bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeochemical probing of microbial communities in a basalt‐hosted hot spring at Kverkfjöll volcano, Iceland
Authors: Cousins Claire R. , Fogel Marilyn , Bowden Roxane , Crawford Ian , Boyce Adrian , Cockell Charles , Gunn Matthew
Published: June 2018

We investigated bacterial and archaeal communities along an ice‐fed surficial hot spring at Kverkfjöll volcano—a partially ice‐covered basaltic volcano at Vatnajökull glacier, Iceland, using biomolecular (16S rRNA, apsA, mcrA, amoA, nifH genes) and stable isotope techniques. The hot spring environment is characterized by high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen concentrations at the source (68°C and <1 mg/L (±0.1%)) changing to lower temperatures and higher dissolved oxygen downstream (34.7°C and 5.9 mg/L), with sulfate the dominant anion (225 mg/L at the source). Sediments are comprised of detrital basalt, low‐temperature alteration phases and pyrite, with <0.4 wt. % total organic carbon (TOC). 16S rRNA gene profiles reveal that organisms affiliated with Hydrogenobaculum (54%–87% bacterial population) and Thermoproteales (35%–63% archaeal population) dominate the micro‐oxic hot spring source, while sulfur‐oxidizing archaea (Sulfolobales, 57%–82%), and putative sulfur‐oxidizing and heterotrophic bacterial groups dominate oxic downstream environments. The δ13Corg (‰ V‐PDB) values for sediment TOC and microbial biomass range from −9.4‰ at the spring's source decreasing to −12.6‰ downstream. A reverse effect isotope fractionation of ~3‰ between sediment sulfide (δ34S ~0‰) and dissolved water sulfate (δ34S +3.2‰), and δ18O values of ~ −5.3‰ suggest pyrite forms abiogenically from volcanic sulfide, followed by abiogenic and microbial oxidation. These environments represent an unexplored surficial geothermal environment analogous to transient volcanogenic habitats during putative “snowball Earth” scenarios and volcano–ice geothermal environments on Mars.
An intervention study to test Locker’s conceptual framework of oral health in edentulous elders
Authors: Yamaga Eijiro , Sato Yusuke , Minakuchi Shunsuke
Published: June 2018

Objective

To test a previously described conceptual framework of oral health in edentulous elders using an intervention study that included complete denture replacement. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was also conducted to substantiate construct validity.

Background Data

To date, the model proposed by Locker has been tested on edentulous elders using structural equation model (SEM) analysis. However, cross‐sectional designs and the Short‐Form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) cannot adequately express cause‐effect relationships and distribution in edentulous patients. Accordingly, the authors investigated Locker’s model using an interventional design that included complete denture replacement using the OHIP for edentulous subjects (OHIP‐EDENT).

Methods

A total of 265 edentulous participants who visited the Dental Hospital of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (Tokyo, Japan) for new complete dentures were recruited. Locker’s model was investigated, and CFA was performed using the change in subscale scores in the Japanese version of the OHIP‐EDENT before and after complete denture replacement.

Results

CFA demonstrated an excellent model fit after adding several covariates. The Locker model also met the criteria of fit in all indices after 1 nonsignificant path was omitted. All path coefficients were significant.

Conclusion

The findings of the present interventional study demonstrated an empirical fit to Locker’s model in edentulous elders using SEM analysis, which included complete denture replacement. It is anticipated that clarification of causal mechanisms of oral health‐related quality of life will lead to improvement of overall quality of life, thus maintaining or improving the activities of normal daily life for edentulous elders.
A retrospective multicentre study of cystic lesions and odontogenic tumours in older people
Authors: Silva Leorik P. , Serpa Marianna S. , Sobral Ana Paula V. , Arruda José Alcides A. , Silva Leni Verônica O. , Noronha Mariana S. , Kato Camila O. , Mesquita Ricardo A. , Schuch Lauren F. , Gomes Ana Paula N. , Vasconcelos Ana Carolina U. , Souza Lélia B.
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and some characteristics of odontogenic tumours, odontogenic cysts and non‐odontogenic cysts in an elderly population (≥60 years).

Background

Few studies describe the distribution of oral lesions in older people.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed. Biopsy records were obtained from the archives of four Brazilian referral centres between 2000 and 2016. Data such as gender, age, anatomical location, symptomatology and histopathological diagnosis were collected and categorised. Statistical analyses were performed adopting a P‐value of ≤.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 7259 biopsy records of elderly participants were analysed; 642 cases were cystic lesions and odontogenic tumours, 491 of which being classified as odontogenic cysts (76.5%), 75 as odontogenic tumours (11.7%) and 76 as non‐odontogenic cysts (11.8%). The most frequent lesions in each group were radicular cyst (n = 268), ameloblastoma (n = 51) and salivary duct cyst (n = 21), respectively. Overall, women were more affected (n = 351, mean age: 68 years). Intraosseous lesions were more common in the mandible (n = 342), and soft tissue cysts occurred more in the lip (n = 13).

