bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australia's Bankrupt Chinese Furniture Manufacturers, 1880–1930
Authors: Gibson Peter
Published: July 2017

The proprietors of almost 100 Chinese furniture factories in Australia went bankrupt during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. With a substantial stake in furniture production for decades following the gold rushes of the 1850s and 1860s, Chinese furniture factory operators were vilified and legislated against in a push for ‘White‐Australian’ industrial advancement. Historians have consistently concentrated on such campaigns when explaining Chinese‐Australian business failures of this period. Yet informed principally by their bankruptcy court testimony, this paper contends that Chinese furniture manufacturers went bankrupt largely because of economic difficulties and, thus, failures are not sufficiently explained by ‘White Australia’.
Genetic ablation of carbonic anhydrase IX disrupts gastric barrier function via claudin‐18 downregulation and acid backflux
Authors: Li T. , Liu X. , Riederer B. , Nikolovska K. , Singh A. K. , Mäkelä K. A. , Seidler A. , Liu Y. , Gros G. , Bartels H. , Herzig K. H. , Seidler U.
Published: July 2017

Aim

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms for the parietal cell loss and fundic hyperplasia observed in gastric mucosa of mice lacking the carbonic anhydrase 9 (CAIX).

Methods

We assessed the ability of CAIX‐knockout and WT gastric surface epithelial cells to withstand a luminal acid load by measuring the pHi of exteriorized gastric mucosa in vivo using two‐photon confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cytokines and claudin‐18A2 expression was analysed by RT‐PCR.

Results

CAIX‐knockout gastric surface epithelial cells showed significantly faster pHi decline after luminal acid load compared to WT. Increased gastric mucosal IL‐1β and iNOS, but decreased claudin‐18A2 expression (which confer acid resistance) was observed shortly after weaning, prior to the loss of parietal and chief cells. At birth, neither inflammatory cytokines nor claudin‐18 expression were altered between CAIX and WT gastric mucosa. The gradual loss of acid secretory capacity was paralleled by an increase in serum gastrin, IL‐11 and foveolar hyperplasia. Mild chronic proton pump inhibition from the time of weaning did not prevent the claudin‐18 decrease nor the increase in inflammatory markers at 1 month of age, except for IL‐1β. However, the treatment reduced the parietal cell loss in CAIX‐KO mice in the subsequent months.

Conclusions

We propose that CAIX converts protons that either backflux or are extruded from the cells rapidly to CO2 and H2O, contributing to tight junction protection and gastric epithelial pHi regulation. Lack of CAIX results in persistent acid backflux via claudin‐18 downregulation, causing loss of parietal cells, hypergastrinaemia and foveolar hyperplasia.
Whole genome detection of signature of positive selection in African cattle reveals selection for thermotolerance
Authors: Taye Mengistie , Lee Wonseok , Caetano‐Anolles Kelsey , Dessie Tadelle , Hanotte Olivier , Mwai Okeyo Ally , Kemp Stephen , Cho Seoae , Oh Sung Jong , Lee Hak‐Kyo , Kim Heebal
Published: July 2017

As African indigenous cattle evolved in a hot tropical climate, they have developed an inherent thermotolerance; survival mechanisms include a light‐colored and shiny coat, increased sweating, and cellular and molecular mechanisms to cope with high environmental temperature. Here, we report the positive selection signature of genes in African cattle breeds which contribute for their heat tolerance mechanisms. We compared the genomes of five indigenous African cattle breeds with the genomes of four commercial cattle breeds using cross‐population composite likelihood ratio (XP‐CLR) and cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP‐EHH) statistical methods. We identified 296 (XP‐EHH) and 327 (XP‐CLR) positively selected genes. Gene ontology analysis resulted in 41 biological process terms and six Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Several genes and pathways were found to be involved in oxidative stress response, osmotic stress response, heat shock response, hair and skin properties, sweat gland development and sweating, feed intake and metabolism, and reproduction functions. The genes and pathways identified directly or indirectly contribute to the superior heat tolerance mechanisms in African cattle populations. The result will improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms of heat tolerance in African cattle breeds and opens an avenue for further study.
Chemical stability of morphine and methadone, and of methadone in combination with acepromazine, medetomidine or xylazine, during prolonged storage in syringes
Authors: Lee DY , Watson N , Whittem T
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess the chemical and physical stability of morphine and methadone stored in syringes for 12 months and of methadone when mixed with acepromazine, medetomidine or xylazine.

Methods

A high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was developed and validated for the analysis of morphine and methadone. Morphine and methadone were dispensed into syringes and stored at 25°C/60% relative humidity (RH) and 40°C/75% RH. Solutions containing mixtures of methadone combined with acepromazine, medetomidine or xylazine were stored in syringes at 25°C/60%RH. At initiation, after 1 week and then 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, samples were analysed by HPLC for the quantification of the morphine or methadone. Measured concentrations were assessed as a function of storage time and temperature using linear regression statistics to calculate stability.

