies met the criteria for analysis. Statistical analysis demonstrated that compared to patients with low NRF2 expression, patients with overexpression of NRF2 had poorer overall survival (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.57–2.56; P < 0.001) and disease‐free survival (HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.29–8.15; P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Published evidence of the role of NRF2 expression in survival of cancer patients is limited. This analysis supports the view that NRF2 overexpression is a poor prognostic factor for solid malignancies, thus optimizing treatment for patients with NRF2 overexpression may improve their overall survival.
Annual variation of oilseed rape habitat quality and role of grassy field margins for seed eating carabids in arable mosaics
Authors: Labruyere Sarah , Petit Sandrine , Ricci Benoit
Published: August 2017

Promoting the weed seed predation service by carabids requires an understanding of the spatio‐temporal distribution of carabid species during the cropping season.

In the present study, we analyzed the spatio‐temporal dynamics of three abundant seed‐eating carabid species in oilseed rape (OSR) and its adjacent habitat (cereal crop or grassy field margin) with four indicators: activity density, nutritional state, the use of the interface with the adjacent habitat, and the proportion of carabids leaving OSR.

The activity density and nutritional state of Poecilus cupreus decreased after harvest, comprising a period related to a decrease of resource availability and the end of life cycle. We detected a tendency of movement from OSR to the adjacent habitat after harvest for Amara similata, although this was not as strong as expected. The presence of grassy field margins influenced the spatio‐temporal dynamics of Pseudoophonus rufipes and A. similata, suggesting that spillover processes exist for these two species but not for P. cupreus.

Monitoring four complementary indicators gave a more thorough understanding of the perception of local and adjacent habitats by carabids, which is a prerequisite for the identification of landscape configurations that enhance the activity density of these natural enemies within crops.
General surgery primary operator rates: a guide to achieving future competency
Authors: Law Cameron , Hong Jonathan , Storey David , Young Christopher J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Competency in surgical training is a topic of much recent discussion, with concern regarding the adequacy of current training schemes to achieve competency. Most programmes use caseload and primary operator rates to assess trainee progression. Some trainees still lack technical competence even when recommended procedural numbers are met. It is possible that current measures of individual's capabilities used in surgical education are outdated.

Methods

Logbook data of New South Wales general surgical trainees between 2010 and 2012 was obtained through General Surgeons Australia. The top 10 most common operations recorded in trainee logbooks were identified. Individual trainee data were grouped by the surgical education and training year and primary operator versus assistant experience. The data were analysed focusing on the primary operator rate, comparing between trainee levels to identify progression.

Results

A total of 183 319 operations were recorded in New South Wales general surgery trainee logbooks. A positive association was demonstrated between trainee seniority and primary operator rates for the most common procedures, indicating trainee's continual progression in experience as they advance. However, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, oversew of gastroduodenal ulcer, open cholecystectomy and right hemicolectomy showed poor primary operator rates among trainees regardless of trainee year, despite these operations being among the 10 most common.

Conclusion

General surgical trainees accumulate operative experience with progression through the surgical education and training programme, highlighting expected technical progression and competency of trainees for common procedures. For less common or more complicated procedures, the use of entrustable professional activities and accompanying simulation training could be used to achieve the necessary technical expertise.
The methylation status and expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase is significantly high in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Haraguchi Kazuya , Yada Naomi , Sato Shinobu , Habu Manabu , Hayakawa Mana , Takahashi Osamu , Sasaguri Masaaki , Takenaka Shigeori , Yoshioka Izumi , Matsuo Kou , Tominaga Kazuhiro
Published: August 2017

