bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in cancer‐associated fibroblast‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in vitro
Authors: Krzysiek‐Maczka Gracjana , Targosz Aneta , Szczyrk Urszula , Strzałka Malgorzata , Sliwowski Zbigniew , Brzozowski Tomasz , Czyz Jarosław , Ptak‐Belowska Agata
Published: September 2018

Background

Major human gastrointestinal pathogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes the gastric mucosa causing inflammation and severe complications including cancer, but the involvement of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of these disorders in H. pylori‐infected stomach has been little studied. Normal stroma contains few fibroblasts, especially myofibroblasts. Their number rapidly increases in the reactive stroma surrounding inflammatory region and neoplastic tissue; however, the interaction between H. pylori and fibroblasts remains unknown. We determined the effect of coincubation of normal rat gastric fibroblasts with alive H. pylori (cagA+vacA+) and H. pylori (cagA−vacA−) strains on the differentiation of these fibroblasts into cells possessing characteristics of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) able to induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of normal rat gastric epithelial cells (RGM‐1).

Materials and Methods

The panel of CAFs markers mRNA was analyzed in H. pylori (cagA+vacA+)‐infected fibroblasts by RT‐PCR. After insert coculture of differentiated fibroblasts with RGM‐1 cells from 24 up to 48, 72, and 96 hours, the mRNA expression for EMT‐associated genes was analyzed by RT‐PCR.

Results

The mRNA expression for CAFs markers was significantly increased after 72 hours of infection with H. pylori (cagA+vacA+) but not H. pylori (cagA−vacA−) strain. Following coculture with CAFs, RGM‐1 cells showed significant decrease in E‐cadherin mRNA, and the parallel increase in the expression of Twist and Snail transcription factors mRNA was observed along with the overexpression of mRNAs for TGFβR, HGFR, FGFR, N‐cadherin, vimentin, α‐SMA, VEGF, and integrin‐β1.

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori (cagA+vacA+) strain induces differentiation of normal fibroblasts into CAFs, likely to initiate the EMT process in RGM‐1 epithelial cell line.
Prognostic utility of novel biomarkers in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) associated with hepatitis B: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Zhao Ruihong , Wu Wei , Zhou Zhibo , Zheng Xiaoqing , Sun Wenjie , Shi Yemin , Yu Haiying , Wang Fang , Zhao Hong , Sun Shanshan , Jin Linfeng , Sheng Jifang , Shi Yu
Published: September 2018

Aim

Flare‐ups of chronic hepatitis B can sometimes be severe and even progress to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), with high short‐term mortality. A timely estimation of the risk of death should be initiated early. The aim of the present study was to determine whether novel biomarkers add prognostic information beyond current clinical scoring systems.

Methods

Patients with hepatitis B‐associated ACLF were prospectively enrolled from five hospitals in China between August 2017 and March 2018. Their plasma was screened for soluble CD163 (sCD163), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), and copeptin. The association between these biomarkers and mortality was analyzed. The performance of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease, Asian‐Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver–ACLF Research Consortium score, and the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF score, with or without biomarkers, were compared.

Results

One hundred fifty one patients were enrolled. Advanced ACLF patients had significantly higher levels than early ACLF individuals of plasma biomarkers sCD163 (P = 0.001), NGAL (P = 0.006), and copeptin (P = 0.049). Thirty‐four deaths occurred during the 28‐day follow‐up period (22.5%). Both sCD163 and NGAL showed a strong independent association with 28‐day mortality, whereas copeptin did not. Scoring systems incorporating sCD163 and NGAL had better discrimination and calibration, as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, the Akaike information criteria, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement.

Conclusions

Soluble CD163 and NGAL are independently associated with short‐term mortality in hepatitis B‐associated ACLF. Use of a combination of sCD163 and NGAL improves prognostication.
Dysbalanced sex hormone status is an independent predictor of decompensation and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Heinisch Birgit B. , Reiberger Thomas , Mandorfer Mattias , Bardach Constanze , Lampichler Katharina , Seeland Berit , Schwarzer Remy , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Ferlitsch Arnulf
Published: September 2018

Aims

Endocrinological abnormalities, including low testosterone levels, are prevalent in cirrhosis. We assessed sexual hormone status in regard to hemodynamic abnormalities and its impact on hepatic decompensation and survival.

Methods

Males with cirrhosis were prospectively included in this study since 2010. Sexual hormones including bioavailable testosterone, total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, prolactin, and sex hormone‐binding globulin as well as Child–Pugh score, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and hepatic venous pressure gradient were recorded. Sarcopenia was also assessed in patients with available computed tomography scans. Clinical follow‐up for hepatic decompensation, liver transplantation, and death was recorded until May 2017.