Conclusion

Odontogenic cysts were relatively common, whereas odontogenic tumours and non‐odontogenic cysts were rarer among the older people studied in the present investigation.
Extracellular matrix components indicate remodelling activity in different fibrosis stages of human non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Munsterman Isabelle D , Kendall Timothy J , Khelil Nawel , Popa Madalina , Lomme Roger , Drenth Joost P H , Tjwa Eric T T L
Published: June 2018

Aims

The composition of several important extracellular matrix components (ECM) has not yet been elucidated in human non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to investigate the proportion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in human NAFLD liver tissue with respect to severity of inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods and results

Histopathological features were quantified by NAFLD activity score and grading assignment. The collagen proportionate area (CPA) was measured. Slides were stained with alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), as a marker of activated HSCs, and α‐SMA was quantified digitally. Zymography was performed to measure the proteolytic activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 protein concentration was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). α‐SMA was higher in severe fibrosis (6.3%, interquartile range 2.9–13.1) than mild and no fibrosis (median 1.1 and 0.9%, P < 0.001) and correlated strongly with CPA (Rs = 0.870, P < 0.001). ProMMP‐2 activity in severe (4.1%, IQR 2.6–16.2) and mild fibrosis (2.7%, IQR 1.9–3.9) was higher than in no fibrosis (1.5%, (IQR 0.95–2.1); P = 0.001 and P = 0.046) and showed a moderate positive correlation with CPA (Rs = 0.495, P = 0.001). TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were significantly higher in severe fibrosis than mild or no fibrosis. Both showed moderate correlation with CPA (TIMP‐1: Rs = 0.471, P = 0.002 and TIMP‐2: Rs = 0.325, P = 0.036). MMP‐9 correlated as the only ECM component to inflammation severity.

Conclusions

Advanced human NAFLD‐fibrosis has a distinct ECM composition with increased HSCs and increased TIMP inhibition, but there is also ongoing remodelling activity of MMP‐2.
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: clinical and molecular review
Authors: Reyes‐Reali Julia , Mendoza‐Ramos María Isabel , Garrido‐Guerrero Efraín , Méndez‐Catalá Claudia F. , Méndez‐Cruz Adolfo R. , Pozo‐Molina Glustein
Published: June 2018

Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED) is a genetic human disorder which affects structures of ectodermal origin. Although there are autosomal recessive and dominant forms, X‐linked (XL) is the most frequent form of the disease. This XL‐HED phenotype is associated with mutations in the gene encoding the transmembrane protein ectodysplasin‐1 (EDA1), a member of the TNFα‐related signaling pathway. The proteins from this pathway are involved in signal transduction from ectoderm to mesenchyme leading to the development of ectoderm‐derived structures in the fetus such as hair, teeth, skin, nails, and eccrine sweat glands. The aim of this review was to update the main clinical characteristics of HED regarding to recent molecular advances in the comprehension of all the possible genes involved in this group of disorders since it is known that Eda‐A1‐Edar signaling has multiple roles in ectodermal organ development, regulating their initiation, morphogenesis, and differentiation steps. The knowledge of the biological mechanisms that generate HED is needed for both a better detection of possible cases and for the design of efficient prevention and treatment approaches.
Effect of grain hardness, fractionation and cultivars on protein, pasting and dough rheological properties of different wheat flours
Authors: Singh Narpinder , Katyal Mehak , Virdi Amardeep Singh , Kaur Amritpal , Goyal Annu , Ahlawat Arvind Kumar , Mahendru Singh Anju
Published: June 2018

Coarse flour fractions (CFFs) and fine flour fractions (FFFs) obtained from flour milled from twelve different wheat cultivars varying in grain hardness index (GHI) were evaluated for particle size distribution, pasting and protein characteristics. Cultivars with greater hardness produce flour with high protein content had more proportion of large size particles. FFF had higher unextractable polymeric protein, solvent retention capacity (SRC), sedimentation value (SV) and dough stability (DS) than their corresponding CFF. Both FFF and CFF from cultivars with lower hardness showed lower sodium SRC. CFF showed higher pasting viscosities than their corresponding FFF, and difference in these properties was greater amongst soft cultivars. DS increased with decrease in grain hardness, but medium hard cultivars showed exceptionally higher value. The concentration of HMW‐GS in the CFF was higher than FFF of hard wheat cultivars, whereas the concentration of LMW‐GS in the CFF and FFF was not influenced by the fractionation of flour.
Lactobacillus parabuchneri produces histamine in refrigerated cheese at a temperature‐dependent rate
Authors: Diaz Maria , del Rio Beatriz , Sanchez‐Llana Esther , Ladero Victor , Redruello Begoña , Fernández María , Martin Maria Cruz , Alvarez Miguel A.
Published: June 2018

High histamine concentrations in food can cause histamine poisoning. In spite of the cold chain, cheeses with high concentrations of histamine are on the market. In this work, we studied whether Lactobacillus parabuchneri, the microorganism mainly responsible for histamine accumulation in cheese, is able to grow and produce histamine at the usual temperature range of refrigerators. Further, we analysed whether refrigeration is really effective to prevent the accumulation of histamine in different types of cheeses supplemented with histidine and contaminated with L. parabuchneri. Our results showed L. parabuchneri to be able to grow and produce histamine at refrigeration temperatures. Moreover, L. parabuchneri produced toxic histamine concentrations in refrigerated cheeses from only 14 days. The results obtained in this work show that in the presence of L. parabuchneri, refrigeration delays but does not prevent the accumulation of toxic histamine levels in cheese.
The Americas’ Multi‐Polar Displacements as A New Pattern in Haitian‐French Guyanese Migrations
Authors: Zéphirin Romanovski
Published: June 2018