Telomerase activity is present in most cancers and is tightly regulated by the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Hypermethylation in the promoter region of hTERT contributes to the regulation of hTERT expression. In this study, we investigated the methylation and expression of hTERT in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), oral leukoplakia, and normal oral mucosa. Furthermore, we investigated the significance of hTERT to the clinicopathological findings of OSCC. 35 OSCC, 50 oral leukoplakia (epithelial dysplasia n = 25, squamous cell hyperplasia n = 25), and 10 normal oral mucosa samples were investigated through methylation‐specific PCR. Immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 35 OSCC, 50 oral leukoplakia, and 4 normal oral mucosa samples. The methylation and expression of hTERT increased from normal oral mucosa to oral leukoplakia to OSCC. In OSCC, all samples were methylated. However, partial methylation (20%) or unmethylation (80%), but never complete methylation, was observed in normal oral mucosa. Additionally, hTERT expression correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis. These results suggested that the methylation and expression of hTERT is high in oral carcinogenesis and may play an important role in oral cancer. hTERT expression may also be predictive of cervical lymph node metastasis.
The expression profile and prognostic value of APE/Ref‐1 and NPM1 in high‐grade serous ovarian adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Xiaomei , Wen Lixuan , Li Yuehong , Lou Lei , Liu Weina , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2017

To analyze the expression trends and clinical significance of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1/Ref‐1) and Nucleophosmin (NPM1) proteins in high‐grade serous ovarian adenocarcinoma (HGSC). The expressions of APE1/Ref‐1 and NPM1 proteins in 94 patients with HGSC were determined using the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and their relationships with clinicopathological features were analyzed by the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. The follow‐up data, Cox proportional hazards univariate and multivariate survival analyses were integrated to evaluate the prognostic factors affecting patients with HGSC. In the normal fallopian tubes, APE1/Ref‐1 and NPM1 protein were mainly distributed in the nuclear. The HGSC experienced changes in the cellular localization of APE1/Ref‐1 and NPM1 protein expressions, which were abnormally expressed in the cytoplasm. The rates of abnormal cytoplasmic expression of APE1/Ref‐1 and NPM1 proteins in 94 patients with HGSC were 69.1% and 73.4%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the normal fallopian tube tissues (p < 0.05). The abnormal cytoplasmic APE1/Ref‐1 and NPM1 are significantly correlated with the lymph node metastasis, chemosensitivity, FIGO staging, and prognosis. The COX multivariate survival analysis showed that the abnormal expression of APE1/Ref‐1 protein, FIGO staging, and lymph node metastasis are independent prognostic factors. Collectively, the abnormal cytoplasmic APE1/Ref‐1 and NPM1 proteins are associated with the oncogenic progression and chemoresistance of HGSC, and predict a poor prognosis.
Sense and sensibility: Testing an attention‐based view of organizational responses to social issues
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Carvalho de Mesquita
Published: August 2017

According to attention‐based theories, to explain organizational attention is to explain organizational behavior. In our study, we test the model of situated attention and firm behavior by examining the effects of attention structures and allocation of attention on organizational outcomes. We hypothesize a positive relationship between attention structures and the allocation of organizational attention that, in turn, has an effect on financial performance. Using a unique data set composed of indicators of social responsibility published by 338 Brazilian organizations between 2001 and 2007, we find support for our hypotheses. Our findings suggest that organizational attention to social issues fully mediates the relationship between attention structures and financial performance.
An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Employee Ownership and Employment Stability in the US: 1999–2011
Authors: Kurtulus Fidan Ana , Kruse Douglas
Published: August 2017

Do firms with employee ownership (EO) programs exhibit greater employment stability in the face of economic downturns? In particular, are firms with EO programs less likely to lay off workers during negative shocks? In this article, we examine the relationship between EO programs and employment stability in the United States using longitudinal Form 5500‐CompuStat matched data on the universe of publicly traded companies during 1999–2011. We examine how firms with EO programs weathered the recessions of 2001 and 2008 in terms of employment stability relative to firms without EO programs, and also whether such firms were less likely to lay off workers when faced with negative shocks more broadly. In our econometric analyses, we use a rich array of measures of EO at firms, including the presence of EO stock in pension plans, the presence of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), the value of EO stock per employee, the share of the firm owned by employees, the share of workers at the firm participating in EO and the share of workers at the firm participating in ESOPs. We also consider both economy‐wide negative shock measures (increases in the unemployment rate, declines in the employment‐to‐population ratio) and firm‐specific negative shock measures (declines in firm sales, declines in firm stock price). Our results indicate that EO firms exhibit greater employment stability in the face of economy‐wide and firm‐specific negative shocks.
Cardioprotective effects of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural mediated by inhibition of L‐type Ca2+ currents
Authors: Wölkart G , Schrammel A , Koyani C N , Scherübel S , Zorn‐Pauly K , Malle E , Pelzmann B , Andrä M , Ortner A , Mayer B
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

The antioxidant 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) exerts documented beneficial effects in several experimental pathologies and is currently tested as an antisickling drug in clinical trials. In the present study, we examined the cardiovascular effects of 5‐HMF and elucidated the mode of action of the drug.