Results

One hundred fourteen male cirrhotic patients were included: age 55 ± 9.4 years, MELD 13.5 (range, 7–20.7). Etiologies were alcoholic liver disease in 61(53.5%) patients, viral in 30 (26.3%) patients, and other in 23 (20.2%). Child–Pugh scores were A in 32 (28.1%) patients, B in 48 (42.1%), and C in 34 (29.8%). Levels of bioavailable testosterone and total testosterone decreased with advanced Child–Pugh score (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) whereas prolactin increased (P = 0.002). Median bioavailable testosterone (0.8 ng/mL [0.1–2] vs. 1.68 ng/mL [0.07–2.65]; P = 0.004) and total testosterone (2.7 ng/mL [0.23–12.34] vs. 7 ng/mL [0.25–10]; P = 0.041) levels were lower in patients with severe portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient >12 mmHg). Median bioavailable testosterone (0.25 ng/mL [0.07–1.7] vs. 0.97 ng/mL [0.15–2.74)]; P = 0.017) and total testosterone levels (1.28 ng/mL [0.25–7.32] vs. 4.32 ng/mL [0.43–13.47]; P = 0.031) were significantly lower in sarcopenic patients. Median follow‐up was 13 months (0.2–75 months) and liver‐related events were recorded in 46 patients (40.4%; death, 31 [27.2%]). Low total testosterone was associated with an increased risk for hepatic decompensation and/or death, even after adjusting for Child–Pugh score, MELD, and other relevant factors (Child–Pugh score model: hazard ratio 2.503, 95% confidence interval, 1.214–5.157, P = 0.013; MELD model: hazard ratio 3.065, 95% confidence interval, 1.523–6.169, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

In parallel to increasing severity of cirrhosis, levels of testosterone decline whereas prolactin levels increase. However, low testosterone levels are independently associated with a higher risk for hepatic decompensation and mortality.
Temperature‐correlated shifts in the timing of egg‐laying in House Finches Haemorhous mexicanus
Authors: Watts Heather E. , Jimenez Daniela , Pacheco Veronica , Vilgalys Tauras P.
Published: September 2018

Although temperature‐correlated shifts in the timing of egg‐laying have been documented in numerous bird species, the vast majority of species examined to date have been those that breed in Europe and have an animal‐based diet during breeding. However, given that the timing of breeding can be driven, either in the proximate or in the ultimate sense, by seasonal fluctuations in food availability, the relationship between temperature and laying may differ with diet. Here, we report on patterns of reproductive timing in House Finches Haemorhous mexicanus, a North American species that breeds on a primarily seed‐based diet. Analysing nest records from House Finches in California spanning more than a century, we found that egg‐laying occurred significantly earlier in warmer springs. We also found that although the timing of egg‐laying does not show long‐term changes in most of California, in the hottest region of the state (the southeast desert basin) it has advanced significantly.
WAGE VOLATILITY AND CHANGING PATTERNS OF LABOR SUPPLY
Authors: Hong Jay H. , Seok Byoung Hoon , You Hye Mi
Published: September 2018

Over the past few decades, the skilled–unskilled hours differential for U.S. men increased when the skill premium rose sharply, in contrast with dominant income effects. Based on PSID data, we show that over the 1967–2000 period, skilled men experienced a three times larger increase in wage volatility than unskilled men. With the rise in wage volatility, our general equilibrium incomplete markets model generates a 2.7 hours increase in the hours differential whereas it increased by 1.4 hours in the data. We find that hours adjustments are important for self‐insurance in the short run, whereas precautionary savings play a crucial role eventually.
A highly efficient method of dehydroxylation and fining of Nd phosphate laser glasses
Authors: Muñoz Francisco , Balda Rolindes
Published: September 2018

We describe herein a method that shows to be highly efficient in the dehydroxylation and fining process of phosphate glasses and that has been tested on the Nd‐doped 15Na2O‐15K2O‐20BaO‐50P2O5 metaphosphate composition. The method consists of a two‐step procedure: first, the batch is melted in a ceramic crucible; then, the obtained glass is re‐melted under a constant N2 flow, while being placed inside a graphite crucible with a much bigger surface area as compared to its depth. This allows the melt to be spread over the crucible area resulting in a relatively thin layer with a high area in contact with the atmosphere at the temperature of remelting. It has been demonstrated that the water content decreases with both temperature and time length and that the glass samples obtained are completely free of bubbles and stria showing very high chemical and optical homogeneity. This method employed, has been proven to be very effective, as evidenced by the great increase in the lifetime of Nd3+ luminescence––reaching a maximum of 380 μs‐which is much higher than the one measured in the untreated glass.
Review of safety and efficacy of approved systemic psoriasis therapies
Authors: Kaushik Shivani B. , Lebwohl Mark G.
Published: September 2018

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects nearly 3% of the adult US population. Due to the chronic nature of the disease and need for long‐term treatment, psoriasis is associated with substantial disease burden and negative impact on patients’ quality of life. In the past, systemic agents such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin have been the mainstay treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Multiple new molecular targets have been recently identified, and novel biologic therapies directed at these targets have been approved leading to a paradigm shift in psoriasis management. However, despite the availability of several treatment options and continued introduction of highly efficacious biologics, undertreatment of psoriasis patients remains a huge problem. This can be largely attributed to several causes including high cost of biologics, lack of experience, and reluctance of practitioners to initiate or switch to systemic treatment regimens in moderate to severe psoriasis patients. In this article, we aim to provide a concise review of mechanism, safety, and efficacy of the approved systemic treatments for psoriasis.
Paired APTTs of low and high lupus anticoagulant sensitivity permit distinction from other abnormalities and achieve good lupus anticoagulant detection rates in conjunction with dRVVT
Authors: Kumano Osamu , Amiral Jean , Dunois Claire , Peyrafitte Marie , Moore Gary W.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

A prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) may be indicative of a specific or multiple factor deficiency, therapeutic anticoagulation, presence of a nonspecific factor inhibitor, or lupus anticoagulant (LA). Recently, pairing of the LA‐sensitive APTT and standard APTT reagents, Cephen LS and Cephen, respectively, has been shown to be effective in LA detection. The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of this reagent pair for discriminating between causes of APTT elevation and the detection of LA in conjunction with dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT).

