bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of electromagnetic field on tribological properties of two lubricating oils containing zinc dithiophosphate
Authors: Jiang Zeqi , Fang Jianhua , Chen Fei , Chen Boshui , Gu Kecheng
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims at understanding tribological properties of lubricating oils doped with zinc dithiophosphate(ZDDP) with and without electromagnetic field impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The friction and wear properties of the oils formulated with zinc butyloctyl dithiophosphate (T202) or zinc dioctyl dithiophosphate (T203) under electromagnetic field or nonelectromagnetic field were evaluated on a modified four-ball tribotester. The characteristics of the worn surfaces obtained from electromagnetic or nonelectromagnetic field conditions were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This paper focuses on understanding influence of electromagnetic field on lubrication effect of the ZDDP-formulated oils.

Findings

The electromagnetic field could effectively facilitate anti-wear and friction-reducing properties of the oils doped with T202 or T203 as compared to those without electromagnetism affection, and the T203-doped oils were more susceptible to the electromagnetic field. The improvement of anti-wear and friction-reducing abilities of the tested oils were mainly attributed to the promoted tribochemical reactions and the modification of the worn surfaces (forming Zn-Fe solid solution) induced by the electromagnetic field.

Originality/value

This paper has revealed that tribological performances of ZDDP-doped oils could be improved by the electromagnetic field and discussed its lubrication mechanisms. Investigating tribological properties of additives from the viewpoint of electromagnetics is a new attempt, which has significance not only for the choose and designing of additives in electromagnetic condition but also for development of tribological theories and practices.
Critical factors for enhancing green service innovation
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien , Chen Hsin-Chung
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) and green relationship quality (GRQ) on green service innovation (GSI).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors mailed 1,898 questionnaires to the sampled companies. Ultimately, 207 companies participated in the authors’ study. This resulted in a valid sample of 542 hotel managers.

Findings

The research results indicate that GEO improves GRQ and GSI. Furthermore, GRQ positively affects GSI and mediates the relationship between GEO and GSI.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ study enhances the quality of nature and highlights the mediation role of GRQ.

Practical implications

Firms can create and establish GRQ to enhance their GSI.

Social implications

The authors’ study shows that environmentally friendly firms can enhance natural locations and conditions of natural resources.

Originality/value

This study aims to develop a context-specific model of GEO for hospitality managers.

研究目的

本论文旨在研究绿色创业倾向和绿色关系质量对于绿色服务创新的影响。

研究设计/方法/途径

本论文采用邮寄问卷采样形式, 向采样公司共寄出1898份问卷。最终, 207家公司参与本研究项目。有效样本数量为542份来自酒店经理人的问卷。

研究结果

绿色创业倾向对于绿色关系质量和绿色服务创新有着促进作用。此外, 绿色关系质量积极地影响绿色服务创新, 并且对于绿色创业倾向和绿色服务创新有着中间变量的作用。

研究理论限制/意义

本论文对提高自然质量有着促进作用, 并且着重说明了绿色关系质量的中间调解作用。

研究实践意义

公司能够通过创造和建立绿色关系质量的手段来提高他们的绿色服务创新。

研究原创性/价值

本论文以特定背景为基础, 建立了一个针对酒店经理人的绿色创业倾向的模型.
Perspectives of directors of civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies
Authors: Rosenthal Richard A.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to involve interviews with civilian oversight of law enforcement (COLE) directors from throughout the USA with the purpose of obtaining their perspectives on what it takes to create and sustain successful COLE programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The project involved 24 semi-structured interviews with experienced COLE directors. The interviews were transcribed and coded and this paper presents these perspectives according to patterns identified during analysis.

Findings

The research identified themes and patterns in the attitudes of the oversight directors which included numerous conditions necessary for success of an oversight agency. Amongst the most important conditions included agency independence, director job security, the need for professional qualified staff, unfettered access to information, the ability to publicly report on the agency’s work and a willingness on the part of government officials to tolerate criticism of the police.

Originality/value

This is the first study to identify the challenges and impediments to sustainable COLE mechanisms from the point-of-view of experienced agency directors. The findings can be used by future practitioners to learn from past experiences.
The role of tourist gastronomy experiences in regional tourism in Russia
Authors: Bukharov Igor , Berezka Svetlana
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the role of tourist gastronomy experiences and the possible contribution of the local gastronomy to a tourist destination’s attractiveness and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the role of local gastronomy in destination attractiveness and competitiveness. It is based on an analysis of a case study of Russian experiences in developing a gastronomy value proposition for tourists.

Findings

The paper indicates the potential for a gastronomy value proposition, as this is important to tourists and it makes a positive contribution to destination’s attractiveness. The paper also reveals some challenges in the Russian hospitality market from a gastronomy perspective.

