bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic crisis and determinants of solvency in the insurance sector: new evidence from Spain
Authors: Moreno Ignacio , Parrado‐Martínez Purificación , Trujillo‐Ponce Antonio
Published: December 2018

This paper analyses the factors that determine the solvency of insurance companies operating in Spain. The selected time span, from 2008 to 2015, encompasses a period of economic instability characterised by record low interest rates and low or even negative economic growth. Using a dynamic panel data model, we conclude that actual solvency margins are positively related to profitability, underwriting risk and a mutual‐type organisation but inversely related to size, reinsurance use, longer‐tailed business and life insurance specialisation. We also find that less concentrated markets and the context of an economic crisis decrease solvency margins.
Corporate distress prediction in China: a machine learning approach
Authors: Jiang Yi , Jones Stewart
Published: December 2018

Rapid growth and transformation of the Chinese economy and financial markets coupled with escalating default rates, rising corporate debt and poor regulatory oversight motivates the need for more accurate distress prediction modelling in China. Given China's historical, social and cultural intolerance towards corporate failure, this study examines the Special Treatment system introduced by Chinese regulators in 1998. Regulators can assign Special Treatment status to listed Chinese companies for poor financial performance, financial abnormality and other events. Using an advanced machine learning model known as TreeNet® we model more than 90 predictor variables, including financial ratios, market returns, macro‐economic indicators, valuation multiples, audit quality factors, shareholder ownership/control, executive compensation variables, corporate social responsibility metrics and other variables. Based on out‐of‐sample tests, our TreeNet® model is 93.74 percent accurate in predicting distress (a Type I error rate of 6.26 percent) and 94.81 percent accurate in predicting active/healthy companies (a Type II error rate of 5.19 percent). Variables with the strongest predictive value in the TreeNet® model includes market capitalization and annual market returns, macro‐economic variables such as gross domestic product growth, financial ratios such as retained earnings to total assets and return on assets; and certain non‐traditional variables such as executive compensation.
Seasonal flight activity and genetic relatedness ofTorymusspecies in Italy
Authors: Pogolotti Cristina , Cuesta‐Porta Victor , Pujade‐Villar Juli , Ferracini Chiara
Published: December 2018

Torymus sinensisKamijo was released into Europe to control the Asian chestnut gall waspDryocosmus kuriphilusYasumatsu, proving to be an effective biocontrol agent.

In Japan, hybrids between this exotic parasitoid and the native congenericTorymus beneficusYasumatsu and Kamijo have been recorded, whereas no case of hybridization with natives has been reported for Europe.

The seasonal phenology of theTorymusspecies was investigated in north‐west Italy and 172 997 chestnut galls (Castaneaspp.), 7866 oak galls (Quercusspp.), 29 wild rose galls (Rosaspp.) and 44 bramble galls (Rubusspp.) were collected over a 5‐year period.

The seasonal flight activity was recorded for eight nativeTorymusspecies [Torymus affinis(Fonscolombe),Torymus auratus(Müller),Torymus bedeguaris(L.),Torymus calcaratusNees,Torymus cyaneusWalker,Torymus flavipes(Walker),Torymus geranii(Walker) andTorymus notatus(Walker)] and five of them were found to overlap withT. sinensisflight, namelyT. affinis,T. auratus,T. flavipes,T. geraniiandT. notatus.

Among theTorymusnative species,T. notatusrevealed to be morphologically and phylogenetically closely related toT. sinensis, thus suggesting hybridization potential.
Neurologic recovery after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in rats: A description of a long‐term survival model without blood priming
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Zeng Qingdong , Li Yongnan , Liu Gang , Ji Bingyang
Published: December 2018

Brain injury associated with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) has been recognized in patients with congenital heart diseases and those undergoing aortic arch surgeries. However, the preclinical investigation of long‐term cerebral injury and recovery mechanisms related to DHCA has been restricted to a satisfactory recovery animal model with a determined recovery time. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a long‐term surviving DHCA model without blood priming in rats, in order to investigate the pathophysiology of long‐term complications in further studies. Twelve Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: sham group (n = 3) and DHCA group (n = 9). The DHCA group was further assigned to the surviving time of postoperative day 2, 14, and 30 (n = 3, respectively). The entire cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit consisted of a modified reservoir, a custom‐designed small‐volume membrane oxygenator, a roller pump and a heater/cooler. A 24‐G catheter was cannulated in the branch of the left femoral artery for arterial blood pressure monitoring. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established via the right external jugular vein–right atrium and tail artery. Rats were cooled to a rectal temperature of 18°C, followed by 30 minutes of DHCA with global ischemia. After re‐warming for approximately 40 minutes, the animals were weaned from the CPB at 35.5°C. Blood gas and hemodynamic parameters were recorded preoperatively and intraoperatively, and at 2, 14, and 30 days postoperatively. Thereafter, the brains were perfusion fixed and histologically analyzed. All DHCA processes were successfully achieved, and none of the rats died. Blood gas analysis and hemodynamic parameters at each time point were normal, and vital signs of all rats were stable. Histopathologic deficits in the hippocampus (pathological score, surviving hippocampal neurons, and Ki67‐positive neurons) manifested after 30 minutes of DHCA, which persisted for at least 14 days and recovered after 30 days. A novel and simple long‐term recovery model of DHCA in rats was established in the present study, and histopathologic deficits were observed after clinically relevant 30‐minute DHCA durations, in order to determine the 30‐day recovery time frame.
Vitreous Wiping, a new technique for removal of vitreous cortex remnants during vitrectomy
Authors: van Overdam Koen A. , van Etten Peter G. , van Meurs Jan C. , Manning Sonia S.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Unremoved vitreoschisis‐induced vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) are associated with macular pathology. When present on the retinal periphery, they may play a role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and retinal detachment after vitrectomy. Existing instruments for their removal involve substantial risk of iatrogenic retinal damage. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a new technique, Vitreous Wiping, for removal of VCR during vitrectomy.