Migration shifts over time. The attractive immigration policy of French Guyana, which allowed Haitians to migrate in the early 1970s, was changed into a repulsive one in the mid‐1980s. This dramatic change modifies migrants’ linear trajectories from the Haitian departure point to the French Guyanese arrival. Many immigrants or would‐be immigrants use multi‐polar and scattered movements. They link origin, third and host countries in the Americas as a system of displacements where migrating becomes an inter‐American journey. On their way out to French Guyana, Haitian emigrants, before being immigrants are already migranrts. Multi‐polar displacements through multi‐polarized migration streams pass through the physical and cognitive borders of neighbouring states. Consequently, this new development in trajectories of Haitian migrations systemically connects de facto French Guyana to other migration poles in the American space and sets forth a theoretical and methodological consequentialness.
Real exchange rate appreciation after the financial crisis of 2008–2009: Misalignment or fundamental correction?
Authors: Caputo Rodrigo
Published: June 2018

In the aftermath of the 2008–2009 financial crisis, several emerging economies experienced substantial real exchange rate appreciations. From the point of view of policy makers, understanding the sources of these appreciations is crucial for designing efficient policy responses. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, we determine the extent to which appreciation episodes were determined by changes in fundamentals or if they constitute exchange rate misalignments. Second, we assess the impact that non‐fundamental variables have on the real exchange rate dynamics. Based on a reduced form model, we conclude that appreciation episodes, in the aftermath of the 2009 financial crisis, can be explained by two elements: (i) an improvement in fundamentals and (ii) a correction of past misalignments. Hence, the real appreciation observed since 2010 was driven, mostly, by fundamental elements. In terms of policy implications, our results suggest that appreciations in that period should have been tolerated by policy makers.
How does informed trading affect the information environment? Looking at the Chinese stock market from the perspective of the speed of information integration
Authors: Hu Yingyi
Published: June 2018

This paper investigates the informational environment of the Chinese stock market from the perspective of the integration speed for firm‐specific information and market‐wide information. Our empirical evidence shows that, while informed trading increases the integration speed for firm‐specific information as information asymmetry dissipates over time, the trading costs related to information asymmetry that results from informed trading on firm‐specific information negatively affect the integration speed for market‐wide information. This study provides evidence on the interaction between different information sets and could be generalized to, and has strong empirical implications for, other emerging markets that have more significant problems with information asymmetry.
Thermochemistry of BaSm2O4 and thermodynamic assessment of the BaO–Sm2O3 system
Authors: Gong Weiping , Ushakov Sergey V. , Agca Can , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: June 2018

The BaO–Sm2O3 system is of interest for the optimization of synthesis of electroceramics. The only systematic experimental study of phase equilibria in the system was performed more than 40 years ago. The reported experimental values of the enthalpy of formation of BaSm2O4 are in conflict, and the reported compound Ba3Sm4O9 has never been confirmed. In this work we synthesized BaSm2O4 by solid‐state reaction and determined its heat capacity, enthalpy of formation, and phase transitions by differential scanning calorimetry, high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry and ultra‐high‐temperature differential thermal analysis, respectively. We confirmed the existence of Ba3Sm4O9 and its apparent stability from 1873 to 2273 K by X‐ray diffraction on quenched laser‐melted samples but were not able to obtain single‐phase material for calorimetric measurements. The CALPHAD method was used to assess phase equilibria in the BaO–Sm2O3 system, using both available literature data and our new measurements. A self‐consistent thermodynamic database and the calculated phase diagram of the BaO–Sm2O3 system are provided. This work can be used to model and thus to understand the relationships among composition, temperature, and microstructure for multicomponent systems with BaO and Sm2O3.
Consensus‐based European guidelines for treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children: part II
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Barbarot S. , Bieber T. , Christen‐Zaech S. , Deleuran M. , Fink‐Wagner A. , Gieler U. , Girolomoni G. , Lau S. , Muraro A. , Czarnecka‐Operacz M. , Schäfer T. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Simon D. , Szalai Z. , Szepietowski J.C. , Taïeb A. , Torrelo A. , Werfel T. , Ring J. ,   the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis (ETFAD), European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA), the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP), the European Society of Pediatric Dermatology (ESPD), Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) and the European Union of Medical Specialists
Published: June 2018