Methods

Plasma samples from 50 normal and 105 non‐anticoagulated LA‐positive patients in routine dRVVT and/or dilute APTT (dAPTT) via the percent correction formula were employed. Cephen LS/Cephen and dRVVT reagents LA1/LA2 were used to screen/confirm, respectively. Thirty‐four symptomatic LA‐negative, 25 warfarinised non‐antiphospholipid syndrome, 6 coagulation inhibitors, 17 samples with hereditary elevated APTT, and 24 FVIII/IX/XI/XII and 17 FII/V/X artificial single deficiency plasmas were used.

Results

Thirty‐three samples out of 105 (31%) were LA‐positive in Cephen LS/Cephen. The total percent positivity in Cephen LS/Cephen and LA1/LA2 pairs was 89.1% against samples with the routine dRVVT/dAPTT double positive. The percent corrections of Cephen LS/Cephen in the routine dAPTT/dRVVT positive group were significantly higher than those in all other groups.

Conclusions

The percent correction of the APTT reagent pair showed higher values in LA‐positive samples. The combination will be useful with respect to differentiating LA from other abnormal samples and is effective in LA detection when paired with dRVVT.
Submicron‐grained Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics with lasing quality
Authors: Yin Danlei , Ma Jie , Liu Peng , Yao Bingqing , Wang Jun , Dong Zhili , Kong Ling Bing , Tang Dingyuan
Published: September 2018

We report on our recent progress of fabricating Yb3+‐doped Lu2O3 transparent ceramics for 1 μm solid‐state laser application. Well‐dispersed 3.3 at.% Yb:Lu2O3 nanopowders were synthesized using a co‐precipitation method. Without using any sintering aids, the Yb:Lu2O3 nanopowders could be densified by vacuum sintering at 1500°C/10 hours followed by HIPing at 1480°C/4 hours. Such obtained Yb:Lu2O3 ceramics had not only dense microstructure and submicron grain size of about 0.6 μm, but also in‐line transmission of 80.0% at 600 nm. Preliminary continuous wave (CW) laser experiments with an uncoated Yb:Lu2O3 ceramic slab have demonstrated highly efficient CW laser oscillation at 1079.8 nm.
Towards Good Practice in Community‐Based Arts Education in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Chung‐yim
Published: September 2018

Through the participation of local communities in the arts, Community‐Based Arts Education (CBAE) raises awareness of ecology and the environment, and also facilitates the search for and establishment of a socio‐cultural identity. It provides students with specific forms of experiential learning involving out‐of‐classroom experiences. Since 2003 the Education Bureau in Hong Kong has promoted learning arts in the community in an informal arts educational context. To suit the needs of CBAE, since 2011 the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has offered four successful community‐based arts educational schemes to local primary and secondary students. The aim of the schemes is to enrich students’ knowledge of arts and culture and strengthen their capacities to learn arts appreciation and criticism. Between 2011 and 2013, over 30,000 primary and secondary students participated in the schemes. This article reports on a study of the schemes which aimed to identify key elements of good practice in CBAE from students’ and teachers’ perspectives. In this larges‐cale study, a total of 15,430 students between Primary 1 and Secondary 6 (age 6 to 17) and 1,306 teachers who participated in the schemes were invited to take part in surveys and focus group interviews. The results show that the three central tenets of self‐determination theory, namely, competence, autonomy and relatedness, are the key elements of good practice in CBAE. It is hoped that the research findings will enrich existing knowledge of and provide a new research direction for CBAE.
Sumak kawsay: Social Empowerment through Participatory User‐Centred Design in Ecuador
Authors: Williams Goodrich Lisa
Published: September 2018

The aim of this article is to direct the social design debate to constructivist approaches to design education in the Global South. This article provides insight into the process of participatory user‐centred design involving Ecuadorian third year graphic design students and cocoa cultivators of limited resources in Ecuador. The students and cacaoteros become codesigners of a brand identity for the farmers’ association by means of an extensive review of literature on cocoa cultivation and commercialisation in Latin America, in‐depth interviews with community members on the traditional farming practices of cocoa growing communities in Northern Ecuador and the data collected from the students’ participation in and observation of the lifestyle within the community. This article illustrates the ‘wicked’ problems faced by these design students and the relevance of their experience to the study of social design practices and design education in developing countries.
#3CityLink: Disrupting Learning through a Translocal Art Pedagogy Exchange Project
Authors: Wimpenny Katherine , Knowles Rachelle Viader , Ramsay Christine , Speculand Jacqui
Published: September 2018