Methods

Proof‐of‐concept case series of six eyes (six patients) treated with vitrectomy for various pathologies (macula‐on and macula‐off retinal detachment, macular hole, macular pucker and vitreous floaters). Vitreous cortex remnants on the surface of the retina were visualized with triamcinolone and removed by Vitreous Wiping with a rectangular piece of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) held with intra‐ocular forceps. Visual acuity and clinical course were assessed during a follow‐up of 6 months. All eyes underwent postoperative macular optical coherence tomography. Eyes without preoperative macular pathology, underwent retinal sensitivity testing and eyes without paracentral pathology underwent visual field analysis.

Results

Vitreous cortex remnants could be removed completely in all eyes. There were no intra‐ or postoperative complications. We observed that PVA is soft like a sponge and vitreous sticks to it, making Vitreous Wiping easier and safer, compared to alternative instruments. Visual acuity improved in all eyes. Microperimetry and visual field analysis revealed no abnormalities related to Vitreous Wiping.

Conclusion

Vitreoschisis‐induced VCR can be removed effectively and safely from the retinal surface by Vitreous Wiping. Larger studies are needed to confirm this promising finding and its potential impact.
Model that predicted death or disabilities in premature infants was valid at seven years of age
Authors: Piris Borregas Salvador , Torres Valdivieso María José , Martín‐Arriscado Cristina , de la Cruz Bértolo Javier , Sierra García Purificación , Pallás Alonso Carmen Rosa
Published: December 2018

Aim

Validated a model that used bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), brain injuries measured using ultrasound and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) to predict late death or disability in premature infants at seven years of age.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed at the 12 de Octubre Hospital neonatal unit in Madrid. A logistic model was applied to estimate the independent prognostic contribution of each morbidity, and the effect that the combination of morbidities had on the seven‐year outcomes. The analysis was performed on the total cohort from 1991 to 2008 and on two subcohorts from 1991 to 1998 and 1999 to 2008.

Results

A total of 1001 children were included with a mean birth weight of 922 ± 208 g. Severe ROP was strongly associated with poor neurodevelopment, with an odds ratio (OR) 3.17 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.56–6.50, and so was BPD (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03–2.2). The combination of two neonatal morbidities increased the risk of a poor outcome (OR 4.44, 95% CI: 1.51–7.86). The model behaved differently in the two subcohorts.

Conclusion

The prognostic model predicted a poor outcome at seven years of age when the subjects had at least two of the three morbidities.
Iron‐fortified formula use in young children and association with socioeconomic factors in the French nationwide ELFE cohort
Authors: Sacri Anne‐Sylvia , de Lauzon–Guillain Blandine , Dufourg Marie‐Noëlle , Bois Corinne , Charles Marie‐Aline , Chalumeau Martin
Published: December 2018

Aim

To study the rate of iron‐fortified infant formula (IFF) use in young children in France and its association with socioeconomic factors.

Methods

The ELFE national birth cohort included, in 2011, 18 329 living births in 349 hospitals randomly selected. The present analyses were restricted to children with follow‐up at age two years. Milk consumption was evaluated by parental telephone interview, and its association with socioeconomic factors was studied.

Results

The 12 341 analysed children had a mean age of 26 months; 50% were girls. Rate of IFF use before two years old and at two years old was 65% and 43%, respectively. At age two years, use of IFF was lower with young age of the mother (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.5), low educational level (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9), high parity (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.4), and mother smoking (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–0.9) as well as low household income (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.7), and parents’ unemployment (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.9).

Conclusion

In this national population‐based study, the rate of implementation of the ID prevention strategy was much lower at two years old than before two years old, and significantly lower in disadvantaged populations.
Review shows that thyroid hormone substitution could benefit transient hypothyroxinaemia of prematurity but treatment strategies need to be clarified
Authors: Eerdekens An , Langouche Lies , Van den Berghe Greet , Verhaeghe Johan , Naulaers Gunnar , Vanhole Christine
Published: December 2018

Aim

Thyroid hormones are crucial for foetal and neonatal brain development. This paper provides an overview of the normal role of thyroid hormones in foetal brain development and the pathophysiology of transient hypothyroxinaemia of prematurity (THOP). It also discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic controversies around THOP and looks at directions for future research.