This guideline was developed as a joint interdisciplinary European project, including physicians from all relevant disciplines as well as patients. It is a consensus‐based guideline, taking available evidence from other guidelines, systematic reviews and published studies into account. This second part of the guideline covers antimicrobial therapy, systemic treatment, allergen‐specific immunotherapy, complementary medicine, psychosomatic counselling and educational interventions, whereas the first part covers methods, patient perspective, general measures and avoidance strategies, basic emollient treatment and bathing, dietary intervention, topical anti‐inflammatory therapy, phototherapy and antipruritic therapy. Management of AE must consider the individual clinical variability of the disease. Systemic immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolic acid is established option for severe refractory cases, and widely available. Biologicals targeting the T helper 2 pathway such as dupilumab may be a safe and effective, disease‐modifying alternative when available. Oral drugs such as JAK inhibitors and histamine 4 receptor antagonists are in development. Microbial colonization and superinfection may cause disease exacerbation and can require additional antimicrobial treatment. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy with aeroallergens may be considered in selected cases. Psychosomatic counselling is recommended especially in stress‐induced exacerbations. Therapeutic patient education (‘Eczema school’) is recommended for children and adult patients. General measures, basic emollient treatment, bathing, dietary intervention, topical anti‐inflammatory therapy, phototherapy and antipruritic therapy have been addressed in the first part of the guideline.
Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and image analysis in the study of large surface‐associated marine species: a case study on reef sharksCarcharhinus melanopterusshoaling behaviour
Authors: Rieucau Guillaume , Kiszka Jeremy J. , Castillo Jose Carlos , Mourier Johann , Boswell Kevin M. , Heithaus Michael R.
Published: June 2018

A novel image analysis‐based technique applied to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey data is described to detect and locate individual free‐ranging sharks within aggregations. The method allows rapid collection of data and quantification of fine‐scale swimming and collective patterns of sharks. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique in a small‐scale case study exploring the shoaling tendencies of blacktip reef sharksCarcharhinus melanopterusin a large lagoon within Moorea, French Polynesia. Using our approach, we found thatC. melanopterusdisplayed increased alignment with shoal companions when distributed over a sandflat where they are regularly fed for ecotourism purposes as compared with when they shoaled in a deeper adjacent channel. Our case study highlights the potential of a relatively low‐cost method that combines UAV survey data and image analysis to detect differences in shoaling patterns of free‐ranging sharks in shallow habitats. This approach offers an alternative to current techniques commonly used in controlled settings that require time‐consuming post‐processing effort.
Astrocyte truncated tropomyosin receptor kinase B mediates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor anti‐apoptotic effect leading to neuroprotection
Authors: Saba Julieta , Turati Juan , Ramírez Delia , Carniglia Lila , Durand Daniela , Lasaga Mercedes , Caruso Carla
Published: June 2018

Astrocytes are glial cells that help maintain brain homeostasis and become reactive in neurodegenerative processes releasing both harmful and beneficial factors. We have demonstrated that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression is induced by melanocortins in astrocytes but BDNF actions in astrocytes are largely unknown. We hypothesize that BDNF may prevent astrocyte death resulting in neuroprotection. We found that BDNF increased astrocyte viability, preventing apoptosis induced by serum deprivation by decreasing active caspase 3 and p53 expression. The anti‐apoptotic action of BDNF was abolished by ANA‐12 (a specific TrkB antagonist) and by K252a (a general Trk antagonist). Astrocytes only express the BDNF receptor TrkB‐truncated isoform 1, TrkB‐T1. BDNF induced ERK, Akt, and Src (a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase) activation in astrocytes. Blocking ERK and Akt pathways abolished BDNF protection in serum deprivation‐induced cell death. Moreover, BDNF protected astrocytes from death by 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP), an effect also blocked by ANA‐12, K252a, and inhibitors of ERK, calcium, and Src. BDNF reduced reactive oxygen species levels induced in astrocytes by 3‐NP and increased xCT expression and glutathione levels. Astrocyte‐conditioned medium (ACM) from untreated astrocytes partially protected PC12 neurons, whereas ACM from BDNF‐treated astrocytes completely protected PC12 neurons from 3‐NP‐induced apoptosis. Both ACM from control and BDNF‐treated astrocytes markedly reduced reactive oxygen species levels induced by 3‐NP in PC12 cells. Our results demonstrate that BDNF protects astrocytes from cell death through TrkB‐T1 signaling, exerts an antioxidant action, and induces release of neuroprotective factors from astrocytes.

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Vaping Viewpoints: A Multi‐Segment Understanding of E‐Cigarette Risk Perceptions
Authors: Farrell Justine Rapp , Hamby Anne M.
Published: June 2018

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are battery‐operated devices used to deliver nicotine by vapor and are positioned as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. As a recent entrant to the market, little is known about how consumers perceive the health risks of these devices, raising the question of whether consumers are making informed product adoption and use choices. Study 1 evaluates different consumer usage segments (vapers, smokers, dual users, and nonusers) in terms of their level of perceived risk. Study 2 examines how different groups of consumers' risk perceptions are influenced by on‐ad warning labels. Results show that vapers operate as a distinct consumer segment with lower perceptions of harm than other segments, although illustrate greater likelihood to respond to health messaging and on‐ad warning information.
Navigating panethnic categorization in the workplace: A study of British Sri Lankan employees
Authors: Fernando Dulini , Kenny Etlyn
Published: June 2018

A wide range of ethnic groups make up labour markets in most advanced economies. However, we lack a nuanced understanding of how specific groups experience minority ethnic identity within the workplace. This article addresses how an under‐represented minority ethnic group, British Sri Lankans, experience being assigned a broad Asian panethnic identity in their workplace, which is both positively and negatively stereotyped. Drawing on theories of social identity‐based impression management and self‐stereotyping, we highlight how individuals responded to panethnic stereotypes imposed on them by both claiming and rejecting a broader Asian identity, and at the same time attempting to carve out a more distinctive British Sri Lankan identity. We advance knowledge of the multi‐level nature of ethnic identity, demonstrating ways in which movement between superordinate and subordinate levels of ethnic identity can occur. Counter‐intuitively, we suggest that individuals’ positive self‐stereotyping efforts may, over time, contribute to a more constricted career path that may leave them less prepared for senior management positions.