Results

When stored at 40°C/75%RH as pre‐dispensed syringes, severe physical and chemical changes were observed after the third month for both morphine and methadone. In contrast, at 25°C/60%RH both drugs remained chemically stable for 12 months, with concentration variations not exceeding a 5% change from initiation as stipulated in VICH stability guidelines. When in combination with acepromazine or xylazine, methadone also remained chemically stable, but the combination with medetomidine failed stability criteria prior to 6 months. Precipitation compromised the physical stability of methadone in all unsealed syringes prior to 9 months’ storage.

Conclusion

Pre‐dispensing morphine or methadone into unsealed syringes compromises the drugs’ physical stability. Mixing of methadone with other drugs can degrade its chemical stability.
Ventral‐onlay buccal mucosa graft substitution urethroplasty for urethral stricture in women
Authors: Mukhtar Bashir M. B. , Spilotros Marco , Malde Sachin , Greenwell Tamsin J.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To present our outcomes of ventral‐onlay buccal mucosa graft (BMG) substitution urethroplasty in treating female urethral stricture (FUS).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a review of a prospectively collected database of 22 consecutive women (median [range] age 50 [34–72] years) with urethral stricture who underwent ventral onlay BMG substitution urethroplasty after June 2012 and who had a minimum follow‐up of 6 months (median 21.5, range 6–51 months). Data were analysed for stricture recurrence, change in median maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and median post‐void residual urine volume (PVR). Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Student's t‐test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Freedom from stricture recurrence was achieved in 21/22 (95.5%) women. The median (range) Qmax significantly improved, increasing from 7 (3.5–11) to 18 (5–37) mL/s (P <0.05). The median (range) PVR was significantly reduced from 100 (0–300) to 15 (0–150) mL (P < 0.05). Short‐ and longer‐term complication rates were low. One woman developed mild de novo stress urinary incontinence, which settled with conservative management by 6 months.

Conclusions

Early and medium‐term results indicate that ventral onlay BMG substitution urethroplasty is an excellent treatment for FUS that can avoid the need for the repeat procedures regularly required after traditional endoscopic management.
Diagnostic accuracy of a five‐point Likert scoring system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluated according to results of MRI/ultrasonography image‐fusion targeted biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Shin Toshitaka , Smyth Thomas B. , Ukimura Osamu , Ahmadi Nariman , de Castro Abreu Andre Luis , Ohe Chisato , Oishi Masakatsu , Mimata Hiromitsu , Gill Inderbir S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based Likert scoring system in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC), using MRI/ultrasonography (US) image‐fusion targeted biopsy (FTB) as a reference standard.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1218 MRI‐detected lesions in 629 patients who underwent subsequent MRI/US FTB between October 2012 and August 2015. 3‐Tesla MRI was independently reported by one of eight radiologists with varying levels of experience and scored on a five‐point Likert scale. All lesions with Likert scores 1–5 were prospectively defined as targets for MRI/US FTB. CSPC was defined as Gleason score ≥7.

Results

The median patient age was 64 years, PSA level 6.97 ng/mL and estimated prostate volume 52.2 mL. Of 1218 lesions, 48% (n = 581) were rated as Likert 1–2, 35% (n = 428) were Likert 3 and 17% (n = 209) were Likert 4–5. For Likert scores 1–5, the overall cancer detection rates were 12%, 13%, 22%, 50% and 59%, respectively, and the CSPC detection rates were 4%, 4%, 12%, 33% and 48%, respectively. Grading using the five‐point scale showed strong positive correlation with overall cancer detection rate (r = 0.949, P = 0.05) and CSPC detection rate (r = 0.944, P = 0.05). By comparison, in Likert 4–5 lesions, significant differences were noted in overall cancer detection rate (63% vs 35%; P = 0.001) and CSPC detection rate (47% vs 29%; P = 0.027) for the more experienced vs the less experienced radiologists.

Conclusions

The detection rates of overall cancer and CSPC strongly correlated with the five‐point grading of the Likert scale. Among radiologists with different levels of experience, there were significant differences in these cancer detection rates.
Ameliorative effect of chlorpromazine hydrochloride on visceral hypersensitivity in rats: possible involvement of 5‐HT2A receptor
Authors: Asano Teita , Tanaka Ken‐ichiro , Tada Arisa , Shimamura Hikaru , Tanaka Rikako , Maruoka Hiroki , Mizushima Tohru , Takenaga Mitsuko
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose

Visceral hypersensitivity is responsible for pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, its prevention can help avoid abdominal pain and discomfort in IBS. To find candidate drugs for visceral hypersensitivity, we screened existing medicines for their ability to prevent visceral sensitivity induced by colorectal distension (CRD) in rats and identified chlorpromazine, a typical antipsychotic drug, as a candidate compound. In this study, we investigated the effect of chlorpromazine on visceral hypersensitivity.

Experimental Approach

Visceral sensitivity (visceromotor response) was monitored by measuring the electrical activity of the abdominal external oblique muscle contraction in response to CRD using a barostat apparatus. Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by a colonic instillation of sodium butyrate or acetic acid in neonates.