#3CityLink involved fine arts researchers, artists and students in three cities: Regina, Canada; Coventry, UK; and Gyumri, Armenia. The project presented a platform for translocal creative interactions using online screen‐based media and on‐the‐ground dialogues. Artists and students investigated the concerns of their locale, questioning the role of the artist in building narratives, revealing lost histories and imagining the future of where they live. Using descriptive case study design, the findings present the opportunities for enriching the student learning experience through challenging habitual approaches to art production, through alternative approaches to digital pedagogy in art education. Students’ artwork took on new dimensions beyond what they could have produced working in relative isolation in a university‐only studio setting. Students were encouraged to pursue and persist in online learning spaces whilst also taking responsibility for organising their own learning and that of others. Nonetheless, using visual technology and social media for connected, artistic, co‐investigation needs further refinement to engage learners, and enhance the quality of visual presence and its potential in open education.
Causes of seasonal decline in reproduction of the cooperatively‐breeding acorn woodpecker
Authors: Koenig Walter D. , Walters Eric L.
Published: September 2018

Clutch size and reproductive success decline seasonally in a wide range of temperate avian taxa. Two competing hypotheses have been proposed to explain such declines: the ‘timing’ hypothesis, which states that conditions affecting reproduction decline intrinsically with date, and the ‘quality’ hypothesis, which proposes that high‐quality individuals or individuals in high‐quality situations breed earlier. We contrasted the relative importance of these two hypotheses using a long‐term dataset of the cooperatively‐breeding acorn woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus in central coastal California (USA). This population exhibits an 11% seasonal decline in clutch size, a 60% seasonal decline in fledging success, and a 77% seasonal decline in fledgling overwinter survival. Clutch size tracks seasonal availability of flying insects, which are a likely ecological driver of the seasonal decline in reproduction and, because of the nonlinear relationship of flying insects with date, constitute a likely factor constraining even earlier nesting. By parsing lay date data into within‐female and between‐female components, we found that only the within‐female component had a statistically significant direct effect on clutch size, supporting the timing hypothesis. For both fledging success and overwinter survival, however, both within‐ and between‐female effects were highly significant, with between‐female effects (differences in female quality) being stronger than within‐female effects. These results suggest that timing per se is a key factor affecting the seasonal decline in clutch size, but that both differences in female quality and an intrinsic seasonal decline in conditions drive the even more dramatic seasonal declines in fledging success and overwinter survivorship of fledglings.
The instructional benefits of dynamic visualizations in the acquisition of basketball tactical actions
Authors: Rekik Ghazi , Khacharem Aïmen , Belkhir Yosra , Bali Naila , Jarraya Mohamed
Published: September 2018

Recent studies exploring the effects of dynamic visualizations on learning compared with static visualizations have yielded mixed results. Procedural motor learning is one of the few fields in which dynamic representations have shown to be effective. Many of the studies have suggested that this advantage is mainly due to the activation of the “mirror‐neuron system.” This study explores this explanation in physical education domain and analysed the effects of instructional media (video vs. photographs), showing tactical actions in basketball, on learning outcomes (i.e., game understanding and game performance), cognitive load (i.e., mental effort invested and estimated difficulty), and attitudes (i.e., attention, enjoyment, engagement, and challenge) in secondary school students. For all of the indicators, the results show that learning from video was more effective than learning from photographs. These findings have implications for the effective design of instructional media and provide confirmation of the superiority of video for teaching tactical actions involving the entire body.
Effect of canagliflozin on nocturnal home blood pressure in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The SHIFT‐J study
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Hoshide Satoshi , Okawara Yukie , Tomitani Naoko , Yamauchi Kenji , Ohbayashi Hiroyuki , Itabashi Naoki , Matsumoto Yuri , Kanegae Hiroshi
Published: September 2018

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have beneficial effects on several cardiometabolic biomarkers, but this is not sufficient to fully explain the significant reduction in cardiovascular risk and mortality reported with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus. The 8‐week, randomized, open‐label SHIFT‐J study investigated the effects of adding canagliflozin vs intensified antihyperglycemic therapy on nocturnal home blood pressure (BP) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and nocturnal BP on existing therapy. Patients were randomized to oral canagliflozin 100 mg/d or control (increased hypoglycemic dosage/addition of another hypoglycemic agent). The efficacy analysis included 78 patients (mean 69 years; 59% male). Nocturnal home systolic BP [HSBP] decreased by 5.23 mm Hg in the canagliflozin group and by 1.04 mm Hg in the control group (P = 0.078 for between‐group difference in change from baseline to week 8 [primary endpoint]); corresponding decreases in HSBP from baseline to week 4 were 5.08 and 1.38 mm Hg, respectively (P = 0.054). Reductions in morning HSBP from baseline to week 4 (−6.82 mm Hg vs −1.26 mm Hg, P = 0.038) and evening HSBP from baseline to week 8 (−8.74 mm Hg vs −2.36 mm Hg, P = 0.012) were greater in the canagliflozin group than in the control group. Body mass index (P < 0.001) and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide level (NT‐proBNP; P = 0.023) decreased more in the canagliflozin group than in the control group. Glycemic control improved comparably in both groups. Reduction of HSBP and NT‐proBNP level may be potential mechanism by which SGLT2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular event risk.
Regulation of proliferation and invasion by the IGF signalling pathway in Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive gastric cancer
Authors: Jeong Inhye , Kang Sun Kyoung , Kwon Woo Sun , Kim Hyun Jeong , Kim Kyoo Hyun , Kim Hyun Myong , Lee Andre , Lee Suk Kyeong , Bogenrieder Thomas , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young
Published: September 2018