Methods

We used the PubMed and Embase databases to identify papers published in English from 1969 to June 2018. This identified 20 papers about the impact of THOP on neurodevelopment and seven randomised controlled trials about therapeutic approaches from 1981–2016.

Results

THOP has been researched for more than three decades. The impact of temporarily low thyroxine levels, without any increase in pituitary‐secreted thyroid‐stimulating hormone at a critical timeframe in an infant's brain development, is still debated. Heterogeneity in THOP definitions, difficulties with thyroid hormone assessment, identifying patients at risk and a clear lack of sufficiently powered studies add to the current controversy. There are indications that thyroid hormone substitution might be useful in extremely low gestational age neonates with THOP.

Conclusion

Some preterm infants could benefit from THOP treatment, but more studies are needed to clarify further treatment strategies, including the optimal timing of initiation and duration.
Digital stethoscopes in paediatric medicine
Authors: Ramanathan Ashwin , Zhou Lindsay , Marzbanrad Faezeh , Roseby Robert , Tan Kenneth , Kevat Ajay , Malhotra Atul
Published: December 2018

Aim

To explore, synthesise and discuss currently available digital stethoscopes (DS) and the evidence for their use in paediatric medicine.

Methods

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of digital stethoscope use in paediatrics following searches of OVID Medline, Embase, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

Results

Six digital stethoscope makes were identified to have been used in paediatric focused studies so far. A total of 25 studies of DS use in paediatrics were included. We discuss the use of digital stethoscope technology in current paediatric medicine, comment on the technical properties of the available devices, the effectiveness and limitations of this technology, and potential uses in the fields of paediatrics and neonatology, from telemedicine to computer‐aided diagnostics.

Conclusion

Further validation and testing of available DS devices is required. Comparison studies between different types of DS would be useful in identifying strengths and flaws of each DS as well as identifying clinical situations for which each may be most appropriately suited.
The effects of presentation time on preference for curvature of real objects and meaningless novel patterns
Authors: Corradi Guido , Rosselló‐Mir Jaume , Vañó Javier , Chuquichambi Erick , Bertamini Marco , Munar Enric
Published: December 2018

Objects with curved contours are generally preferred to sharp‐angled ones. In this study, we aim to determine whether different presentation times influence this preference. We used images of real objects (experiment 1) and meaningless novel patterns (experiment 2). Participants had to select one of two images from a contour pair, curved and sharp‐angled versions of the same object/pattern. With real objects, the preference for curved versions was greatest when presented for 84 ms, and it faded when participants were given unlimited viewing time. Curved meaningless patterns were preferred when presented for 84 and 150 ms. However, in contrast to real objects, preference for meaningless patterns increased significantly in the unlimited viewing time condition. Participants discriminated poorly between the two versions (curved and sharp‐angled) of the meaningless patterns in the 84‐ and 150‐ms presentations (experiment 3). Therefore, in short times with meaningless patterns, participants selected mostly the curved version without being aware of the difference. In conclusion, presentation time, type of stimulus, and their interaction influence preference for curvature.
Phenotypes of circulating tumour cells predict time to castration resistance in metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Yun‐Jie , Kong Yun‐Yi , Li Gao‐Xiang , Wang Yue , Ye Ding‐Wei , Dai Bo
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To identify biomarkers that predict the response to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) of patients newly diagnosed with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) in order to improve therapeutic decision‐making, and to investigate whether the characterization of baseline circulating tumour cells (CTCs) would predict the effective period of standard ADT.

Materials and Methods

The study included 108 patients newly diagnosed with high‐volume metastatic CSPC. Enumeration and characterization of patients’ baseline CTCs (CTCs+ and CTCs−, indicating detectable and undetectable CTCs, respectively) were performed using the CanPatrol technique, which detects markers of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CTCs, and classifies CTCs into epithelial, biophenotypic and mesenchymal phenotypes.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 24 months, 90 patients (83.3%) progressed to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), 93 patients (86.1%) had detectable CTCs, and the median number of CTCs was 4. The rate of progression to CRPC was significantly higher for patients with mesenchymal CTCs+ than for patients with CTCs+/mesenchymal CTCs− and CTCs− (93.1% vs 71.4% and 73.3%; P = 0.013). The median time to CRPC for patients with mesenchymal CTCs+ was significantly shorter than for those with CTCs+/mesenchymal CTCs− and CTCs− (10.5 months vs 18.0 and 14.0 months; P = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that the CTC phenotype was the only independent prognostic factor influencing the progression of disease from CSPC to CRPC.

Conclusions

Characterization of baseline CTCs according to the EMT phenotype predicted the effective period of standard ADT for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic CSPC. These findings are important for counselling patients and designing clinical trials.
Urothelial cancer: a narrative review of the role of novel immunotherapeutic agents with particular reference to the management of non‐muscle‐invasive disease
Authors: Doyle Emma , Crew Jeremy , Mostafid Hugh , Tuthill Mark , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Gerristen Winald , Protheroe Andrew
Published: December 2018

Aim

This narrative review describes current guidelines for treating NMIBC, provides an overview of the principle behind immune checkpoint inhibition, and summarizes current evidence for checkpoint inhibitors in urothelial malignancy. Further, we discuss potential strategies for immune checkpoint inhibition in the management of NMIBC.