Practical implications

Several recommendations are presented in support of the creation of a gastronomy value proposition based on regional culinary heritage and local food products specifics.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights on the role of a given destination’s gastronomy in tourism development in Russia. The study also contributes to the literature on emerging markets by providing an overview of the main challenges for gastronomy in the Russian hospitality market.
MicroRNA‐645 promotes metastasis of osteosarcoma via targeting tumor suppressor NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 2
Authors: Jiao Guang‐Jun , Zhang Shi‐Jun , Li Yi , Wu Wen‐Liang , Liu Hai‐Chun
Published: June 2018

Osteosarcoma is the most common non‐hematological primary bony malignancy in children and young adults with tumor metastasis being a common event at diagnosis. Understanding the pathogenesis of metastatic osteosarcoma may help identify potential therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that the level of microRNA‐645 (miR‐645) in osteosarcoma tumor tissues was significantly increased compared with their paired non‐tumorous tissues, and was associated with histologic grade, TNM staging, lymph metastasis and distant metastasis. Knockdown of miR‐645 caused a remarkable inhibition of migration of osteosarcoma U2OS cells. Furthermore, miR‐645 inhibited NME2 (nucleoside diphosphate kinase 2) expression through directly binding to its 3′ untranslated region. In human osteosarcoma tissues, we also found that NME2 was significantly decreased in tumor tissues, and its level was negatively correlated with miR‐645. In addition, silencing NME2 attenuated the decreased cell migration by knockdown of miR‐645, suggesting that it was involved in the miR‐645 induced cell migration of osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, we found that miR‐645 was up‐regulated in osteosarcoma tissues and could promote osteosarcoma cell migration through directly inhibiting the tumor suppressor NME2. Our data provide novel insight into the role of miR‐645 in osteosarcoma and indicate that miR‐645 might be a potential therapeutic target of osteosarcoma.
Devolution and Parliamentary Representation: The Case of the Scotland and Wales Bill, 1976–7
Authors: Evans Adam
Published: June 2018

For as long as devolution has been debated in the UK, there has been fierce discussion as to the representation of the would‐be affected areas at Westminster. That this has been the case is a consequence of Westminster's dual remit as both a state‐wide and a sub‐state legislature. While this dual remit was relatively straightforward when applied to all nations of the UK, it does, however, raise serious questions about the equality of MPs at Westminster in the face of asymmetric devolution that would carve out parliament's remit in some, but not all, parts of the UK. These questions bedevilled Gladstone's Irish Home Rule Bills in the late 19th century and have been a recurrent feature of debate following New Labour's devolution programme in the late 1990s, culminating in the adoption of a system of ‘English Votes for English Laws’ by the house of commons in October 2015. This article looks at this issue through the lens of the ill‐fated Scotland and Wales Bill introduced by the Callaghan government in 1976. It explores the roots of the bill and how, and why, the idea of referring the question of territorial representation, post‐devolution, to a Speaker's conference, came to secure the initial support of cabinet as the best answer to this problem, and why the government swiftly changed its mind. Parliamentary statecraft considerations served to push a Speaker's conference onto the institutional agenda, before ultimately dooming it to failure.
Stereotype content and morality: How competence and warmth arise from morally significant interactions
Authors: Oldmeadow Julian A.
Published: June 2018

Stereotypes about many groups fall along two dimensions, one relating to agency/competence and the other morality/warmth. This paper integrates research and theory on stereotype contents and mind perception to explore how stereotypes of competence and warmth are linked to perceptions of moral agency and patiency. Competence identifies the moral agent, and warmth both identifies the moral patient and describes the moral valence of the interaction. In two experimental tests, a simple animated film showing circles and squares interacting in various ways elicited predicted competence and warmth stereotypes that tracked perceived moral valence. Integrating stereotype contents and mind perception literatures offers new ways to think about the origins, functions, and dynamics between dimensions of stereotype content.
Stage T3b prostate cancer diagnosed by seminal vesicle biopsy and treated with neoadjuvant hormone therapy, permanent brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Stone Nelson N. , Stock Richard G.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To report the long‐term results of prostate brachytherapy followed by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in men with a positive seminal vesicle biopsy (+SVB).

Patients and Methods

In all, 1081 men with localised prostate cancer were treated with permanent brachytherapy, of which 615 had staging SVB and 53 (9.4%) were positive. Higher stage, Gleason score and PSA level were associated with a +SVB (P < 0.001). Patients with +SVB and negative laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection, bone and CT scans had 3 months of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) followed by 103Pd implant to the prostate (dose 100 Gy) and proximal SVs, and 2 months later 45 Gy EBRT. ADT was continued for a median of 6 months (total ADT 9 months). The mean (range) follow‐up was 9 (5–22) years.