Several carcinomas including gastric cancer have been reported to contain Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV‐associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is classified as one of four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) group with increased immune‐related signatures. Identification of EBV‐dependent pathways with significant biological roles is needed for EBVaGC. To compare the biological changes between AGS gastric epithelial cells and EBV‐infected AGS (AGS‐EBV) cells, proliferation assay, CCK‐8 assay, invasion assay, cell cycle analysis, RT‐PCR, Western blot and ELISA were performed. BI836845, a humanized insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) ligand‐neutralizing antibody, was used for IGF‐related signalling pathway inhibition. AGS‐EBV cells showed slower proliferating rate and higher sensitivity to BI836845 compared to AGS cells. Moreover, invasiveness of AGS‐EBV was increased than that of AGS, and BI836845 treatment significantly decreased the invasiveness of AGS‐EBV. Although no apoptosis was detected, entry into the S phase of the cell cycle was delayed in BI836845‐treated AGS‐EBV cells. In conclusion, AGS‐EBV cells seem to modulate their proliferation and invasion through the IGF signalling pathway. Inhibition of the IGF signalling pathway therefore could be a potential therapeutic strategy for EBVaGC.
Radiographic and histologic observations of sequential healing processes following ridge augmentation after tooth extraction in buccal‐bone‐deficient extraction sockets in beagle dogs
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Choe Sun‐Ho , Cha Jae‐Kook , Seo Gi‐Young , Kim Chang‐Sung
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To evaluate dimensional ridge alterations and sequential healing processes following ridge augmentation after tooth extraction in damaged extraction sockets with buccal‐bone‐deficiency.

Material and methods

Bilateral dental roots of three mandibular premolars were extracted with entire removal of the buccal‐bone plate in eight beagle dogs. Unilateral sites were grafted with biomaterials (test group) and contralateral sites were healed without grafting (control group). Observations were made after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and all sites were distributed evenly (n = 6 for each group and period). Radiographic/histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

In spontaneous healing of damaged extraction sockets, the dimension of regenerated alveolar ridge gradually increased until 4 weeks and then remained stable, but radiographic/histomorphometric analyses revealed evident dimensional shrinkage compared to the pristine tissue at 8 weeks in the coronal and middle areas. Bone grafting retained the pristine dimension of alveolar ridge, and newly formed bone area within the augmented space continuously expanded during the observational period to the outermost border of the space.

Conclusions

Spontaneous healing of damaged extraction sockets caused substantial dimensional shrinkage. However, ridge augmentation can provide space into which new bone may grow continuously, resulting in the final dimensions comparable to those of the pristine alveolar ridge.
American Geriatrics Society and National Institute on Aging Bench‐to‐Bedside Conference: Sensory Impairment and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Authors: Whitson Heather E. , Cronin‐Golomb Alice , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Gilmore Grover C. , Owsley Cynthia , Peelle Jonathan E. , Recanzone Gregg , Sharma Anu , Swenor Bonnielin , Yaffe Kristine , Lin Frank R.
Published: September 2018

This article summarizes the presentations and recommendations of the tenth annual American Geriatrics Society and National Institute on Aging Bench‐to‐Bedside research conference, “Sensory Impairment and Cognitive Decline,” on October 2–3, 2017, in Bethesda, Maryland. The risk of impairment in hearing, vision, and other senses increases with age, and almost 15% of individuals aged 70 and older have dementia. As the number of older adults increases, sensory and cognitive impairments will affect a growing proportion of the population. To limit its scope, this conference focused on sensory impairments affecting vision and hearing. Comorbid vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments in older adults are more common than would be expected by chance alone, suggesting that some common mechanisms might affect these neurological systems. This workshop explored the mechanisms and consequences of comorbid vision, hearing, and cognitive impairment in older adults; effects of sensory loss on the aging brain; and bench‐to‐bedside innovations and research opportunities. Presenters and participants identified many research gaps and questions; the top priorities fell into 3 themes: mechanisms, measurement, and interventions. The workshop delineated specific research questions that provide opportunities to improve outcomes in this growing population. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2052–2058, 2018.
Risk of Serious Trauma with Glucose‐Lowering Drugs in Older Persons: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Arnaud Mickael , Pariente Antoine , Bezin Julien , Bégaud Bernard , Salvo Francesco
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of hospitalization for trauma associated with use of hypoglycemic glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) in individuals aged 65 and older.

DESIGN

Observational, nested, case–control study.

SETTING

The Echantillon Généraliste de Bénéficiaires claims database, a 1/97th representative sample of the population covered by French healthcare insurance.

PARTICIPANTS

All persons with a first hospitalization for trauma between 2009 and 2015 were considered as potential cases. They were selected if they had been followed for 365 days or longer at index date, were aged 65 and older, and had no diagnosed cancer. Cases (n=10,743) were matched with up to 10 randomly selected controls on age, sex, and length of follow‐up (n=106,629).