Background

Adjuvant intravesical BCG immunotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment for high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for decades but is associated with both a significant side effect profile and failure rate. Recently, a substantial body of trial data has been published demonstrating the successful use of systemic immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced urothelial malignancy and, in particular, a class of drugs known as ‘immune checkpoint inhibitors’. This has led to the approval of a number of these drugs by the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence and the US Food and Drug Administration, and ongoing trials are examining use in the management of NMIBC.

Methods

To identify relevant published data, using the PubMed/ Medline search engine, an online search of the Pubmed/ Medline archives was conducted using the terms bladder cancer' in combination with ‘checkpoint inhibitors’, and limited to articles in English published between 1966 and September 2017.To identify ongoing trials of interest but not yet published, a further search of the clinical trials.gov search engine was conducted using the term ‘non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer’.

Conclusion

There has been little advance in available adjuvant therapy for NMIBC treated with TURBT. Current intravesical therapies are associated with a high recurrence rate and significant side effect profile. The impending publication of the wealth of ongoing trials, both into the delivery and efficacy of checkpoint inhibition will direct the future treatment of NMIBC.
Significant antitumor effect of an antibody against TMEM180, a new colorectal cancer‐specific molecule
Authors: Yasunaga Masahiro , Saijou Shinji , Hanaoka Shingo , Anzai Takahiro , Tsumura Ryo , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: December 2018

The present state of therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is far from satisfactory, highlighting the need for new targets for this disease. We identified a new CRC‐specific molecule, TMEM180, a predicted 11‐pass transmembrane protein that apparently functions as a cation symporter. We developed an anti‐TMEM180 mAb and then succeeded in humanizing the mAb. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in CRC with the mAb showed a similar positivity rate as compared with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor mAb, and IHC with anti‐TMEM180 mAb did not show staining in major organs used in this study. Immune electron microscopy clearly indicated that TMEM180 was present on the tumor exosome. The TMEM180 promoter region contains 10 hypoxia‐responsive element consensus sequences; accordingly, SW480 cells upregulated TMEM180 under low‐oxygen conditions. Anti‐TMEM180 mAb has in vitro antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity activity, and SW480 CRC xenografts were eradicated by the mAb. These data indicate that TMEM180 may be a new CRC marker and that a mAb against this protein could be used as antibody‐based therapy against CRC.
An in silico approach to discover the best molecular modeling strategy for designing novel CDK4 inhibitors
Authors: Vasanthakumari Divya , Vadakkethil Lalithabhai Pushpa , Kanthimathi Bahuleyan Manoj
Published: December 2018

Designing of new potential specific inhibitors for CDK4 is very important in cancer therapy. The imperative features that can inhibit CDK4 were identified and refined by docking under standard precision mode, extra precision mode, extra precision mode with core constraints, and induced fit using extra precision protocol. Statistically significant correlation was observed when docking experiments in the extra precision mode carried out by applying core constraints in the ligand molecule which forms two specific hydrogen bonds with Val 96 of CDK4. Importance of solvent molecule was understood by molecular dynamic simulation studies. The presence of a water molecule which forms a hydrogen bond with Asp158 increased the binding affinity between the ligand and CDK4. Hydrogen bonding interactions, pi–pi stacking interactions, and salt bridge formation were the key interactions contributing to the increased inhibitory value. All these findings were supported by the high correlation between pIC50 and glide emodel values. Binding energy determinations under various conditions also support these findings. Thus, extra precision docking with ligand constraints through the insertion of water molecule effectively classified the actives and inactives of given set of molecules and can be used for virtual screening of new molecules for promising biological activity.
Clinical benefit of high resolution anorectal manometry for the evaluation of anal function after intersphincteric resection
Authors: Kitaguchi D. , Nishizawa Y. , Sasaki T. , Tsukada Y. , Ito M.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is an advanced anus‐preserving operation for treating low rectal cancer while avoiding colostomy. High‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) allows objective and accurate evaluation of anal function. However, correlations between anal function after ISR and HR‐ARM parameters are unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate HR‐ARM for objective evaluation of anal function after ISR.

Method

A total of 81 patients who underwent ISR at our hospital between October 2014 and March 2016 were identified from our prospectively collected database and electronic medical records. Of these, 68 patients who had been evaluated using HR‐ARM both before and after ISR were included in the study. Faecal incontinence (FI) was assessed by Wexner score. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine risk factors for severe FI after ISR.