Experimental Approach

The cardiovascular effects of 5‐HMF were studied with pre‐contracted porcine coronary arteries and rat isolated normoxic‐perfused hearts. Isolated hearts subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury were used to test for potential cardioprotective effects of the drug. The effects of 5‐HMF on action potential and L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) were studied by patch‐clamping guinea pig isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Key Results

5‐HMF relaxed coronary arteries in a concentration‐dependent manner and exerted negative inotropic, lusitropic and chronotropic effects in rat isolated perfused hearts. On the other hand, 5‐HMF improved recovery of inotropic and lusitropic parameters in isolated hearts subjected to I/R. Patch clamp experiments revealed that 5‐HMF inhibits L‐type Ca2+ channels. Reduced ICa,L density, shift of ICa,L steady‐state inactivation curves toward negative membrane potentials and slower recovery of ICa,L from inactivation in response to 5‐HMF accounted for the observed cardiovascular effects.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data revealed a cardioprotective effect of 5‐HMF in I/R that is mediated by inhibition of L‐type Ca2+ channels. Thus, 5‐HMF is suggested as a beneficial additive to cardioplegic solutions, but adverse effects and contraindications of Ca2+ channel blockers have to be considered in therapeutic application of the drug.
Does Temperament Underlie Infant Novel Food Responses?: Continuity of Approach–Withdrawal From 6 to 18 Months
Authors: Moding Kameron J. , Stifter Cynthia A.
Published: August 2017

This study investigated whether temperamental approach–withdrawal underlies infants' responses to novel foods. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of mother–infant dyads (n = 136). Approach–withdrawal responses to novel foods and novel toys were coded when infants were 6 and 12 months of age. When infants were 18 months of age, approach–withdrawal behaviors, positive affect, and negative affect were used in a latent profile analysis to identify groups of toddlers who exhibited similar responses to novelty. As predicted, novel food and novel toy responses were concurrently associated at 12 months and followed a similar developmental pattern across the 1st year. Furthermore, novel food acceptance at 12 months of age, but not 6 months, predicted greater toddler approach.
Managing conflicts between economic activities and threatened migratory marine species toward creating a multiobjective blue economy
Authors: Harris Linda R. , Nel Ronel , Oosthuizen Herman , Meÿer Mike , Kotze Deon , Anders Darrell , McCue Steven , Bachoo Santosh
Published: August 2017

Harnessing the economic potential of the oceans is key to combating poverty, enhancing food security, and strengthening economies. But the concomitant risk of intensified resource extraction to migratory species is worrying given these species contribute to important ecological processes, often underpin alternative livelihoods, and are mostly already threatened. We thus sought to quantify the potential conflict between key economic activities (5 fisheries and hydrocarbon exploitation) and sea turtle migration corridors in a region with rapid economic development: southern and eastern Africa. We satellite tracked the movement of 20 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and 14 leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles during their postnesting migrations. We used movement‐based kernel density estimation to identify migration corridors for each species. We overlaid these corridors on maps of the distribution and intensity of economic activities, quantified the extent of overlap and threat posed by each activity on each species, and compared the effects of activities. These results were compared with annual bycatch rates in the respective fisheries. Both species’ 3 corridors overlapped most with longline fishing, but the effect was worse for leatherbacks: their bycatch rates of approximately 1500/year were substantial relative to the regional population size of <100 nesting females/annum. This bycatch rate is likely slowing population growth. Artisanal fisheries may be of greater concern for loggerheads than for leatherbacks, but the population appears to be withstanding the high bycatch rates because it is increasing exponentially. The hydrocarbon industry currently has a moderately low impact on both species, but mining in key areas (e.g., Southern Mozambique) may undermine >50 years of conservation, potentially affecting >80% of loggerheads, 33% of the (critically endangered) leatherbacks, and their nesting beaches. We support establishing blue economies (i.e., generating wealth from the ocean), but oceans need to be carefully zoned and responsibly managed in both space and time to achieve economic (resource extraction), ecological (conservation, maintenance of processes), and social (maintenance of alternative livelihood opportunities, alleviate poverty) objectives.
Major shifts in Amazon wildlife populations from recent intensification of floods and drought
Authors: Bodmer Richard , Mayor Pedro , Antunez Miguel , Chota Kimberlyn , Fang Tula , Puertas Pablo , Pittet Marlini , Kirkland Maire , Walkey Mike , Rios Claudia , Perez‐Peña Pedro , Henderson Peter , Bodmer William , Bicerra Andy , Zegarra Joseph , Docherty Emma
Published: August 2017