Key Results

Oral administration of chlorpromazine suppressed butyrate‐induced visceral hypersensitivity to CRD. Interestingly, atypical antipsychotic drugs, quetiapine and risperidone, ameliorated butyrate‐induced visceral hypersensitivity, whereas the typical antipsychotic drugs, haloperidol and sulpiride, did not. Pharmacological analysis using specific inhibitors showed that a selective 5‐HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin, suppressed butyrate‐induced visceral hypersensitivity, whereas a selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, L‐741626, did not. Furthermore, the 5‐HT2A receptor agonist AL‐34662 stimulated visceral sensitivity to CRD in healthy control rats but not in butyrate‐treated rats. These findings suggest that increased 5‐HT levels in the colon contribute to the induction of visceral hypersensitivity.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results indicate that chlorpromazine ameliorates visceral hypersensitivity and that the 5‐HT2A receptor is a potential therapeutic target for treating abdominal pain and discomfort in IBS.
Prone position ventilation support for acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease?
Authors: Xu Yuanda , Sun Qingwen , Yu Yuheng , Liang Weibo , Liu Xuesong , Yang Chun , Xu Yonghao , Nong Lingbo , Chen Sibei , He Weiqun , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Yimin , Zhong Nanshan
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Prone position ventilation (PPV) has been shown to improve oxygenation and decrease pulmonary vascular resistance and mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Whether these benefits of PPV occur similarly in acute exacerbations of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not clear. We retrospectively explored the use of PPV in acute exacerbation with ILD versus those with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (severe ARDS).

Methods

Retrospective study of the application of PPV in 17 patients with acute exacerbations of ILD and in 19 patients with severe ARDS. Pre‐ and post‐PPV hemodynamic parameters, respiratory mechanics, prognostic indicators, complications and mortality rates at 28, 60 and 90 days were compared.

Results

There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups except for higher driving pressure and more diastolic dysfunction in ILD group than severe ARDS group Compared with pre‐PPV, cardiac index and driving pressure remained unchanged post‐PPV in both groups. PPV increased PaO2/FiO2 [118.7 (92.0, 147.8) pre‐PPV vs 132.0 (93.5, 172.0) post‐PPV; P < 0.05] and central venous oxygenation in patients with ILD. In patients with severe ARDS, PPV significantly increased PaO2/FiO2 [109.23 (89,135) pre‐ PPV vs 126.13 (100.93, 170) post‐PPV; P < 0.05] and intrathorax blood volume index. However, mortality rates at 28, 60 and 90 days remained high in both groups (76.4%, 88.2% and 88.2% vs 36.8%, 57.9% and 57.9% in ILD and severe ARDS, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PPV may improve oxygenation and partially improve hemodynamic parameters during acute exacerbations of ILD.
Patient Decisions to Receive Secondary Pharmacogenomic Findings and Development of a Multidisciplinary Practice Model to Integrate Results Into Patient Care
Authors: Hicks J. Kevin , Shealy Amy , Schreiber Allison , Coleridge Marissa , Noss Ryan , Natowicz Marvin , Moran Rocio , Moss Timothy , Erwin Angelika , Eng Charis
Published: July 2017

Whole exome sequencing (WES) has the potential of identifying secondary findings that are predictive of poor pharmacotherapy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ wishes regarding the reporting of secondary pharmacogenomic findings. WES results (n = 106 patients) were retrospectively reviewed to determine the number of patients electing to receive secondary pharmacogenomic results. Phenotypes were assigned based on Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines. The percent of patients with a predicted phenotype associated with a gene‐based CPIC dosing recommendation was determined. Ninety‐nine patients (93.4%) elected to receive secondary pharmacogenomic findings. For each gene–drug pair analyzed, the number of patients with an actionable phenotype ranged from two (2%) to 43 patients (43.4%). Combining all gene–drug pairs, 84 unique patients (84.8%) had an actionable phenotype. A prospective multidisciplinary practice model was developed for integrating secondary pharmacogenomic findings into clinical practice. Our model highlights a unique collaboration between physician‐geneticists, pharmacists, and genetic counselors.
Let's chat: developmental neural bases of social motivation during real‐time peer interaction
Authors: Warnell Katherine Rice , Sadikova Eleonora , Redcay Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Humans are motivated to interact with each other, but the neural bases of social motivation have been predominantly examined in non‐interactive contexts. Understanding real‐world social motivation is of special importance during middle childhood (ages 8–12), a period when social skills improve, social networks grow, and social brain networks specialize. To assess interactive social motivation, the current study used a novel fMRI paradigm in which children believed they were chatting with a peer. The design targeted two phases of interaction: (1) Initiation, in which children engaged in a social bid via sharing a like or hobby, and (2) Reply, in which children received either an engaged (“Me too”) or non‐engaged (“I'm away”) reply from the peer. On control trials, children were told that their answers were not shared and that they would receive either engaged (“Matched”) or non‐engaged (“Disconnected”) replies from the computer. Results indicated that during Initiation and Reply, key components of reward circuitry (e.g., ventral striatum) were more active for the peer than the computer trials. In addition, during Reply, social cognitive regions were more activated by the peer, and this social cognitive specialization increased with age. Finally, the effect of engagement type on reward circuitry activation was larger for social than non‐social trials, indicating developmental sensitivity to social contingency. These findings demonstrate that both reward and social cognitive brain systems support real‐time social interaction in middle childhood. An interactive approach to understanding social reward has implications for clinical disorders, where social motivation is more affected in real‐world contexts.
Coaction of individual and environmental factors: a review of intensive therapy paradigms for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Ferre Claudio L , Gordon Andrew M
Published: July 2017