Results

Maximum resting pressure (MRP) (P < 0.001) and maximum squeeze pressure (P = 0.04) were significantly lower after ISR, and MRP (P < 0.001) and maximum squeeze pressure (P = 0.02) were significantly lower after total (or subtotal) ISR than after partial ISR. The overall incidence of severe FI after ISR was 18% (12/68), and a high pressure zone before ISR ≤ 3 cm (P = 0.007) and MRP before ISR > 60 mmHg (P = 0.02) were independently associated with an elevated incidence of severe FI after ISR. Decreased preoperative MRP also correlated with severe FI after ISR (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

HR‐ARM is reliable for the evaluation of anal function after ISR, and the high pressure zone and MRP may be useful preoperative predictors of severe FI after ISR.
Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: are STRATE and BLEED scores valid in clinical practice?
Authors: Xavier S. A. , Machado F. J. , Magalhães J. T. , Cotter J. B.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) is a common gastroenterological emergency. Despite this, outcomes are difficult to predict. Only STRATE and BLEED scores are readily available. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for severe ALGIB and access the validity of available scores.

Methods

Emergency consecutive admissions for ALGIB in the last 7 years were retrospectively reviewed. Severe ALGIB was defined as transfusion of ≥ 2 units of blood and/or a haematocrit decrease of ≥ 20% within the first 24 h and/or recurrent bleeding after 24 h of stability. STRATE and BLEED scores were calculated and concordance between score and respective severity outcome was accessed.

Results

A total of 132 patients were identified. Bleeding presented as haematochezia in 94.7% and was severe in 36.4% of cases. ALGIB was significantly more severe in patients with lower systolic (P = 0.02) and diastolic blood pressures on admission (P < 0.01), lower admission haemoglobin (P < 0.01), diverticular bleeding (P < 0.01), angioectasias (P = 0.02) and radiation colitis (P < 0.02). Severe ALGIB was associated with admission intermediate care units (P < 0.01), increased length of stay (P < 0.01) and volume of blood transfused (P < 0.01). We identified no significant association between outcomes with either the STRATE (P = 0.72) or BLEED scores (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Severe ALGIB is associated with greater length of stay, volume of blood transfusions and admission to greater level of care units. In our cohort, STRATE and BLEED scores were poor predictors of outcome.
Physical exercise and non‐insulin glucose‐lowering therapies in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a clinical review
Authors: Eckstein M. L. , Williams D. M. , O'Neil L. K. , Hayes J. , Stephens J. W. , Bracken R. M.
Published: December 2018

In the UK the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advocates intensive lifestyle programmes that attain the levels of daily physical activity set out by the Chief Medical Officer as a first‐line strategy for improving the health of people at risk of developing diabetes or reducing the risk of development of Type 2 diabetes. For people with Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle measures complement pharmacological treatments that include both oral and injectable therapies. In line with this, NICE guidelines also support intensification of efforts to improve patient lifestyle along with these glucose‐lowering therapies. There is a paucity of evidence, however, in the available published literature examining the association between glucose‐lowering therapies and exercise metabolism. In the present review we explore the current knowledge with regard to the potential interactions of oral and non‐insulin injectable therapies with physical activity in people at risk of, or who have, Type 2 diabetes, and present evidence that may inform healthcare professionals of the need to monitor patients more closely in their adaptation to both pharmacological therapy and physical activity.
WHAT DO BRITISH HISTORICAL DATA TELL US ABOUT GOVERNMENT SPENDING MULTIPLIERS?
Authors: Watanabe Shingo
Published: December 2018

British data from the early 1700s through World War I reflect the results of numerous high‐quality natural experiments of government spending. Britain frequently participated in wars, increasing military spending massively. Wartime distortions were relatively limited because the government generally adopted tax smoothing policy and rarely implemented interventions. Government spending multiplier estimates are low or negative and significantly below unity. This paper finds no evidence that the multiplier was higher in the slack state than in the normal state. (JEL E32, E62)
Epidemiology of facial fractures among older adults: A retrospective analysis of a nationwide emergency department database
Authors: Marchini Leonardo , Allareddy Veerasathpurush
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims

The prevalence of facial fractures among older adults has increased in recent years, and nationwide studies about the epidemiological profile and outcomes of hospital‐based ED visits for facial fractures among older adults are scarce. The aim of this study was to provide USA‐wide data of hospital‐based Emergency Department (ED) visits for facial fractures among older adults, and to investigate the outcomes associated with these visits.

Material and Methods

The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) for the years 2008‐2014 was used for the present study. All ED visits with a diagnosis of facial fractures in any of the diagnoses fields and only patients aged 65 years and above were included.

Results

A total of 540 748 ED visits matched the criteria (62.7% were females). Public insurance—Medicare—(85.2%) was the most common payer. The three most frequent facial fractures included fractures of the nasal bones (61.3%), fractures of “other” facial bones (16.7%), and fractures of the orbital floor (15.0%). Falls were the most common causes of facial fractures (81.8%). Following ED visits, 64.1% were treated and released, and 30.6% were admitted into the hospital. The mean ED charge per visit was US$5507. Total ED charges across the entire United States was US$2 518 289 555.