In the western Amazon Basin, recent intensification of river‐level cycles has increased flooding during the wet seasons and decreased precipitation during the dry season. Greater than normal floods occurred in 2009 and in all years from 2011 to 2015 during high‐water seasons, and a drought occurred during the 2010 low‐water season. During these years, we surveyed populations of terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic wildlife in a seasonally flooded Amazonian forest in the Loreto region of Peru (99,780 km2) to study the effects of intensification of natural climatic fluctuations on wildlife populations and in turn effects on resource use by local people. Shifts in fish and terrestrial mammal populations occurred during consecutive years of high floods and the drought of 2010. As floods intensified, terrestrial mammal populations decreased by 95%. Fish, waterfowl, and otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) abundances increased during years of intensive floods, whereas river dolphin and caiman populations had stable abundances. Arboreal species, including, macaws, game birds, primates, felids, and other arboreal mammals had stable populations and were not affected directly by high floods. The drought of 2010 had the opposite effect: fish, waterfowl, and dolphin populations decreased, and populations of terrestrial and arboreal species remained stable. Ungulates and large rodents are important sources of food and income for local people, and large declines in these animals has shifted resource use of people living in the flooded forests away from hunting to a greater reliance on fish.
The malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum in the endemic avifauna of eastern Cuba
Authors: Soares Letícia , Marra Peter , Gray Lindsey , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: August 2017

Island populations are vulnerable to introduced pathogens, as evidenced by extinction or population decline of several endemic Hawaiian birds caused by the malaria parasite, Plasmodium relictum (order Haemosporida). We analyzed blood samples from 363 birds caught near Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, for the presence of haemosporidian infections. We characterized parasite lineages by determining nucleotide variation of the parasite's mitochondrial cyt b gene. Fifty‐nine individuals were infected, and we identified 7 lineages of haemosporidian parasites. Fifty individuals were infected by 6 Haemoproteus sp. lineages, including a newly characterized lineage of Haem. (Parahaemoproteus) sp. CUH01. Nine individuals carried the P. relictum lineage GRW4, including 5 endemic Cuban Grassquits (Tiaris canorus) and 1 migratory Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina). A sequence of the merozoite surface protein gene from one Cuban Grassquit infected with GRW4 matched that of the Hawaiian haplotype Pr9. Our results indicate that resident and migratory Cuban birds are infected with a malaria lineage that has severely affected populations of several endemic Hawaiian birds. We suggest GRW4 may be associated with the lack of several bird species on Cuba that are ubiquitous elsewhere in the West Indies. From the standpoint of avian conservation in the Caribbean Basin, it will be important to determine the distribution of haemosporidian parasites, especially P. relictum GRW4, in Cuba as well as the pathogenicity of this lineage in species that occur and are absent from Cuba.
Grounding by Attention Simulation in Peripersonal Space: Pupils Dilate to Pinch Grip But Not Big Size Nominal Classifier
Authors: Lobben Marit , Bochynska Agata
Published: August 2017