Evidence‐based treatment approaches for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy are expanding and being modified to fit the constraints of families and the child receiving treatment. In this review, we first provide an overview of a theoretical framework that considers the intricate interactions between the individual child and the environment in which treatment is provided. Next, we describe intensive interventions that have strong support for their efficacy. We also highlight the heterogeneity with which children respond to these approaches. Individual characteristics that might affect responsiveness are summarized. We propose that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach may not be as efficacious as approaches based on the specific brain damage and resulting development of the corticospinal tract. Finally, we review evidence suggesting that the environment can be structured to promote opportunities for intensive practice and self‐generated movement—two important aspects of efficacious treatments. Emphasis is placed on intensive home programs delivered by caregivers.

What this paper adds

Considerable variability exists in how children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy respond to intensive upper extremity therapies.

Individual and environmental factors interact to shape responsiveness.
China's development loans and the threat of debt crisis in Kenya
Authors: Onjala Joseph
Published: July 2017

The increased access of African countries to external capital markets has rekindled interest in growing external borrowing and placed debt sustainability at the forefront of the continent's policy agenda. In this article, we discuss the conceptual link between external loans and debt challenges. In this article, the analysis is cast in the context of new sources of loans triggered by Sino–African co‐operation. The article examines the main sectors targeted for financing in Kenya, how the Chinese‐funded projects have been structured, the financial models adopted to deliver on the projects, and the overall gains from such projects. Ultimately, the article examines the external debt situation in Kenya and how Chinese loans are likely to precipitate a crisis of sustainability. The analysis shows that, although the external financial support plays a critical role in addressing the gap in Kenya's infrastructure development, the loans also pose risks of debt sustainability in the longer term, Chinese loans particularly are tied and lack transparency. The emerging debt challenges point to the need for policy reforms in favour of enhancing loans transparency and the beneficial impacts. This would enhance the repayment capacity of borrowing countries.
PROVIDING GLOBAL PUBLIC GOODS: ELECTORAL DELEGATION AND COOPERATION
Authors: Kocher Martin G. , Tan Fangfang , Yu Jing
Published: July 2017

This study experimentally examines the effect of electoral delegation on providing global public goods shared by several groups. Each group elects one delegate who can freely decide on each group member's contribution to the global public goods. Our results show that people mostly vote for delegates who assign equal contributions for every group member. However, in contrast to standard theoretical predictions for our delegation mechanism, unequal contributions across groups drive cooperation down over time, and it decreases efficiency by almost 50% compared to the selfish benchmark. This pattern is not driven by delegates trying to exploit their fellow group members, as indicated by theory. It is driven by conditional cooperation of delegates across groups. Since one of the potential sources of the resulting inefficiency is the polycentric nature of global public goods provision together with other‐regarding preferences, we use the termP‐inefficiencyto describe our finding. (JELC92, D72, H41)
The design of durability tests by fatigue damage spectrum approach
Authors: Cianetti F. , Alvino A. , Bolognini A. , Palmieri M. , Braccesi C.
Published: July 2017

In the present paper, a new approach to combine load conditions expressed by power spectral density functions and to synthesize them into an equivalent one was presented. This method is based on the concept of fatigue damage spectrum and on the system dynamics. It was developed to design or verify operative durability tests (i.e., tracks), able to test payloads transported by vehicles, which could be alternative to laboratory ones, defined by the norm. By analyzing the acceleration spectrum of the norm and the acceleration measurements (all expressed in terms of power spectral density functions) acquired on the designed tracks during an experimental activity conducted on a wheeled transport vehicle, it was possible to verify the goodness of the proposed approach.
Propofol post‐conditioning alleviates hepatic ischaemia reperfusion injury via BRG1‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 transcriptional activation in human and mice
Authors: Ge Mian , Chen Huixin , Zhu Qianqian , Cai Jun , Chen Chaojin , Yuan Dongdong , Jin Yi , Yao Weifeng , Hei Ziqing
Published: July 2017