Conclusions

Among older adults, nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial fracture. Facial fractures are mainly caused by falls. There was no significant trend in mortality rates over the study period, and there was a significant financial burden associated with the facial fracture‐related ED visits.
Long‐term mineral fertilization in paddy soil alters the chemical structures and decreases the fungistatic activities of humic acids
Authors: Wu Meng , Wei Shiping , Liu Jia , Liu Ming , Jiang Chunyu , Li Zhongpei
Published: December 2018

Fungistatic activity is a newly identified ecological function for soil humic acids. However, the relation between fungistatic activities of soil humic acids and their chemical structures is still unclear. In addition, how fertilizer application affects fungistatic activity is still unknown. We sampled paddy soils with different long‐term fertilizer schemes, namely: unfertilized control (CK), mineral fertilizer applied (NPK) and mineral fertilizer applied plus straw return (NPKRS). Soil humic acids were extracted and their fungistatic activities against 14 phytopathogenic fungi were investigated to evaluate their ecological functions. The humic acids from NPK and NPKRS treatments showed much smaller fungistatic effects than those from CK treatments. The chemical structures of humic acids were investigated by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy. Long‐term fertilization significantly changed the chemical structure of soil humic acid, and the variation in chemical structure affected the fungistatic activities. The relative content of alkoyl C and alkyl C, the alkoyl C/alkyl C ratio and aliphaticity all had positive correlations with the fungistatic effects of humic acids. That indicated humic acids with more aliphatic and decomposable structures showed more fungistatic activity. From the results, we believe that long‐term application of mineral fertilizer in paddy fields makes the soil humic acids less aliphatic and more recalcitrant, and concomitantly weakens their ability to inhibit phytopathogenic fungi.

Highlights

We studied the inhibitory effects of paddy soil humic acids on 14 phytopathogenic fungi.

Fertilization‐induced changes in humic acids affect inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi.

Long‐term mineral fertilization significantly changed chemical structures of humic acids.

Humic acid with more aliphatic and decomposable structures had more fungistatic activity.
Interactive effects of nitrogen addition and litter on soil nematodes in grassland
Authors: Liu Jushan , Chen Ying , Du Chuan , Liu Xiaoxi , Ma Quanhui , Zhang Xiang , Wang Deli
Published: December 2018

Soil nematodes are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems. Nematodes are one of the most abundant groups of soil invertebrates, and they influence ecosystem processes and functions. Plant litter is a fundamental factor in controlling the structure of belowground communities. The addition of nitrogen (N) can restructure soil nematode communities by affecting the quantity and quality of litter input into soil. However, little is known about how N and litter interact to affect nematode communities. We examined the response of soil nematodes to the addition of N and litter manipulation (i.e. initial litter, removal, addition) in a 6‐year field experiment in grassland, and quantified the effects of additions of N and litter on nematode abundance, diversity and community structure through the plant community and nutrients in soil. There were interactive effects between additions of N and litter on nematode numbers and trophic group abundance, the Shannon–Wiener index (H′) and the maturity index. The addition of litter without that of N increased the total and trophic group abundance, whereas the addition of N and litter decreased nematode H′ and the maturity index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that the addition of N decreased herbivore abundance through increasing plant N concentration, and directly decreased fungivore abundance and indirectly decreased bacterivore and omnivore predator abundance through fungivores. The positive effects of litter addition on nematodes without the addition of N and its negative effects on treatments with the addition of N suggested that without added N, increased litter accumulation could benefit the soil nematode community. However, under scenarios of N deposition, grassland management that reduced litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, could also benefit soil nematode communities.

Highlights

There were interactive effects between additions of N and litter on nematode community

N addition decreased nematode abundance and diversity in litter addition treatments

Without N addition, litter addition increased nematode abundance and diversity

Nematodes were affected mainly through decreased fungivore abundance
How are nitrogen availability, fine‐root mass, and nitrogen uptake related empirically? Implications for models and theory
Authors: Dybzinski Ray , Kelvakis Angelo , McCabe John , Panock Samantha , Anuchitlertchon Kanyarak , Vasarhelyi Leah , McCormack M. Luke , McNickle Gordon G. , Poorter Hendrik , Trinder Clare , Farrior Caroline E.
Published: December 2018

Understanding the effects of global change in terrestrial communities requires an understanding of how limiting resources interact with plant traits to affect productivity. Here, we focus on nitrogen and ask whether plant community nitrogen uptake rate is determined (a) by nitrogen availability alone or (b) by the product of nitrogen availability and fine‐root mass. Surprisingly, this is not empirically resolved. We performed controlled microcosm experiments and reanalyzed published pot experiments and field data to determine the relationship between community‐level nitrogen uptake rate, nitrogen availability, and fine‐root mass for 46 unique combinations of species, nitrogen levels, and growing conditions. We found that plant community nitrogen uptake rate was unaffected by fine‐root mass in 63% of cases and saturated with fine‐root mass in 29% of cases (92% in total). In contrast, plant community nitrogen uptake rate was clearly affected by nitrogen availability. The results support the idea that although plants may over‐proliferate fine roots for individual‐level competition, it comes without an increase in community‐level nitrogen uptake. The results have implications for the mechanisms included in coupled carbon‐nitrogen terrestrial biosphere models (CN‐TBMs) and are consistent with CN‐TBMs that operate above the individual scale and omit fine‐root mass in equations of nitrogen uptake rate but inconsistent with the majority of CN‐TBMs, which operate above the individual scale and include fine‐root mass in equations of nitrogen uptake rate. For the much smaller number of CN‐TBMs that explicitly model individual‐based belowground competition for nitrogen, the results suggest that the relative (not absolute) fine‐root mass of competing individuals should be included in the equations that determine individual‐level nitrogen uptake rates. By providing empirical data to support the assumptions used in CN‐TBMs, we put their global climate change predictions on firmer ground.
An Approach for Passive Removal of Residual LNAPL from Groundwater
Authors: Svitana Kevin , South Jacob
Published: December 2018