Practitioner points

To help facilitate the development of genuinely inclusive organizations and maximize the use of available talent, practitioners need to be vigilant about the prevalence of ethnic group stereotypes in contemporary work settings.

Practitioners should not discourage conversations around ethnicity and culture at work, but they should make it clear that the aim is not to encourage the proliferation of group stereotypes. Proliferation of group stereotypes may contribute to unconscious bias.
A Novel Extended Range Attachment System to Retain Implant Overdentures: A Clinical Report
Authors: Baba Nadim Z. , Al‐Harbi Fahad A. , AlRumaih Hamad S. , AlShehri Abdulkareem
Published: June 2018

Various attachment systems have been used to facilitate the retention, stability, and support of overdentures. The low profile design, pivoting technology, and durability of the Locator attachment made it one of the commonly used tissue‐supported implant‐retained overdentures. It has been successfully used to retain overdentures as well as partial dentures. This article describes the uses of the new Locator R‐Tx abutment and illustrates both the direct and indirect techniques used to process the denture attachment housing into the prosthesis to retain overdentures and partial dentures.
Emotional overactivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Fournier A. , Mondillon L. , Dantzer C. , Gauchez A.‐S. , Ducros V. , Mathieu N. , Faure P. , Canini F. , Bonaz B. , Pellissier S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Negativity is often observed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No study has examined their emotional expressiveness as a marker of emotional reactivity. We investigated IBS patients’ vulnerability to an emotional load by associating their expressiveness with psychological and neurophysiological assessments. We hypothesized that IBS would be characterized by a lack of expressiveness coupled with high scores in psychological and neurophysiological parameters.

Methods

We assessed the emotional facial expressions (EMFACS), psychological (anxiety, depression, alexithymia), and neurophysiological (cortisol, heart rate variability (HRV)) parameters of 25 IBS patients and 26 healthy controls (HC) while they watched fear‐eliciting movie extracts.

Key Results

Overall, the task elicited an increase in state anxiety and consistent HRV responses. However, IBS patients differed from HC as they displayed more sadness and tended to display more rage. Contrary to HC, IBS patients showed an increase in heart rate and a decrease in parasympathetic regulation, reflecting an enhanced responsiveness corroborated by higher scores in depression and state anxiety. Consistent with their higher difficulty in identifying feelings, a component of alexithymia positively correlated with their expressions of rage, they were not aware of their increase in anxiety during the task, whereas HC were. No linear relationship between patients’ expressions and their neurophysiological responses was found.

Conclusions & Inferences

Irritable bowel syndrome patients displayed greater emotional expressiveness with negative prevalence. This reflects an emotional vulnerability potentially related to low regulation skills and underscores the importance of considering the central dysregulation hypothesis in IBS as a promising avenue of research.
Comparative Study Between M6‐C and Mobi‐C Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Outcomes and Comparison with Normative Data
Authors: Pham My , Phan Kevin , Teng Ian , Mobbs Ralph J
Published: June 2018

Objective

Cervical spondylosis affects a huge proportion of the middle‐aged population. Degenerative changes can occur in multiple regions of the cervical spine typically affecting the joints, intervertebral discs and endplates. These changes lead to compression of adjacent nervous structures, which results in radiculopathic and myelopathic pain. Various treatment modalities are currently available with non‐surgical approaches the initial go to if there is no symptomatic cord compression. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or arthroplasty are the two common surgical approaches if non‐surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms of the patients or there are signs of central cord compression. However, studies have shown that there is an increased risk of adjacent segment disease related to fusion. Cervical disc arthroplasty aims to restore normal range of motion (ROM) in patients with pain and disability due to degenerative disc disease resistant to conservative care. Two common disc prostheses used include M6‐C and Mobi‐C. Both prostheses comprise a mobile polymer segment sandwiched between two metal endplates with mechanisms resembling an actual intervertebral disc. This study aims to compare the kinematics associated with these prostheses, against the normal range of motion in the non‐degenerative population.

Method

Patients who underwent M6‐C or Mobi‐C disc replacements by the senior author from 2012 to 2015 were identified at a single tertiary institution. Routine 3‐month postoperative lateral radiographs were analyzed for flexion and extension ROM angles at the involved vertebral level by two independent authors. Data was compared to previous published studies investigating cervical spine ROM of asymptomatic patients.