Grammatical categories represent implicit knowledge, and it is not known if such abstract linguistic knowledge can be continuously grounded in real‐life experiences, nor is it known what types of mental states can be simulated. A former study showed that attention bias in peripersonal space (PPS) affects reaction times in grammatical congruency judgments of nominal classifiers, suggesting that simulated semantics may include reenactment of attention. In this study, we contrasted a Chinese nominal classifier used with nouns denoting pinch grip objects with a classifier for nouns with big object referents in a pupil dilation experiment. Twenty Chinese native speakers read grammatical and ungrammatical classifier‐noun combinations and made grammaticality judgment while their pupillary responses were measured. It was found that their pupils dilated significantly more to the pinch grip classifier than to the big object classifier, indicating attention simulation in PPS. Pupil dilations were also significantly larger with congruent trials on the whole than in incongruent trials, but crucially, congruency and classifier semantics were independent of each other. No such effects were found in controls.
The Location of Kant's Refutation of Idealism
Authors: Watt Robert
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Many philosophers have been puzzled by Kant's decision to insert the Refutation of Idealism into the second edition of the firstCritiqueat the end of his elucidation of the Second Postulate. This article proposes a solution to the puzzle. It defends an explanation for the location of Kant's Refutation of Idealism that is plausibly expressed by Kant's claim at the end of his elucidation of the Second Postulate that the Refutation of Idealism is ‘here in its right place’ because ‘[a] powerful objection against these rules for proving existence indirectly is made byidealism’ (B274). According to this explanation, the Refutation of Idealism is Kant's response to the objection that the Second Postulate must be false since otherwise idealism is true. This article also considers and rejects a number of alternative explanations for the location of Kant's Refutation of Idealism.
Rationale for an adjunctive therapy with fenofibrate in pharmacoresistant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Puligheddu Monica , Melis Miriam , Pillolla Giuliano , Milioli Giulia , Parrino Liborio , Terzano Giovanni Mario , Aroni Sonia , Sagheddu Claudia , Marrosu Francesco , Pistis Marco , Muntoni Anna Lisa
Published: August 2017

Objective

Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) is an idiopathic partial epilepsy with a family history in about 25% of cases, with autosomal dominant inheritance (autosomal dominant NFLE [ADNFLE]). Traditional antiepileptic drugs are effective in about 55% of patients, whereas the rest remains refractory. One of the key pathogenetic mechanisms is a gain of function of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the mutated α4 or β2 subunits. Fenofibrate, a common lipid‐regulating drug, is an agonist at peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) that is a ligand‐activated transcription factor, which negatively modulates the function of β2‐containing nAChR. To test clinical efficacy of adjunctive therapy with fenofibrate in pharmacoresistant ADNFLE\NFLE patients, we first demonstrated the effectiveness of fenofibrate in a mutated mouse model displaying both disease genotype and phenotype.

Methods

We first tested the efficacy of fenofibrate in transgenic mice carrying the mutation in the α4‐nAChR subunit (Chrna4S252F) homologous to that found in humans. Subsequently, an add‐on protocol was implemented in a clinical setting and fenofibrate was administered to pharmacoresistant NFLE patients.

Results

Here, we show that a chronic fenofibrate diet markedly reduced the frequency of large inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded from cortical pyramidal neurons in Chrna4S252F mice, and prevented nicotine‐induced increase of IPSC frequency. Moreover, fenofibrate abolished differences between genotypes in the frequency of sleep‐related movements observed under basal conditions. Patients affected by NFLE, nonresponders to traditional therapy, by means of adjunctive therapy with fenofibrate displayed a reduction of seizure frequency. Furthermore, digital video‐polysomnographic recordings acquired in NFLE subjects after 6 months of adjunctive fenofibrate substantiated the significant effects on control of motor–behavioral seizures.

Significance

Our preclinical and clinical studies suggest PPARα as a novel disease‐modifying target for antiepileptic drugs due to its ability to regulate dysfunctional nAChRs.
Do investment banks create value for their clients? Empirical evidence from European acquisitions
Authors: Kolb Johannes
Published: August 2017

Europe provides an interesting setting to explore the role that investment banks play in acquisitions because it is composed of countries with different legal regimes – the shareholder‐oriented common law regime in the UK/Ireland and the stakeholder‐oriented civil law regime in Continental Europe. Since investment banks are hired to act in the interests of shareholders, and due to differences in disclosure requirements, market transparency, accounting standards, and ownership between the UK and Continental Europe, I argue that investment banks are relatively more important in UK‐only acquisitions. My findings support this conjecture.
Simulation of low cycle fatigue stress‐strain response in 316LN stainless steel using non‐linear isotropic kinematic hardening model—A comparison of different approaches
Authors: Q. J. Ashraf , G. V. Prasad Reddy , R. Sandhya , K. Laha , G. A. Harmain
Published: August 2017