MEASUREMENTS

GLD exposure was considered globally and according to use of hypoglycemic GLDs alone, nonhypoglycemic GLDs alone, or both types of GLDs. Risk of hospitalization for trauma was estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Risk of hospitalization for trauma was significantly higher with use of GLDs (HR=1.15, 95% CI=1.08–1.22). Greater risk was found only in individuals treated with hypoglycemic GLDs alone (HR=1.26, 95% CI=1.15–1.38), particularly insulin (HR=1.49, 95% CI=1.32–1.68) and glinides (HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.12–1.61).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the excess risk of serious trauma with the use of insulin and glinides. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2086–2091, 2018.
Multimorbidity Burden and Adverse Outcomes in a Community‐Based Cohort of Adults with Heart Failure
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Fan Dongjie , Reynolds Kristi , Smith David H. , Magid David J. , Sung Sue Hee , Murphy Terrence E. , Goldberg Robert J. , Go Alan S.
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVES

To assess multimorbidity burden and its association with clinical outcomes in adults with heart failure (HF) according to sex, age, and HF type.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Five healthcare delivery systems across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with HF (N=114,553).

MEASUREMENTS

We characterized participants with respect to the presence of 26 chronic conditions categorized into quartiles based on overall burden of comorbidity (<5, 5–6, 7–8, ≥9). Outcomes included all‐cause death and hospitalization for HF or any cause. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the adjusted association between categorized burden of multimorbidity burden and outcomes.

RESULTS

Individuals with more morbidities were more likely to die than those with fewer then 5 morbidities (5–6 morbidities: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.24–1.31; 7–8 morbidities: aHR=1.52, 95% CI=1.48–1.57; ≥9 morbidities: aHR=1.92, 95% CI=1.86–1.99). There was a graded, higher adjusted rate of any‐cause hospitalization associated with 5 or 6 (aHR=1.28, 95% CI=1.25–1.30), 7 or 8 (aHR=1.47, 95% CI=1.44–1.50), or 9 or more (aHR=1.77, 95% CI=1.73–1.82) morbidities (vs <5). Similar findings were observed for HF‐specific hospitalization in those with 5 or 6 (aHR=1.22, 95% CI=1.19–1.26), 7 or 8 (aHR=1.39, 95% CI=1.34–1.44), or 9 or more (aHR 1.68, 95% CI=1.61–1.74) morbidities (vs <5). Consistent findings were seen according to sex, age group, and HF type (preserved, reduced, borderline HF), in the association between categorical burden of multimorbidity and outcomes especially prominent in individuals younger than 65.

CONCLUSION

After adjustment, higher levels of multimorbidity predicted worse HF outcomes and may be an important consideration in strategies to improve clinical and person‐centered outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2305–2313, 2018.
Transition to smallholder agriculture in Central Asia
Authors: Lerman Zvi , Sedik David
Published: September 2018

The article reviews the development of smallholder farming in Central Asia's former Soviet republics. One of the striking features of the agricultural transition in Central Asia (and Commonwealth of Independent States [CIS] in general) is the dramatic shift, since 1992, from the predominance of large corporate farms to individual or family agriculture based on a spectrum of small farms. Evidence shows that individualization of agriculture is associated with the observed posttransition recovery in Central Asia (and in CIS in general) and that small family farms outperform the large enterprises. This clashes with the traditional philosophy of economies of scale and with the inherited view of small family farms as an undesirable aberration. We discuss the policies that helped smallholder farms in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan and severely restricted their growth and development in Uzbekistan and especially Turkmenistan.
Effects of contrast cryolipolysis on flank region adiposity: Case study
Authors: Meyer Patrícia Froes , Consulin Márcia Cristina Dias , Rodrigues Thais , Pereira Aline Marques , Lopes Patrícia Carolina Martinez , da Silva Rodrigo Marcel Valentim , de Vasconcellos Liliane Santos
Published: September 2018

Background

The Contrast Cryolipolysis is a non‐invasive technique that aims to reduce localized adiposity with its heating‐cooling‐heating method, resulting in a 45% fat loss in the treated area, with no damage to the skin.

Objective

To investigate the effects of contrast cryolipolysis compared to conventional cryolipolysis on localized adiposity.

Materials and Methods

This is a case study was carried out with two volunteers. The cirtometry, ultrasonography, and the anthropometric characteristics’ analyses of volunteers were performed before and after the intervention. The right flank region underwent conventional cryolipolysis, and the left flank underwent contrast cryolipolysis.

Results

The procedures performed in both volunteers had positive results. However, the use of Contrast Cryolipolysis promoted greater loss of adipose tissue, reducing perimetry and cirtometry measurements, as well as the adipose tissue thickness, acknowledged via ultrasonography.

Conclusion

The contrast cryolipolysis promotes greater localized adiposity reduction than the conventional cryolipolysis.
Facial trauma reconstruction with polymethyl methacrylate—A case report
Authors: Milhomem Anália Cirqueira , Alves Luciano Moreira , de Souza Jorge Isabella Mendes , Costa Eduardo Luis , Vinaud Marina Clare , de Souza Lino Júnior Ruy
Published: September 2018

Background

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a dermatologic filler commonly used in esthetic procedures. However, it can also be used in more severe cases such as reconstruction of facial traumas.