Results

There was no statistical significance in the difference of overall flexion range between M6‐C and Mobi‐C prostheses. However, overall range of extension of Mobi‐C was greater compared to M6‐C (P = 0.028). At C5–6, the range of flexion for both implants were similar but lesser compared to asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001). Range of extension was greater in the Mobi‐C group (14.2° ± 5.1°) compared to the M6‐C (7.3° ± 4.6°) (P = 0.0009). At C6–7, there were no statistical differences in both range of flexion and extension between the two prostheses and asymptomatic patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The early results regarding restoration of ROM following cervical arthroplasty using either M6‐C or Mobi‐C prosthesis are encouraging. Long‐term follow‐up studies are necessary to observe the change in ROM over time with physiological loading and wear patterns.
CorVue algorithm efficacy to predict heart failure in real life: Unnecessary and potentially misleading information?
Authors: Palfy Julia Anna , Benezet‐Mazuecos Juan , Martinez Milla Juan , Iglesias Jose Antonio , de la Vieja Juan Jose , Sanchez‐Borque Pepa , Miracle Angel , Rubio Jose Manuel
Published: June 2018

Background

Heart failure (HF) hospitalizations have a negative impact on quality of life and imply important costs. Intrathoracic impedance (ITI) variations detected by cardiac devices have been hypothesized to predict HF hospitalizations. Although Optivol™ algorithm (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) has been widely studied, CorVue™ algorithm's (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) long‐term efficacy has not been systematically evaluated in a “real‐life” cohort.

Methods

CorVue™ was activated in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) patients to store information about ITI measures. Clinical events (new episodes of HF requiring treatment and hospitalizations) and CorVue™ data were recorded every 3 months. Appropriate CorVue™ detection for HF was considered if it occurred in the 4 prior weeks to the clinical event.

Results

Fifty‐three ICD/CRT‐D (26 ICD and 27 CRT‐D) patients (67 ± 1 years old, 79% male) were included. Device position was subcutaneous in 28 patients. At inclusion, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 25 ± 7% and 27 patients (51%) were in New York Heart Association class I, 18 (34%) in class II, and eight (15%) in class III. After a mean follow‐up of 17 ± 9 months, 105 ITI drops alarms were detected in 32 patients (60%). Only six alarms were appropriate (true positive) and required hospitalization. Eighteen patients (34%) presented 25 clinical episodes (12 hospitalizations and 13 emergency room/ambulatory treatment modifications). Nineteen of these clinical episodes (76%) remained undetected by the CorVue™ (false negative). Sensitivity of CorVue™ resulted in 24%, specificity was 70%, positive predictive value of 6%, and negative predictive value of 93%.

Conclusions

CorVue™ showed a low sensitivity to predict HF events. Therefore, routinely activation of this algorithm could generate misleading information.
Clinical performance of different DF‐4 implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads
Authors: Sarrazin Jean‐François , Philippon François , Sellier Romain , André Philippe , O'Hara Gilles , Molin Franck , Nault Isabelle , Blier Louis , Champagne Jean
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) DF‐4 connectors have been introduced to facilitate defibrillator lead connection and to reduce the size of device header. There are limited data regarding the overall performance of those leads and no comparison between different ICD DF‐4 leads.

Methods

This is a cohort study of consecutive patients implanted with ICD DF‐4 lead system at one University Centre between October 2010 and February 2015. A historical control group of patients with ICD DF‐1 lead implantation was used for comparison. The following ICD DF‐4 leads were evaluated: St. Jude Medical Durata 7122Q (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), Medtronic Sprint Quattro Secure 6935 M (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), Boston Scientific Endotak Reliance 4‐Site 0293 (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA), and Boston Scientific Reliance 4‐Front 0693. This study evaluated the acute and mid‐term performances of those leads as well as complications.

Results

A total of 812 patients (age 63 ± 12 years, 80% male, left ventricular ejection fraction 31 ± 12%) underwent implantation of an ICD DF‐4 lead. Acute and follow‐up R‐wave sensing and threshold were excellent. Compared to implantation, intrinsic R waves were higher at follow‐up for Boston Scientific and Medtronic leads, and pacing lead impedances were lower for all leads at first follow‐up (P < 0.001). The number of lead dislodgement or failure was similar between all leads. The estimated lead survival rates at 3 years were 95.6% for Boston Scientific Endotak 4‐Site, 97.1% for Boston Scientific 4‐Front, 97.7% for Medtronic Sprint Quattro, and 97.5% for St. Jude Durata (P  =  0.553).

Conclusion

All ICD DF‐4 leads had excellent acute and mid‐term electrical performances. Longer follow‐up will be necessary to confirm their sustained performance.
Distinct impacts of heart rate and right atrial‐pacing on left atrial mechanical activation and optimal AV delay in CRT
Authors: Kyriacou Andreas , Rajkumar Christopher A. , Pabari Punam A. , Sohaib S.M. Afzal , Willson Keith , Peters Nicholas S. , Lim Phang B. , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Hughes Alun D. , Mayet Jamil , Whinnett Zachary I. , Francis Darrel P.
Published: June 2018

Background

Controversy exists regarding how atrial activation mode and heart rate affect optimal atrioventricular (AV) delay in cardiac resynchronization therapy. We studied these questions using high‐reproducibility hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements.