To explore the effects of propofol post‐conditioning (PPC) on hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) and the potential mechanisms that might be involved in the interaction of Brahma‐related gene1(BRG1) and Nuclear‐related factor 2(Nrf2). Patients were randomized into PPC(n = 16) and non‐PPC(NPC)( n = 21) groups. Propofol(2 mg/kg) was infused within 10 min. of the onset of liver reperfusion during liver transplantation in the PPC group. Liver function tests, as well as Brg1, Nrf2, Heme oxygenase‐1(HO‐1) and NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase1(NQO1) expression levels were evaluated. CMV‐Brg1 mice were designed to investigate the role of Brg1 overexpression during HIRI. Brg1 and Nrf2 siRNA were used to examine the relationship between Brg1 and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathways in propofol‐mediated effects in a human hepatocyte(L02) hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) model. In patients, PPC attenuated both donor liver pathological and function injury, and reducing oxidative stress markers, compared to the NPC group, 24 hrs after surgery. PPC increased liver Brg1, Nrf2, HO‐1 and NQO1 expression. In mice, PPC reduced HIRI by decreasing liver oxidative stress and activating Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, accompanied by up‐regulation of BRG1 expression. BRG1 overexpression activated Nrf2/HO‐1 transcription in CMV‐BRG1 mice during HIRI. In vitro, PPC significantly elevated expression of Nrf2, HO‐1 and NQO1, resulting in a reduction of cell DCFH‐DA and 8‐isoprostane levels and decreased lactate dehydrogenase levels, leading to an overall increase in cell viability. Moreover, the protective effects of propofol were partially abrogated in Nrf2‐knock‐down or BRG1‐knock‐down hepatocytes. Nrf2‐knock‐down drastically reduced protein expression of HO‐1 and NQO1, while Brg1‐knock‐down decreased HO‐1 expression. Propofol post‐conditioning alleviates HIRI through BRG1‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 transcriptional activation.
Mood and anxiety disorders in very preterm/very low–birth weight individuals from 6 to 26 years
Authors: Jaekel Julia , Baumann Nicole , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter
Published: July 2017

Background

Very preterm (<32 weeks’ gestational age; VP) or very low–birth weight (<1,500 g; VLBW) birth has been associated with increased risk for anxiety and mood disorders and less partnering in adulthood. The aim was to test whether (a) VP/VLBW are at increased risk of any anxiety or mood disorders from 6 to 26 years compared with term‐born individuals; (b) social support from romantic partners is associated with protection from anxiety and mood disorders; and (c) VP/VLBW adults’ lower social support mediates their risk for any anxiety and mood disorders.

Methods

Data are from a prospective geographically defined longitudinal whole‐population study in South Bavaria (Germany). Two hundred VP/VLBW and 197 term individuals were studied from birth to adulthood. Anxiety and mood disorders were assessed at 6, 8, and 26 years with standardized diagnostic interviews and social support via self‐report at age 26.

Results

At age 6, VP/VLBW children were not at increased risk of any anxiety or mood disorder. At age 8, VP/VLBW more often had any anxiety disorder than term comparisons (11.8% vs. 6.6%, OR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.08–4.10]). VP/VLBW adults had an increased risk for any mood (27.5% vs. 18.8%, OR = 1.65 [1.02–2.67]) but not for any anxiety disorder (33.0% vs. 28.4%, OR = 1.27 [0.82–1.96]). None of the significant differences survived correction for multiple testing. Social support was associated with a lower risk of anxiety or mood disorders in both groups (OR = 0.81 [0.68–0.96]) and mediated the association of VP/VLBW birth with any anxiety or any mood disorders at age 26.

Conclusions

This study does not show a persistently increased risk for any anxiety or mood disorder after VP/VLBW birth. Low social support from a romantic partner mediates the risk for anxiety or mood disorders after VP/VLBW birth.
Current approach of skin lesions suspected of malignancy in general practice in the Netherlands: a quantitative overview
Authors: Ahmadi K. , Prickaerts E. , Smeets J.G.E. , Joosten V.H.M.J. , Kelleners‐Smeets N.W.J. , Dinant G.J.
Published: July 2017

Background

The role of general practitioners (GPs) in skin cancer care is increasing. Previous, hospital‐based studies suggest that GPs might not have the capabilities to gain responsibility concerning skin cancer care.

Objectives

To evaluate the current approach of GPs towards skin lesions suspected of malignancy in the Netherlands.

Methods

In three general practices, all consultations in 2015 concerning skin lesions suspected of malignancy were identified and reviewed. Patients demographics, circumstances of consultation, evaluation of skin lesion(s), presumed diagnosis, diagnostic accuracy and policy were evaluated.

Results

Five hundred and eighty consultations were identified. Patient took initiative for encounter in 90%. Case‐finding occurred in 2%. Diagnostic tools were used in 22%; dermoscopy was used in 8% and a diagnostic excision in 10%. The GP diagnosed a benign lesion in 69%. Therapeutic interventions were applied in 31% and a wait‐and‐see policy in 40%. The diagnosis after referral was a benign tumour in 39% of the cases, a malignancy in 29% and a premalignant lesion in 17%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the presumed benign, malignant and premalignant diagnoses was 86%, 54% and 18%, respectively.

Conclusions

Most lesions that are presented to the GP with a suspicion of a malignancy appear to be benign lesions. In the examined practices, the diagnosis of the GP is mainly based on clinical examination and little use is made of available diagnostic tools. The use of a diagnostic tool like a biopsy might prevent unnecessary referrals.
Interpretation of Brain CT Scans in the Field by Critical Care Physicians in a Mobile Stroke Unit
Authors: Hov Maren Ranhoff , Zakariassen Erik , Lindner Thomas , Nome Terje , Bache Kristi G. , Røislien Jo , Gleditsch Jostein , Solyga Volker , Russell David , Lund Christian G. ,   on behalf of the NASPP study group
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In acute stroke, thromboembolism or spontaneous hemorrhage abruptly reduces blood flow to a part of the brain. To limit necrosis, rapid radiological identification of the pathological mechanism must be conducted to allow the initiation of targeted treatment. The aim of the Norwegian Acute Stroke Prehospital Project is to determine if anesthesiologists, trained in prehospital critical care, may accurately assess cerebral computed tomography (CT) scans in a mobile stroke unit (MSU).