Light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are a problematic challenge for obtaining site closure or no further action remediation sites. The source of the LNAPLs varies from leaking underground petroleum storage tanks, to manufacturing facilities where oil leaks create LNAPL accumulations beneath factory floors. Active recovery using pumping or periodic vacuum recovery from wells or sumps is used for remediation, but usually has disappointing results when LNAPL reaccumulates to thicknesses exceeding the 0.01‐foot action level recognized by many states. This paper presents a simple passive approach for recovering persistent LNAPL using nonwoven hydrophobic oil absorbing cloth. The method used laboratory trials to assess physical properties of the cloth. Parameters observed and assessed included sorptive capacity and rate, buoyancy, and LNAPL wicking. It was determined that the cloth could be rolled and secured with cable ties for placement in the wells/sumps. Two placement designs were developed, one where rolled sorbent freely floated on the well/sump fluid surface and a second where the sorbent roll was placed in the fluid column at a fixed depth. Sorbents were then used at two manufacturing facilities where LNAPLs persisted for decades. In both instances, many wells/sumps were reduced to thicknesses below the action level in less than 2 months. In most wells, LNAPL did not reaccumulate. Where it did reaccumulate, it was less than 50% of the original thickness. Using laboratory‐derived recovery rates, cloth sorbents could be sized to minimize placement/recovery frequency while effectively recovering LNAPL.
Postoperative pain after glide path preparation using manual, reciprocating and continuous rotary instruments: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Keskin C. , Sivas Yilmaz Ö. , Inan U. , Özdemir Ö.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To compare the incidence, intensity and prediction of postoperative pain after glide path preparation with manual, continuous rotary and a novel reciprocating glide path instrument.

Methodology

The study included 240 patients, who were treated by four specialists according to a planned treatment protocol. Following access cavity preparation and prior to glide path preparation, the subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three groups according to the glide path instrument by choosing a sealed envelope containing the group name: R‐Pilot (VDW, Munich, Germany), ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and stainless steel K‐files (Dentsply Sirona; n = 80). Following glide path preparation, the teeth underwent standardized single visit root canal treatment procedures. The root canals were chemomechanically prepared using the ProTaper Next rotary system (Dentsply Sirona) under copious irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl. Final irrigation was performed with 17% EDTA and distilled water. Root fillings were placed using an epoxy resin sealer and gutta‐percha with a cold lateral compaction technique. After coronal restorations were placed, the patients were discharged with a questionnaire about the incidence and intensity of pain at 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively. The data were analysed using chi‐square, anova and Tukey tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results

The presence of preoperative pain (OR ranged between 3.5 and 14.3) and the glide path preparation techniques (OR between 2.2 and 4.1) were associated with significant effects on the incidence of postoperative pain when comparing manual versus engine‐driven glide path preparation (P < 0.05). Patients in the R‐Pilot (Mean VAS ranged between 1.57–0.21) and ProGlider (1.97–0.28) groups reported significantly less postoperative pain scores than those in the manual group (2.82–1.32; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between R‐Pilot and ProGlider groups regarding the postoperative pain scores (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Preparation of glide paths with rotating or reciprocating NiTi instruments was associated with less postoperative pain levels and incidence compared to manual glide path preparation with no significant difference between rotating and reciprocating instruments. Preoperative pain was the most significant predictor for the occurrence of postoperative pain.
Evaluation of next‐generation sequencing‐based clonality analysis of T‐cell receptor gamma gene rearrangements based on a new interpretation algorithm
Authors: Nollet Friedel , Vanhouteghem Karlien , Vermeire Stefanie , Maelbrancke Ellen , Emmerechts Jan , Devos Helena , Cauwelier Barbara
Published: December 2018

Introduction

T‐cell receptor gene (TRG) rearrangement profiling is an essential component of the workup at diagnosis of T‐cell malignancies. TRG amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analysis by capillary electrophoresis (PCR‐CE) is mostly widely used but is hampered by a subjective interpretation of its results and possible false‐positive interpretation of clonality. Several studies evaluated the advantage of TRG rearrangement analysis by Next Generation Sequencing (TRG‐NGS), however few have proposed an adequate data interpretation algorithm.

Methods

Eighty five fresh and 36 formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) diagnostic samples suspected for a lymphoproliferative disorder were analyzed by PCR‐CE and TRG NGS. Final clinical diagnosis was available for all fresh samples. Reproducibility, analytical specificity and sensitivity of the TRG NGS analysis was evaluated.