Methods

Twenty patients were hemodynamically optimized using noninvasive beat‐to‐beat blood pressure at rest (62 ± 11 beats/min), during exercise (80 ± 6 beats/min), and at three atrially paced rates: 5, 25, and 45 beats/min above rest, denoted as Apaced,r+5, Apaced,r+25, and Apaced,r+45, respectively. Left atrial myocardial motion and transmitral flow were timed echocardiographically.

Results

During atrial sensing, raising heart rate shortened optimal AV delay by 25 ± 6 ms (P < 0.001). During atrial pacing, raising heart rate from Apaced,r+5 to Apaced,r+25 shortened it by 16 ± 6 ms; Apaced,r+45 shortened it 17 ± 6 ms further (P < 0.001).

In comparison to atrial‐sensed activation, atrial pacing lengthened optimal AV delay by 76 ± 6 ms (P < 0.0001) at rest, and at ∼20 beats/min faster, by 85 ± 7 ms (P < 0.0001), 9 ± 4 ms more (P  =  0.017). Mechanically, atrial pacing delayed left atrial contraction by 63 ± 5 ms at rest and by 73 ± 5 ms (i.e., by 10 ± 5 ms more, P < 0.05) at ∼20 beats/min faster.

Raising atrial rate by exercise advanced left atrial contraction by 7 ± 2 ms (P  =  0.001). Raising it by atrial pacing did not (P  =  0.2).

Conclusions

Hemodynamic optimal AV delay shortens with elevation of heart rate. It lengthens on switching from atrial‐sensed to atrial‐paced at the same rate, and echocardiography shows this sensed‐paced difference in optima results from a sensed‐paced difference in atrial electromechanical delay.

The reason for the widening of the sensed‐paced difference in AV optimum may be physiological stimuli (e.g., adrenergic drive) advancing left atrial contraction during exercise but not with fast atrial pacing.
Ivabradine is an effective antiarrhythmic therapy for congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy during infancy: Case studies
Authors: Ergul Yakup , Ozturk Erkut , Ozgur Senem , Ozyurt Abdullah , Cilsal Erman , Guzeltas Alper
Published: June 2018

Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a rare form of arrhythmia that is most commonly seen during infancy. JET is continuous and incessant, characterized by persistently high heart rates that may result in impaired cardiac function and tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy. Despite the availability of multiple antiarrhythmic treatments, including flecainide and amiodarone, management of JET is generally very difficult. Catheter ablation has a high risk of atrioventricular block and it may require the placement of a pacemaker. Ivabradine, also known as a cardiac pacemaker cell inhibitor, is a new‐generation antiarrhythmic used to treat sinus tachycardia and angina pectoris in adult patients. In this article, we present three cases of subjects with infantile congenital JET who were admitted to our clinic with a tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy. The age of the subjects ranged from 52 days to 10 months. Although the cases of tachycardia could not be controlled by multiple antiarrhythmics, including a combination of amiodarone and flecainide combined with either propranolol or digoxin, they were rapidly converted into sinus rhythm with an ivabradine treatment of 0.1–0.2 mg/kg/day. No cardiac or other side effects were observed during ivabradine treatment, and left ventricular functions and rhythms improved within 24 hours. These three cases therefore provide hope that ivabradine may be a suitable standard initial treatment for congenital JET. However, additional research is needed to confirm the validity of these results in other circumstances.
IGG3 anti‐HLA donor‐specific antibodies and graft function in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Hamdani Gilad , Goebel Jens W. , Brailey Paul , Portwood Elizabeth A. , Hooper David K. , Girnita Alin L.
Published: June 2018

Anti‐HLA DSAs are associated with ABMR and graft loss in KT recipients, yet the influence of DSA IgG subclass on outcomes in pediatric KT recipients is not completely understood. We performed a single‐center retrospective chart review of pediatric KT recipients with anti‐HLA DSAs, aiming to study the association between specific DSA IgG subclasses and graft outcomes, including ABMR and significant graft dysfunction (graft loss or 50% decrease in eGFR). Thirty‐six patients (mean age 15.4y) with DSAs initially detected 1 month‐14.3 years post‐transplantation were followed for a median of 2.8 years. Rates of IgG1, 2, 3, and 4 subclass detection were 92%, 33%, 58%, and 25%, respectively. Twenty‐two patients (61%) had clinical ABMR, whereas 19% had subclinical ABMR, and 13 (36%) experienced significant graft dysfunction. Patients with IgG3+ DSAs had a higher risk of graft dysfunction compared with IgG3‐ patients (52% vs 13%, P = .03). In a multiple Cox proportional regression analysis, the presence of IgG3+ DSA was independently associated with significant graft dysfunction (HR 10.45, 95% CI 1.97‐55.55, P = .006). In conclusion, IgG3 subclass DSAs are associated with graft dysfunction and may be useful for risk stratification and treatment decisions in DSA‐positive pediatric KT recipients.
Non‐invasive staging of chronic kidney allograft damage using urine metabolomic profiling
Authors: Landsberg Adina , Sharma Atul , Gibson Ian W. , Rush David , Wishart David S. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D.
Published: June 2018