METHODS

In this pilot study, 13 anesthesiologists assessed unselected acute stroke patients with a cerebral CT scan in an MSU. The scans were simultaneously available by teleradiology at the receiving hospital and the on‐call radiologist. CT scan interpretation was focused on the radiological diagnosis of acute stroke and contraindications for thrombolysis. The aim of this study was to find inter‐rater agreement between the pre‐ and in‐hospital radiological assessments. A neuroradiologist evaluated all CT scans retrospectively. Statistical analysis of inter‐rater agreement was analyzed with Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

Fifty‐one cerebral CT scans from the MSU were included. Inter‐rater agreement between prehospital anesthesiologists and the in‐hospital on‐call radiologists was excellent in finding radiological selection for thrombolysis (kappa .87). Prehospital CT scans were conducted in median 10 minutes (7 and 14 minutes) in the MSU, and median 39 minutes (31 and 48 minutes) before arrival at the receiving hospital.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study shows that anesthesiologists trained in prehospital critical care may effectively assess cerebral CT scans in an MSU, and determine if there are radiological contraindications for thrombolysis.
Comparing the lexical similarity of the triarchic model of psychopathy to contemporary models of psychopathy
Authors: Gatner Dylan T. , Douglas Kevin S. , Hart Stephen D.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The triarchic model of psychopathy (Patrick, Fowles, & Krueger, 2009) posits that psychopathic personality comprises three domains: boldness, meanness, and disinhibition. The present study aimed to clarify conceptual overlap between contemporary definitions of psychopathy, with particular emphasis given to the relevance of boldness (i.e., social dominance, venturesomeness, emotional resiliency)—a topic of recent debate.

Method

Undergraduate students (N = 439) compared the lexical similarity of triarchic domains with two contemporary models of psychopathy: the Comprehensive Assessment of Psychopathic Personality (CAPP; Cooke, Hart, Logan, & Michie, 2012) and the Five‐Factor Model of psychopathy (FFM; Widiger & Lynam, 1998).

Results

From a content validity perspective, meanness and disinhibition were lexically similar to both the CAPP and FFM psychopathy, whereas boldness was less strongly associated with these models. Meanness showed the strongest lexical similarity in comparison with past prototypicality ratings of the CAPP and FFM psychopathy.

Conclusions

These findings bear implications for defining and comparing conceptualizations of psychopathy that underpin its assessment.
Effect and acceptance of silver diamine fluoride treatment on dental caries in primary teeth
Authors: Clemens Jennifer , Gold Jaana , Chaffin Jeffrey
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment has been identified as a potential solution to address the dental public health issues of untreated dental caries and insufficient access to care. The current study assessed the effectiveness of 38 percent SDF in arresting active dental caries lesions and in reducing or preventing associated dental pain and infections in young, at‐risk children.

Methods

We enrolled 32 children aged 2‐5 years with 118 active caries lesions in primary teeth from a community dental clinic in Oregon. After baseline examinations, carious lesions were treated with 1‐2 applications of 38 percent SDF. Children were re‐evaluated at 3‐week and 3‐month recalls to assess color and consistency changes in lesions (soft/hard). Parents were interviewed regarding symptoms of pain or infection and were surveyed regarding subjective feelings about SDF.

Results

Of 102 lesions (16 excluded from analyses), 100 were found to be arrested at first recall and all at second recall. The duration of SDF application was not associated with arrest of decay (P = 0.68). No incidence of pain or infection of an SDF‐treated tooth was recorded. Parental impression of ease of application, taste, and esthetics was favorable.

Conclusions

Our results suggested SDF was effective in arresting active caries lesions in primary teeth in young children and was well accepted by parents. SDF offers an easy and highly efficient nonsurgical alternative treatment to traditional restorative dental treatment in young children, and it has great potential to aid the dental public health community to address dental caries in at‐risk populations.
Consistent Monitoring of Cointegrating Relationships: The US Housing Market and the Subprime Crisis
Authors: Wagner Martin , Wied Dominik
Published: July 2017

We propose a consistent monitoring procedure for structural change in a cointegrating relationship. The procedure is inspired by Chu et al. (1996) by being based on parameter estimation on a prebreak ‘calibration’ period. We use three modified least squares estimators to obtain nuisance parameter‐free limiting distributions. We study the asymptotic and finite sample properties of the procedures and finally apply the approach to monitor two‐fundamentals‐driven US housing prices cointegrating relationships over the period 1976:Q1–2010:Q4 using the data of Anundsen (2015). Depending on the relationship considered and the estimation method used, a break point is detected as early as 2003:Q2, that is, well before US housing prices started to fall in 2007.
Dating very young planetary surfaces from crater statistics: A review of issues and challenges
Authors: Williams Jean‐Pierre , van der Bogert Carolyn H. , Pathare Asmin V. , Michael Gregory G. , Kirchoff Michelle R. , Hiesinger Harald
Published: July 2017