Aims

The aim of this report was to describe the use of PMMA in a nasal reconstruction of a patient victim of an automobilist accident which presented previous rejection of autograft.

Patient

A young female patient, 26 y, victim of automobilist accident, with no bone support due to trauma both in the mandibulum and maxilla, presented fracture of several facial bones. Presented rejection of a bone autograft from the skullcap implanted on the nose. In order to harmonize the facial aspect, a nasal fill with PMMA for the anatomic reconstruction of the nose was performed.

Results and conclusions

PMMA promoted the recovery of facial and nasal esthetic characteristics of the patient ensuring a satisfactory result.
A SURVEY OF THE INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT UNCONVENTIONAL MONETARY POLICIES: IS A ‘NEW NORMAL’ IN OUR FUTURE?
Authors: Lombardi Domenico , Siklos Pierre , St. Amand Samantha
Published: September 2018

This study examines the effectiveness of unconventional monetary policies (UMP). It considers whether these policies have been successful and where their effects remain uncertain. We survey both the domestic financial market and macro‐economic effects of UMP in the economies where these policies were introduced and their international spillover effects. The paper considers the impact of a wide range of UMP rather than the effects of specific policy instruments. We also provide a retrospective on the important case of Japan beginning in the late1990s and ask whether the Eurozone's experience with UMP is substantively different given its structure of policymaking. Finally, we ask: if the ‘old normal’ is not in our future, should the ‘new normal’ in monetary policy routinely include what we now refer to as UMP? We conclude that UMP can prevent economic collapse but are not designed to promote stronger long‐term economic growth. Apart from new communication strategies, the use of UMP under normal circumstances does not appear to be a sound monetary policy strategy. Failure to learn this lesson might also enable future policy makers to ask or expect too much from their central banks.
Putting our best foot forward: Clinical, treatment‐based and ethical considerations of nusinersen therapy in Canada for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Vukovic Sonya , McAdam Laura , Zlotnik‐Shaul Randi , Amin Reshma
Published: September 2018

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. SMA is a spectral disorder and is categorised based on symptom onset and severity. The median life expectancy for infants with SMA presenting before 6 months of age is less than 2 years without respiratory support. To date, there is no cure for SMA. In June 2017, nusinersen was approved in Canada as the first disease‐modifying drug for SMA because of its demonstrated benefits on motor function and survival in clinical trials. However, with a price tag of almost 1 million dollars for the first year of therapy, careful clinical, treatment‐based and ethical consideration of the principles of (i) best interests; (ii) universality; (iii) portability; (iv) public administration; (v) accessibility; and (vi) comprehensiveness are important guideposts to ensure transparent and equitable allocation of health‐care resources for nusinersen and all other future orphan drugs.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: An Exploration of Religious Forces on Support for the Death Penalty
Authors: Bones Paul D. C. , Sabriseilabi Soheil
Published: September 2018

Capital punishment originated with the earliest tribes, but in recent decades more than 140 countries have abolished the death penalty. Despite the opposition of many U.S. religious organizations, the majority of Americans favor the use of the death penalty. The role of religion in support for capital punishment remains unclear because most faiths contain opposing messages of punishment and redemption. This study seeks to provide a better understanding of this often contradictory relationship between religion and support for the death penalty. Using data from the 2008 wave of the General Social Survey, the authors explore how spirituality, religiosity, beliefs about the afterlife, theism, and religious tradition influence one's opinion of the death penalty. Results from robust Poisson regression show that religiosity decreases support for the death penalty, but a belief in Hell strongly increases support for punitive forms of corporeal justice. Uncertainty in the existence of an afterlife and the existence of Heaven also significantly affect support for the death penalty. Independent of these factors, conservatism had the largest effects on support for capital punishment. The divergent effects of religious expression are discussed.
Using microwave cooking to evaluate tenderness and its relationship to sensory analysis
Authors: Silva Douglas R. G. , Haddad Gabriela B. S. , Fontes Paulo R. , Holman Benjamin W. B. , Ramos Alcinéia L. S. , Hopkins David L. , Ramos Eduardo M.
Published: September 2018

This study evaluated a microwave (Mw) cooking method for determining beef toughness using the Warner–Bratzler slice shear force (WBsSF) protocol. Longissimus thoracis muscles were aged for 1, 10, 19, and 28 days at 4C. They were then either cooked on a clam‐shell grill until reaching an internal temperature of 72C, in a Mw for 100 s at maximum power (Mw100) or for 140 s at 60% of maximum power (Mw60). Cooking loss and shear force (SF) values were higher in Mw samples than in grilled ones. SF assessment by grill and Mw100 were able to discriminate tenderness by aging times in the same way as the sensory panel. The SF measured in a grilled sample had higher repeatability (R = .74) and correlation with sensory scores (r = −.79) than Mw100 (R = .61; r = −.62) and Mw60 (R = .51; r = −.53). Mw100 can be considered as an appropriate alternative for the WBsSF protocol.