Results

We propose a new interpretation algorithm for TRG NGS data analysis. PCR‐CE and TRG NGS showed identical results in 66/85 (78%) of fresh samples. Sensitivities to detect T‐cell malignancies were comparable (96% versus 92%, respectively). The analysis of FFPE material was significantly more successful by TRG NGS (34/36 cases) in respect to PCR‐CE (16/36 cases), most likely due to the small size of the amplicons.

Conclusion

Assessment of T‐cell clonality by TRG NGS has a significant added value in the diagnosis of T‐cell disorders as an adjunct to PCR‐CE, particularly in difficult to interpret cases or when analyzing FFPE samples.
CCR5 deficiency enhances hepatic innate immune cell recruitment and inflammation in a murine model of acute hepatitis B infection
Authors: Stevens Kathleen E , Thio Chloe L , Osburn William O
Published: December 2018

Human genetic studies demonstrate a link between the 32‐bp deletion that produces a nonfunctional CCR5 receptor and enhanced recovery from acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To investigate the role of CCR5 in immune responses to acute HBV, we intravenously infected Ccr5+/+ (WT) and Ccr5−/− (KO) mice with a replication‐incompetent adenovirus containing the overlapping HBV1.3 construct (AdHBV), or vector control. At day 3 following AdHBV infection, analysis of intrahepatic leukocytes (IHL) showed KO mice had increased CD11b+ NK cells compared to WT (18.2% versus 7.6% of live IHL, P < 0.01). These CD11b+ NK cells were nonresident (CD49a−) and had capacity to degranulate and produce IFN‐γ following stimulation. At day 3, plasma CXCL10 was significantly increased in KO, but not WT, mice receiving AdHBV as compared to vector control, while CXCR3 expression on hepatic CD11b+ NK cells in AdHBV‐treated KO mice was significantly lower than that in uninfected mice, suggesting these NK cells are recruited along the CXCL10–CXCR3 axis. At days 7 and 14, no differences between genotypes were observed in number, or HBV‐specific function, of intrahepatic CD8+ T cells. Instead, at day 14, KO mice had increased intrahepatic proinflammatory monocytes compared to WT mice (17.56% versus 6.57% of live IHL, P = 0.014), corresponding with an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase and intrahepatic IL‐1β observed in KO mice. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that loss of CCR5 signaling drives a more robust inflammatory liver microenvironment early in acute HBV infection via enrichment of hepatic innate immune cells.
Prediction of solid solution characteristics of MC (M = Zr, Nb, and Ta) in TiC lattice using phase stability diagrams
Authors: Kwon Hanjung , Moon Ahram , Kim Jiwoong
Published: December 2018

Phase stability diagrams of Ti‐M‐O‐C (M = Zr, Nb, and Ta, molar ratio of Ti and M = 1:1) systems at 1800 K were drawn as a function of the carbon activity, oxygen partial pressure, and solution formation characteristics. The solid solution characteristics were varied with the kind of M. The solid solution carbide, (Ti0.5Zr0.5)C, was less stable than the TiC‐ZrC mixture while other solid solution carbides (Ti0.5Nb0.5)C and (Ti0.5Ta0.5)C were more stable than the mixtures of monocarbides. Thus, the (Ti0.5Zr0.5)C phase was not included in the phase stability diagram of the Ti‐Zr‐O‐C system unlike the other solid solution carbides. The validity of the drawn stability diagrams was proved by experimental results. Thus, the conditions for synthesis of solid solution carbides by carbothermal reduction, or fabrication of TiC‐based composites with solid solution phases, can be deduced using the phase stability diagrams.
Clinical utility of plasma miR‐371a‐3p in germ cell tumors
Authors: Mego Michal , van Agthoven Ton , Gronesova Paulina , Chovanec Michal , Miskovska Vera , Mardiak Jozef , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: December 2018

Germ cell tumours predominantly of the testis ((T)GCTs) are remarkably chemotherapy sensitive. However, a small proportion of patients fail to be cured with cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy. miR‐371a‐3p is a new liquid biopsy biomarker for (T)GCTs. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical utility of plasma miR‐371a‐3p level in patients starting systemic chemotherapy. Patients were included before the first cycle (N = 180) and second cycle (N = 101) of systemic first line chemotherapy, treated between July 2010 and May 2017. Plasma miR‐371a‐3p levels were measured with the ampTSmiR test and compared to disease characteristics and outcome. Pretreatment plasma miR‐371a‐3p levels were increased in 51.7% of cases and associated with number of metastatic sites, presence of lung, retroperitoneal, and mediastinal lymph node metastases, S – stage, IGCCCG risk group, and response to therapy. Patients with a negative pretreatment plasma level had better progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients being positive for miR‐371a‐3p (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09‐0.71, P = 0.02 for PFS and HR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.07‐0.67, P = 0.03 for OS, respectively). Patients negative for miR‐371a‐3p in both samples had a superior PFS (HR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.01‐21.49, P = 0.02) and OS (HR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01‐27.81, P = 0.008) compared to patients with miR‐371a‐3p positive in both samples (multivariate analyses were non‐significant). In total 68% of the patients were S0. This study demonstrates clinical value of plasma miR‐371a‐3p level in chemotherapy naïve (T)GCT patients starting first line of chemotherapy to predict prognosis.