Determining the ages of young planetary surfaces relies on using populations of small, often sub‐km diameter impact craters due to the higher frequency at which they form. Smaller craters however can be less reliable for estimating ages as their size‐frequency distribution is more susceptible to alteration with debate as to whether they should be used at all. With the current plethora of meter‐scale resolution images acquired of the lunar and Martian surfaces, small craters have been widely used to derive model ages to establish the temporal relation of recent geologic events. In this review paper, we discuss the many factors that make smaller craters particularly challenging to use and should be taken into consideration when crater counts are confined to small crater diameters. Establishing confidence in a model age ultimately requires an understanding of the geologic context of the surface being dated as reliability can vary considerably and limitations of the dating technique should be considered in applying ages to any geologic interpretation.
Unravelling proximate cues of mass flowering in the tropical forests of South‐East Asia from gene expression analyses
Authors: Yeoh Suat Hui , Satake Akiko , Numata Shinya , Ichie Tomoaki , Lee Soon Leong , Basherudin Norlia , Muhammad Norwati , Kondo Toshiaki , Otani Tatsuya , Hashim Mazlan , Tani Naoki
Published: July 2017

Elucidating the physiological mechanisms of the irregular yet concerted flowering rhythm of mass flowering tree species in the tropics requires long‐term monitoring of flowering phenology, exogenous and endogenous environmental factors, as well as identifying interactions and dependencies among these factors. To investigate the proximate factors for floral initiation of mast seeding trees in the tropics, we monitored the expression dynamics of two key flowering genes, meteorological conditions and endogenous resources over two flowering events of Shorea curtisii and Shorea leprosula in the Malay Peninsula. Comparisons of expression dynamics of genes studied indicated functional conservation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and LEAFY (LFY) in Shorea. The genes were highly expressed at least 1 month before anthesis for both species. A mathematical model considering the synergistic effect of cool temperature and drought on activation of the flowering gene was successful in predicting the observed gene expression patterns. Requirement of both cool temperature and drought for floral transition suggested by the model implies that flowering phenologies of these species are sensitive to climate change. Our molecular phenology approach in the tropics sheds light on the conserved role of flowering genes in plants inhabiting different climate zones and can be widely applied to dissect the flowering processes in other plant species.
Burying beetles regulate the microbiome of carcasses and use it to transmit a core microbiota to their offspring
Authors: Shukla Shantanu P. , Vogel Heiko , Heckel David G. , Vilcinskas Andreas , Kaltenpoth Martin
Published: July 2017

Necrophagous beetles utilize carrion, a highly nutritious resource that is susceptible to intense microbial competition, by treating it with antimicrobial anal and oral secretions. However, how this regulates the carcass microbiota remains unclear. Here, we show that carcasses prepared by the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides undergo significant changes in their microbial communities subsequent to their burial and “preparation.” Prepared carcasses hosted a microbial community that was more similar to that of beetles’ anal and oral secretions than to the native carcass community or the surrounding soil, indicating that the beetles regulated the carcass microbiota. A core microbial community (Xanthomonadaceae, Enterococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Yarrowia yeasts) was transmitted by the beetles to the larvae via the anal and oral secretions and the carcass surface. These core taxa proliferated on the carcass, indicating a growth conducive environment for these microbes when associated with beetles. However, total bacterial loads were higher on decomposing carcasses without beetles than on beetle‐prepared carcasses, indicating that the beetles and/or their associated symbionts suppress the growth of competing microbes. Thus, apart from being a nutritional resource, the carcass provides a medium for vertical transmission of a tightly regulated symbiotic microbiota, whose activity on the carcass and in the larval gut may involve carcass preservation as well as digestion.
Development of a Vibration Attenuation Track at Low Frequencies for Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Zhu Shengyang , Wang Jianwei , Cai Chengbiao , Wang Kaiyun , Zhai Wanming , Yang Jizhong , Yan Hua
Published: July 2017

Railway‐induced vibrations at low frequencies have become an important environmental issue with the rapid development of urban rail transit. In this study, a new vibration attenuation track (VAT) capable of passively mitigating vibrations at low frequencies is developed based on an integrated theoretical and experimental study. The full‐scale VAT is built which incorporates a floating slab track (FST) and the attached dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) with key parameters determined by the fixed‐point theory and modal analysis technique. The vibration attenuation performance of the VAT is investigated under train dynamic loads by establishing a three‐dimensional coupled dynamic model of a metro vehicle‐VAT‐subgrade system, and is further elucidated and validated by carrying out full‐scale dynamic tests under different harmonic loadings. Computational and experimental results both show that vibrations of the track are effectively absorbed by the attached DVAs leading to a significant reduction of the subgrade vibrations at the low frequency of 9–16 Hz.
First molecular identification of the vertebrate hosts ofCulicoides imicolainEurope and a review of its blood‐feeding patterns worldwide: implications for the transmission of bluetongue disease andAfrican horse sickness
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐DE LA PUENTE J. , NAVARRO J. , FERRAGUTI M. , SORIGUER R. , FIGUEROLA J.
Published: July 2017