Cyclic stress‐strain response of 316LN stainless steel subjected to low cycle fatigue at strain amplitude of ±0.4% and at 873 K is simulated using finite element analysis with non‐linear isotropic‐kinematic hardening Chaboche model. Four different approaches have been used in simulating cyclic stress response and hysteresis loops: 3 based on Chaboche model‐parameters and the fourth on direct experimental data (stabilized loop and cyclic stress‐strain curve [CSSC]). Among them, simulations performed with direct experimental data have not yielded expected initial cyclic response. The source of data used for evaluation of kinematic‐hardening (KH) parameters determined the extent of closeness between experimental results and Chaboche‐model predictions. KH parameters determined from first‐cycle loop and modified‐CSSC predicted the overall stress‐strain response (from initial to stabilized condition) with reasonable fit, compared with other approaches. All 4 approaches though predicted stabilized response, simulations based on “KH‐parameters from stabilized‐cycle” accurately described stabilized response with coefficient of determination (r2) 0.995.
Ratcheting response of nylon fiber reinforced natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber composites under uniaxial stress cycles: Experimental studies
Authors: Vahidifar A. , Esmizadeh E. , Naderi G. , Varvani‐Farahani A.
Published: August 2017

The present study intends to study the ratcheting response of nylon fiber reinforced natural rubber (NR)‐styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composite samples under asymmetric stress cycles. Uniaxial tests conducted on composite samples have shown how influential the weight fraction of short nylon fibers on the stress‐strain curves/loops under monotonic and cyclic loads is. NR/SBR composite samples with various fiber contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 per hundred rubber (phr) were tested under asymmetric stress cycles. In these tests, stress‐strain hysteresis loops were progressively shifted over stress cycles resulting in progressive plastic strain accumulation. Over stress cycles, ratcheting strain progressed within the first few cycles with a relatively high rate, and as the number of cycles increased, this rate decayed resulting in a plateau in strain accumulation (shakedown). The ratcheting strain rate and magnitude resulting in shakedown were highly affected by the nylon fiber content. The experimental observations showed that this plateau (shakedown) occurred after a number of cycles in NR/SBR composite samples where the widths of hysteresis loops stayed unchanged. Samples with no fiber and that with 10 phr fiber content possessed high ratcheting rates leading samples to failure after a few stress cycles. Fracture surfaces in these samples were further analyzed through SEM investigation.
Factors influencing recruitment and growth of age‐0 yellow perch in eastern South Dakota glacial lakes
Authors: Dembkowski D. J. , Weber M. J. , Wuellner M. R.
Published: August 2017

Variation in recruitment and growth of age‐0 yellow perch,Perca flavescens(Mitchill), was modelled across a range of nine eastern South Dakota glacial lakes to: (i) estimate factors influencing recruitment and growth dynamics during early ontogeny; and (ii) determine the relative importance of biotic versus abiotic processes in regulating recruitment and growth dynamics. Results provide a framework for future investigations and suggest that abiotic factors were more important in regulating recruitment of age‐0 yellow perch, whereas biotic factors were more important in regulating growth. Recruitment was positively related to springtime water levels and temperature and negatively related to spawning stock biomass and springtime wind conditions. By contrast, growth was negatively related to abundance of conspecifics and potential competitors (i.e. bluegill,Lepomis macrochirusRafinesque) and positively related to abundance of potential predators [i.e. walleye,Sander vitreus(Mitchill) and northern pike,Esox luciusLinnaeus].
Time Wasted: Narcotic Analysis of Thomas Mann'sDer Zauberberg
Authors: Ciaccio Jason
Published: August 2017

While the importance of intoxication to Thomas Mann is often noted in criticism, it is usually discussed in relation to his engagement with Nietzsche's Dionysus and fascism. This article looks to shift this focus: drawing on Derrida's reading of thepharmakon, and Avital Ronell's work on drugs and literary modernity, I read “intoxication” inDer Zauberbergas inclusive of the host of drugs, narcotic drafts, stimulants, depressants, and opiates that the novel features. By examining an indeterminate pharmacologic at work in intoxications and diagnoses of toxicity, I demonstrate the role of intoxication in relation to various historical discourses, and colonial and commercial practices. I also situate Mann's text in relation to the emergence of addiction as a medical and social category. I thus draw attention to intoxication as a crucial dimension of the novel's social and historical vision.
Conservative endodontic management of a fused tooth: A case report
Authors: Persic Bukmir Romana , Braut Alen , Brekalo Prso Ivana
Published: August 2017

Objective

To report a conservative treatment of a rare developmental anomaly.