Results

Biochemical freedom from failure (computed by the Phoenix definition), freedom from metastasis, and cause‐specific survival (CSS) for patients with a negative SVB (–SVB) vs +SVB at 15 years, was 76.3% vs 60.6% (P = 0.001), 95.4% vs 78.2% (P < 0.001), and 95% vs 70.4% (P < 0.001), respectively. Prostate cancer death occurred in 45 of 590 (7.6%) men with a –SVB vs eight of 25 (32%) with a +SVB (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.35–13.9, P < 0.001). Cox proportion hazard rates (HRs) demonstrated Gleason score (P < 0.001, HR 1.9), stage (P = 0.010, HR 1.42), RT dose (P = 0.013, HR 0.991), and +SVB (P = 0.001, HR 4.48), as significantly associated with CSS.

Conclusions

Men with a +SVB have inferior CSS compared to those with a −SVB. However, a strategy that included a SVB in high‐risk patients and implantation of the SVs in men undergoing combined therapy still yields favourable long‐term results.
Changes in perceived oral health in a longitudinal population‐based study
Authors: Torppa‐Saarinen Eeva , Tolvanen Mimmi , Suominen Anna L. , Lahti Satu
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The aim was to examine whether the changes in different measures of perceived oral health (POH) were similar and related to each other over 11 years in the Finnish adult population in a longitudinal setting. Perceived oral health was measured by means of subjective oral health (SOH), self‐assessed treatment need (STN), and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Methods

The data were collected as part of the nationally representative Health 2000 and Health 2011 (BRIF 8901) surveys on Finnish adults born in 1981 or earlier. SOH and STN were measured using single items and OHRQoL using the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). The changes in STN and OHRQoL were reported by age group and by gender. Age groups (born in 1971 or later, in 1956‐1970, in 1946‐1955, or in 1945 or earlier) were based on access to subsidized oral health care. General linear mixed models for changes in perceived oral health variables were conducted.

Results

Subjective oral health and oral health‐related quality of life with impacts occurring occasionally, fairly often, or very often (OFoVo) showed similar results and remained good or improved in the majority of the participants. Self‐assessed treatment need in the population showed less consistent results. Subjective oral health was good in the adult population. About half of the participants, regardless of age and gender, reported self‐assessed treatment need in both years, showing a decrease among women and an increase in the youngest group. Perceived oral health improved significantly in the two oldest age groups regardless of the measure. The general linear mixed model revealed that changes in all three perceived oral health variables were related even when adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusion

Multiple perceived oral health measures might be useful for service planning, as the changes in the three separate measures used in this longitudinal study were various and thus measured different aspects of perceived oral health. Research including both self‐perceived and clinical indicators is needed to understand need for care as a whole.
Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts among Jews and non‐Jews born in 13 hospitals in Israel during 1993‐2005
Authors: Shapira Yehoshua , Blum Itay , Haklai Ziona , Shpack Nir , Amitai Yona
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Orofacial clefts are one of the most common birth malformations and represent a significant public health economic expenditure. The purpose of this investigation was to study the epidemiology of orofacial clefts in newborns from 1993 to 2005 in Israel. In addition, a comparison of data from the National Birth Defects Registry (NBDR) and Hospital records will be made.

Methods

A retrospective data review of reports to the Israeli NBDR on infants with orofacial clefts in comparison with records reviewed at 13 major hospitals, accounting for 60% of all births in Israel.

Results

Of 1334 newborns found to be with orofacial clefts all over Israel between 1993 and 2005, 1015 were reported to the NBDR and 319 were unreported but retrieved from hospital files. During this period, of the 976 578 live births found in the 13 participating hospitals, there were 866 newborns with orofacial clefts. Of those, 684 (79%) were nonsyndromic orofacial clefts and 182 (21%) had additional syndromes. The prevalence of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts was 7/10 000 live births, lower than reported outside Israel. Only 65% of orofacial clefts retrieved from the 13 hospitals were reported to the NBDR. A significantly higher orofacial cleft prevalence was found among non‐Jews than Jews (11 and 6 of 10 000 live births, respectively), (P< .00 001). CL/P was found more frequently than isolated cleft palate (CP). More males had orofacial clefts than females, mostly unilateral with left side predominance.

Conclusions

The prevalence of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts was found to be 7/10 000 live births. The higher orofacial cleft prevalence among non‐Jews may be explained by the high prevalence of consanguinity and deprived maternal nutritional status in this population.
Threshold‐stimulated kallikrein activity distinguishes bradykinin‐ from histamine‐mediated angioedema
Authors: Lara‐Marquez Maria L. , Christiansen Sandra C. , Riedl Marc A. , Herschbach Jack , Zuraw Bruce L.
Published: June 2018

Background

The lack of specific biomarkers makes the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) with normal levels of C1‐inhibitor (C1INH) protein (HAE‐nl‐C1INH) and idiopathic non‐histaminergic angioedema (INHA) difficult. Confirming or excluding these diagnoses is a significant challenge for clinicians evaluating patients with angioedema.