Chronic kidney allograft damage is characterized by IFTA and GS. We sought to identify urinary metabolite signatures associated with severity of IFTA and GS in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Urine samples (n = 396) from 60 pediatric transplant recipients were obtained at the time of kidney biopsy and assayed for 133 metabolites by mass spectrometry. Metabolite profiles were quantified via PLS‐DA. We used mixed‐effects regression to identify laboratory and clinical predictors of histopathology. Urine samples (n = 174) without rejection or AKI were divided into training/validation sets (75:25%). Metabolite classifiers trained on IFTA severity and %GS showed strong statistical correlation (r = .73, P < .001 and r = .72; P < .001, respectively) and remained significant on the validation sets. Regression analysis identified additional clinical features that improved prediction: months post‐transplant (GS, IFTA); and proteinuria, GFR, and age (GS only). Addition of clinical variables improved performance of the %GS classifier (AUC = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.85‐0.96) but not for IFTA (AUC = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.71‐0.92). Despite the presence of potentially confounding phenotypes, these findings were further validated in samples withheld for rejection or AKI. We identify urine metabolite classifiers for IFTA and GS, which may prove useful for non‐invasive assessment of histopathological damage.
Differences in the effects of informal family caregiving on health and life satisfaction between wives and husbands as caregivers
Authors: Wakabayashi Midori , Kureishi Wataru
Published: June 2018

We analyze whether or not informal family caregiving worsens caregivers’ health and life satisfaction among Japanese married middle‐aged and elderly individuals from the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement. Unlike previous studies, we distinguish between wives and husbands as caregivers and between one's own and one's spouse's parents as care recipients. We find women's depressive state is negatively associated with caregiving for spousal parents both in our instrumental variable estimations and fixed‐effect panel analysis, and also find women's life satisfaction is negatively associated with caregiving for spousal parents in our fixed‐effect panel analysis, though only marginally so. However, as our results are marginally significant, caregiving for either own or spousal parents does not seem to matter much for caregiver's health or life satisfaction. All that can be said for certain in our paper is that men's subjective health, depressive state, and life satisfaction are generally less sensitive to informal care, for both spousal and own parents, than that of women.
An extended household model of eldercare by children and children‐in‐law based on Far‐Eastern traditions
Authors: Grossbard Shoshana
Published: June 2018

A model of informal caregiving is presented in which decisions are made by extended households including parents and children. An extended household possibly has both a demand and a supply of elder caregiving by children‐in‐law. A patrilocal version of the model, inspired from traditional Chinese marriage institutions adopted by a number of countries in the Far East, leads to derived demands for caregiving by daughters‐in‐law and supplies of caregiving by families of daughters. Market equilibrium prices for caregiving by children‐in‐law are established. These prices then provide incentives to which individual households respond. Payments can be made during, before, or after marriage. The model can throw light on gender differences in marital happiness, differences in the impact of eldercare on the health of in‐family caregivers and on their happiness, and East/West and regional differences in caregiving obligations of family members. It also suggests that these geographic differentials may be related to variation in family institutions, including variation in the prevalence of dowry and brideprice. The policy relevance of the model is discussed.
Occupation pension for public employees in the People's Republic of China: A new approach with defined benefit underpin pension plan
Authors: Chen Kai
Published: June 2018

The State Council of the People's Republic of China announced a reformed pension plan for public employees with the occupation pension plan in January 2015, officially disclosing that the social pension systems for private and public employees will be unified. Our proposed occupation pension plan for public employees is one of the important components in transiting from a dual‐track pension system to a sustainable and unified system. We aim at providing a pension design, that is, the defined benefit (DB) underpin pension with estimates of the costs and benefits. We have used a financial engineering approach to calculate the hedge contribution for a DB underpin hybrid pension plan benefit. We also treat pension benefit and salaries in aggregate. Therefore, we propose a stochastic and exogenous salary model. Employees’ total benefits can be determined by multiple factors, such as inflation, economic environment, and employer's preference. However, the expectation of employees’ total benefits should not be affected by the change of salary and pension benefits. Our results could facilitate the ongoing pension reform in the People's Republic of China, providing a rigorous benchmark with public policy implications as to plan design, cost estimation, as well as risk management approach.
The Instability of Truth: Aspects of Developing a Specific Indigenous Methodology on Experimental Practice‐Led Research
Authors: Croft Brenda L.
Published: June 2018

This visual essay aims to incisively intervene in the colonial construction of “Aboriginality,” which continues to have a significant bearing on the nature of self‐identification for Indigenous people in Australia. It elaborates culturally appropriate and attenuated models for representing a singular Gurindji‐specific history, and the contemporary experience for those culturally affiliated with the Gurindji people—whether on customary lands or part of a dispossessed sub(altern) group within one’s own country. Through a body of experimental moving‐image/video/film/sound and body/performance, shown in conjunction with multimedia, including installation, it probes a dynamic and fluid methodology to involve family and community members in a practice‐led research from an Indigenous auto‐ethnographic, performative immersive, insider/outsider standpoint.