Practical applications

Tenderness is the most important attribute for consumers. Many studies have evaluated tenderness in meat and different protocols for cooking. This work was intended to optimize and evaluate the use of the microwave as a cooking method for shear force determination, against a standard protocol and establish the correlation to sensory tenderness.
Does ICT Usage Erode Routine Occupations at the Firm Level?
Authors: Böckerman Petri , Laaksonen Seppo , Vainiomäki Jari
Published: September 2018

We show that disappearing routine work can be linked to firm‐level ICT usage. Our results for the increasing abstract and declining routine occupation shares of total wage bill are consistent with job polarization at the firm level. The observed changes coincide with the usage of ICT in firms. These results are based on decompositions and regression analyses that evaluate the hollowing‐out of routine occupations and job polarization at the firm level.
Hepcidin‐25/erythroferrone ratio predicts improvement of anaemia in haemodialysis patients treated with ferric citrate hydrate
Authors: Hara Masaki , Nakamura Yuya , Suzuki Hiroki , Asao Rin , Nakamura Masayuki , Nishida Kazumasa , Kenmotsu Sachiyo , Inagaki Masahiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Kiuchi Yuji , Ohsawa Isao , Goto Yoshikazu , Gotoh Hiromichi
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims

Hepcidin‐25 (HEP‐25) and erythroferrone (ERFE) are key regulators of iron homeostasis. Correlations among serum ferritin, ERFE and HEP‐25 levels and improvements in anaemia have not been evaluated after administration of ferric citrate hydrate (FCH).

Methods

This retrospective observational study investigated 24 patients on haemodialysis with both anaemia (haemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dL) and hyperphosphatemia (inorganic phosphorus ≥6 mg/dL). The patients who were administered FCH (1500 mg/day) for 12 consecutive weeks and 12 control patients who were administered a phosphate binder other than FCH were included. Correlations among Hb, HEP‐25 and ERFE levels were studied. We then stratified the FCH group into two subgroups using the median baseline values of ferritin, HEP‐25, ERFE and HEP‐25/ERFE ratio to predict whether these markers could serve as prognostic indicators in the treatment of anaemia.

Results

In the FCH group, Hb, transferrin saturation, ferritin, HEP‐25 and ERFE levels were all significantly increased, while inorganic phosphorus levels, dosage of erythropoietin‐stimulating agent, and erythropoietin resistance index were all significantly decreased after drug administration. A significant inverse correlation was apparent between Hb and HEP‐25 levels, and a significant positive correlation was seen between Hb and ERFE levels. A significant inverse correlation was found between HEP‐25 and serum ERFE levels. Compared with the high HEP‐25/ERFE ratio group, only the low HEP‐25/ERFE ratio group exhibited significantly increased Hb levels at 12 weeks.

Conclusion

HEP‐25/ERFE ratio could be a novel prognostic marker for increases in Hb levels following FCH administration.
Brainstem astroblastoma with MN1 translocation
Authors: Shin Sun Ah , Ahn Bokyung , Kim Seung‐Ki , Kang Hyoung Jin , Nobusawa Sumihito , Komori Takashi , Park Sung‐Hye
Published: September 2018

Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm that occurs mostly in the cerebral hemisphere of children, adolescents and young adults. Although astroblastic perivascular pseudorosettes are unique histopathology of this neoplasm, diagnosis is usually challenging. Recently, it was discovered that the meningioma 1 gene (MN1)‐altered pediatric central nervous system high‐grade neuroepithelial tumors are actually astroblastomas. This case report presents a rare brainstem astroblastoma, with an unusual immunoprofile: negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, but with a robust expression of pancytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. The diagnosis was confirmed based on the detection of MN1 rearrangement in a fluorescence in situ hybridization study, in addition to typical histopathology. Here we discuss the diagnostic pitfalls and unclear grading system along with a literature review.
Further evidence for the role of WNT10A, WNT10B and GREM2 as candidate genes for isolated tooth agenesis
Authors: Magruder Sonia , Carter Emily , Williams Meredith A. , English Jeryl , Akyalcin Sercan , Letra Ariadne
Published: September 2018

Structured Abstract

Objective

To investigate the association of single nucleotide variants in the candidate genes WNT10A, WNT10B and GREM2 with isolated tooth agenesis.

Setting and sample population

A total of 435 Caucasian individuals (88 cases with isolated tooth agenesis and 347 unrelated controls) were ascertained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry. Clinical and radiographic examination by orthodontists confirmed the diagnosis of tooth agenesis. Genetic evaluation excluded syndromic forms of tooth agenesis.

Materials and methods

Saliva samples were collected as source of genomic DNA. Fourteen variants in/nearby WNT10A, WNT10B and GREM2 were genotyped to test for association with tooth agenesis. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan chemistry in a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. Allelic and haplotype frequencies were compared among cases and controls using chi‐square tests as implemented in PLINK v.1.06. Bonferroni correction was used and P ≤ 0.004 indicates statistical differences between groups.

Results

Significant associations were found between individual SNPs and SNP combinations in WNT10A, WNT10B and GREM2 SNPs with isolated tooth agenesis (P < 0.004).

Conclusion

Our findings further support a role for variants in WNT10A, WNT10B and GREM2 genes in the aetiology of isolated tooth agenesis. Functional studies are necessary to investigate the biological effects of these gene variants in tooth agenesis phenotypes.