Culicoides(Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens that affect wildlife, livestock and, occasionally, humans.Culicoides imicola(Kieffer, 1913) is considered to be the main vector of the pathogens that cause bluetongue disease (BT) andAfricanhorsesickness (AHS) in southernEurope. The study of blood‐feeding patterns inCulicoidesis an essential step towards understanding the epidemiology of these pathogens. Molecular tools that increase the accuracy and sensitivity of traditional methods have been developed to identify the hosts of potential insect vectors. However, to the present group's knowledge, molecular studies that identify the hosts ofC. imicolainEurope are lacking. The present study genetically characterizes the barcoding region ofC. imicolatrapped on farms in southernSpain and identifies its vertebrate hosts in the area. The report also reviews available information on the blood‐feeding patterns ofC. imicolaworldwide.Culicoides imicolafromSpain feed on blood of six mammals that include species known to be hosts of theBTandAHSviruses. This study provides evidence of the importance of livestock as sources of bloodmeals forC. imicolaand the relevance of this species in the transmission ofBTandAHSviruses inEurope.
A Probabilistic Framework for Risk Analysis of Widespread Flood Events: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Schneeberger Klaus , Huttenlau Matthias , Winter Benjamin , Steinberger Thomas , Achleitner Stefan , Stötter Johann
Published: July 2017

This article presents a flood risk analysis model that considers the spatially heterogeneous nature of flood events. The basic concept of this approach is to generate a large sample of flood events that can be regarded as temporal extrapolation of flood events. These are combined with cumulative flood impact indicators, such as building damages, to finally derive time series of damages for risk estimation. Therefore, a multivariate modeling procedure that is able to take into account the spatial characteristics of flooding, the regionalization method top‐kriging, and three different impact indicators are combined in a model chain. Eventually, the expected annual flood impact (e.g., expected annual damages) and the flood impact associated with a low probability of occurrence are determined for a study area. The risk model has the potential to augment the understanding of flood risk in a region and thereby contribute to enhanced risk management of, for example, risk analysts and policymakers or insurance companies. The modeling framework was successfully applied in a proof‐of‐concept exercise in Vorarlberg (Austria). The results of the case study show that risk analysis has to be based on spatially heterogeneous flood events in order to estimate flood risk adequately.
A novel allele HLA‐B*27:149 identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang J. , Zhang Y. , Li Q. , Ru K. , Wang X.
Published: July 2017

HLA‐B*27:149 differs from HLA‐B*27:04:01 (488C‐>T, exon 3, A139V).
Carbon policy and the structure of global trade
Authors: Balistreri Edward J. , Böhringer Christoph , Rutherford Thomas F.
Published: July 2017

Alternative perspectives on the structure of international trade have important implications for the evaluation of climate policy. In this paper, we assess climate policy in the context of three important alternative trade formulations. First is a Heckscher‐Ohlin model based on trade in homogeneous products, which establishes the traditional neoclassical view on comparative advantage. Second is an Armington model based on regionally differentiated goods, which is a popular specification for numerical simulations of trade policy. Third is a Melitz model based on monopolistic competition and firm heterogeneity. This heterogeneous‐firms framework is adopted in many contemporary theoretic and empirical investigations in international trade. As we show in this paper, the three alternative trade formulations have important implications for the assessment of climate policy with respect to competitive effects for energy‐intensive production (and hence carbon leakage) as well as the transmission of policy burdens across countries.
The use of intravesicular alteplase for thrombolysis in a dog with urinary bladder thrombi
Authors: Hooi Kimberly S. , Lemetayer Julie D.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To describe the use of alteplase for intravesicular thrombolysis in a dog after development of urinary tract obstruction from a blood clot in the urinary bladder.

Case Summary

A 5.8 kg, 6.5‐year‐old female neutered Bichon Frise was presented for signs of acute hematuria. A complete blood count (CBC) revealed marked thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, and nonregenerative anemia. Bone marrow aspirate cytology revealed mild hypercellularity, mild megakaryocytic hyperplasia, mildly left‐shifted erythroid maturation, and moderately left‐shifted myeloid maturation, suggesting ongoing recovery from an acute bone marrow insult. Thrombocytopenia and hematuria resolved concurrently; however, stranguria and oliguria developed acutely. Ultrasonography identified two large presumed thrombi within the urinary bladder. A urinary catheter was placed and 4 doses of 0.5 mg of alteplase diluted in 10 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride were instilled into the bladder with a 4‐hour dwell time at 12‐hour intervals. Prothombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were monitored during therapy and remained within normal limits. One thrombus was successfully dissolved after 48 hours of therapy and the remaining thrombus was reduced in size and was voided upon removal of the urinary catheter.

New or Unique Information Provided

This report describes the use of alteplase in a dog for thrombolysis of intravesicular thrombi. In patients that develop intravesicular thrombi, intravesical instillation of alteplase can be considered as a method for dissolution of these thrombi.