Case report

A 73‐year‐old patient with previously initiated therapy and acute apical abscess of a maxillary right central incisor fused with the supernumerary tooth sought treatment. The conservative approach included nonsurgical root canal treatment and composite restoration.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of an individual approach when treating anomalous teeth. Priorities in pain and infection management to properly and functionally restore teeth should be unaffected by age.
Factors associated with shared decision making among primary care physicians: Findings from a multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Menear Matthew , Garvelink Mirjam Marjolein , Adekpedjou Rhéda , Perez Maria Margarita Becerra , Robitaille Hubert , Turcotte Stéphane , Légaré France
Published: August 2017

Background

Despite growing recognition that shared decision making (SDM) is central for patient‐centred primary care, adoption by physicians remains limited in routine practice.

Objective

To examine the characteristics of physicians, patients and consultations associated with primary care physicians’ SDM behaviours during routine care.

Methods

A multicentre cross‐sectional survey study was conducted with 114 unique patient‐physician dyads recruited from 17 primary care clinics in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Physicians’ SDM behaviours were assessed with the 12‐item OPTION scale scored by third observers using audio‐recordings of consultations. Independent variables included 21 physician, patient and consultation characteristics. We assessed factors associated with OPTION scores using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

On the OPTION scale, where higher scores indicated greater SDM behaviours, physicians earned an overall mean score of 25.7±9.8 of 100. In the final adjusted regression model, higher OPTION scores were associated with physicians’ social participation (involvement in one committee β=5.75, P=.04; involvement in two or more committees β=7.74, P=.01), patients’ status as employed (β=6.48, P=.02), clinically significant decisional conflict in patients (β=7.15, P=.002) and a longer duration of consultations (β=0.23, P=.002).

Conclusion

Physicians’ social participation, patients’ employment status and decisional conflict and the duration of consultations were associated with primary care physicians’ SDM behaviours in routine care. These factors should be considered when designing strategies to implement SDM and promote more patient‐centred care in primary care.
Subcritical crack growth behavior of a perovskite‐structured Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ oxygen transport membrane
Authors: Wang Li , Dou Rui , Wang Gong , Li Yizhe , Bai Mingwen , Hall David , Chen Ying
Published: August 2017

This paper herein studies subcritical crack growth (SCG) behavior of a perovskite‐structured Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) as an oxygen transport membrane material. The SCG behavior of BSCF is evaluated by a constant load method and constant stress rate method at room temperature (RT) and 800°C in air, respectively. The low crack velocity measurements are carried out by ring‐on‐ring bending tests while the high crack velocity measurements by compact tension tests. The stress rates vary approximately from 0.1012 to 101.2 MPa/min. The fracture stress increases with increasing stress rate at 800°C. The SCG parameter, n, of BSCF is determined to be 24.32 and 13.83 at RT and 800°C in air, respectively. This indicates that BSCF is more susceptible to SCG at 800°C. The strength‐probability‐time (SPT) diagram is constructed for design proposes. The stress for a lifetime of 40 years should not exceed 27.21 MPa at RT or 4.53 MPa at 800°C to assure a failure probability below 1%.
Optimism and timing of market entry: How beliefs and information distortion create market leadership
Authors: Alvim Nuno , Pires Tiago
Published: August 2017

This paper analyzes the relation between the timing of entry in markets and firms’ beliefs about the state of the world. We further study whether firms have incentives to become optimistic. We consider an endogenous timing model with incomplete information about demand and show the existence of a unique perfect Bayesian equilibrium where Bayesian firms with optimistic beliefs become market leaders and firms with pessimistic beliefs become market followers. Firms never become market followers when they are able to choose their beliefs by forgetting bad news. Our findings provide a justification for firms hiring and retaining managers with biased beliefs.
Power-Law Distribution
Authors: Newman Mark
Published: August 2017

Mark Newman describes a statistical distribution to represent data spanning many orders of magnitude, from the frequencies of words in human language to the sizes of craters on the moon
Age Matters in the UK's Brexit Referendum
Authors: Nouvellet Pierre
Published: August 2017

Were young people “robbed”? Would 16-year-old voters have made a difference? Should votes be weighted by life expectancy? Pierre Nouvellet tackles some difficult questions arising from the UK's vote to leave the European Union
Graphical Interpretations of Data An Introduction
Authors: Reese R. Allan
Published: August 2017

R. Allan Reese kicks off a new series on the dos and don'ts of data design, starting with an example close to home
Effects of unrecognized physiological residual arousal on emotional experience
Authors: Nakajima Motohiro , Chen Wei‐Ju , Fleming Raymond
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the effect of residual arousal on perceived positive and negative emotion, and the relationship between the valence of emotion and cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory reactivity. A total of 74 participants were randomly assigned to either a Residual Arousal (exercise‐induced) group or a No Residual Arousal (no exercise) group. Following the arousal manipulation, participants watched a video that elicited positive emotion and a video that elicited negative emotion. Within‐person differences revealed greater discrepancies between participants’ reports of positive and negative emotions in response to the videos, indicating that residual arousal caused stronger positive and negative emotions. With regard to physiological reactivity, participants in the No Residual Arousal group exhibited lower heart rate, respiration amplitude, and heart rate variability (LF/HF ratio) during the negative video than during the positive video, suggesting that the positive and negative videos had different influences on physiology. These results support the hypothesis that autonomic activation may be nonspecific with regard to the genesis of emotion, but once a person becomes emotional, physiological reactivity may differ between emotions.
Forgiveness by God, religious commitment, and waist/hip ratios
Authors: Krause Neal , Ironson Gail
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to see if a person's level of commitment to religion moderates the relationship between forgiveness by God and waist/hip ratios. The data come from a nationwide probability survey of adults of all ages (N = 2,453). Interviewers measured respondents' waist and hip circumference. Questions were administered to assess how often people feel they have been forgiven by God and how deeply they are committed to their faith. Controls were established for several different aspects of religion (i.e., church attendance, private prayer, and religious affiliation) as well as select demographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, education, race, residential location, and marital status). Forgiveness by God is associated with less favorable waist/hip ratios, but only among study participants who are less committed to their faith. A set of supplementary analyses were performed using the frequency of moderate exercise as an outcome. The findings suggest that forgiveness by God is associated with less frequent exercise, but only among study participants who are less committed to their faith. The findings add greater credence to the literature on the relationship between religion and health because they are based on biological measures.
Administration of signalling molecules dictates stem cell homing for in situ regeneration
Authors: Li Xuan , He Xiao‐Tao , Yin Yuan , Wu Rui‐Xin , Tian Bei‐Min , Chen Fa‐Ming
Published: August 2017

Ex vivo‐expanded stem cells have long been a cornerstone of biotherapeutics and have attracted increasing attention for treating intractable diseases and improving tissue regeneration. However, using exogenous cellular materials to develop restorative treatments for large numbers of patients has become a major concern for both economic and safety reasons. Advances in cell biological research over the past two decades have expanded the potential for using endogenous stem cells during wound healing processes, and in particular, recent insight into stem cell movement and homing has prompted regenerative research and therapy based on recruiting endogenous cells. Inspired by the natural healing process, artificial administration of specific chemokines as signals systemically or at the injury site, typically using biomaterials as vehicles, is a state‐of‐the‐art strategy that potentiates stem cell homing and recreates an anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory microenvironment to enhance in situ tissue regeneration. However, pharmacologically coaxing endogenous stem cells to act as therapeutics in the field of biomedicine remains in the early stages; its efficacy is limited by the lack of innovative methodologies for chemokine presentation and release. This review describes how to direct the homing of endogenous stem cells via the administration of specific signals, with a particular emphasis on targeted signalling molecules that regulate this homing process, to enhance in situ tissue regeneration. We also provide an outlook on and critical considerations for future investigations to enhance stem cell recruitment and harness the reparative potential of these recruited cells as a clinically relevant cell therapy.