Objective

To develop a reliable biomarker that would aid the diagnosis of HAE‐nl‐C1INH and INHA.

Methods

A total of 154 consecutive patients referred for angioedema at a single centre were enrolled and evaluated. Subjects were clinically phenotyped based on clinical history and response to treatment by clinicians blinded to laboratory assay results. Plasma kallikrein activity was measured by the cleavage of the fluorometric substrate Z‐Phe‐Arg‐AMC‐HCL in plasma samples stimulated ex vivo with submaximal doses of dextran sulphate.

Results

Stimulated plasma kallikrein activity (mean relative fluorescence units/min ± SD) was significantly increased in both HAE‐nl‐C1INH (1804 ± 600) and INHA (1579 ± 371) subjects compared to non‐swelling controls (171 ± 46) and histaminergic angioedema (133 ± 30) subjects. Using a threshold cut‐off based on the normal controls, HAE‐nl‐C1INH and INHA subjects could be differentiated from histaminergic angioedema subjects with high sensitivity (negative predictive value 86%‐89%) and specificity (positive predictive value 80%‐100%).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The stimulated kallikrein activity assay allows differentiation of bradykinin‐ from histamine‐mediated angioedema. The assay could feasibly be considered as a potential clinical tool for the diagnosis of bradykinin‐mediated angioedema.
An online self‐test added to colorectal cancer screening can increase the effectiveness of familial cancer risk assessment without increasing distress
Authors: van Erkelens A. , Sie A. S. , Spanier M. B. W. , van Kouwen M. , Visser A. , Prins J. B. , Hoogerbrugge N.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Most people who are at increased familial colorectal cancer (FCRC) risk are not identified, despite the need for enhanced surveillance colonoscopy for effective CRC prevention. An online self‐test may enhance this identification. We assessed whether taking an online self‐test to identify increased FCRC risk increases anxiety, distress or CRC risk perception in population‐based CRC screening.

Method

After the precolonoscopy consultation, patients who had a positive immunohistochemical occult faecal blood test (iFOBT+) in population‐based CRC screening were invited by email to take an online self‐test at home which returned details of family history. Anxiety (STAI‐DY), distress (HADS) and CRC risk perception were assessed immediately before and after taking the online self‐test and 2 weeks later.

Results

Of 250 participants invited, 177 (71%) completed the online self‐test and psychological questionnaires and 153 (61%) completed questionnaires 2 weeks later. The median age was 65 years (range 61–75). The FCRC risk was increased in 17 participants (9.6%). Of these, 12 (6.8%) had a highly increased FCRC risk and may benefit from germline genetic testing for Lynch syndrome. In 7 of 17 participants (40%) the self‐test obtained novel information on family history. Anxiety and distress levels were, and remained, below a clinically relevant level. Perception of CRC risk remained unchanged. Most participants (83%) would recommend the online self‐test to others.

Conclusion

Of those with a iFOBT+, 9.6% had a previously unidentified increasedFCRC risk and require an enhanced surveillance colonoscopy instead of iFOBT. As screening for this risk did not increase anxiety or distress, and was highly acceptable, we recommend adding the online self‐test to population‐based CRC screening.
Perirenal fat surface area as a risk factor for perioperative difficulties and 30‐day postoperative complications in elective colon cancer surgery
Authors: der Hagopian O. , Dahlberg M. , Heinius G. , Nordberg J. , Gustafsson J. , Nordenvall C. , Sandblom G. , Farahnak P. , Everhov Å. H.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Visceral obesity is associated with perioperative and postoperative complications in colorectal surgery. We aimed to investigate the association between the perirenal fat surface area (PRF) and postoperative complications.

Method

Data on 610 patients undergoing curative, elective colon cancer resection between 2006 and 2016 at Stockholm South General Hospital were retrieved from a local quality register. We assessed perioperative and postoperative outcomes using a multinomial regression model adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification and surgical approach (open/laparoscopy) in relation to PRF.

Results

PRF could be measured in 605 patients; the median area was 24 cm2. Patients with PRF ≥ 40 cm2 had longer operation time (median 223 vs 184 min), more intra‐operative bleeding (250 vs 125 ml), reoperations (11% vs 6%), surgical complications (27% vs 13%) and nonsurgical infectious complications (16% vs 9%) than patients with PRF < 40 cm2, but there were no differences in the need for intensive care or duration of hospital stay. The multivariate analyses revealed an increased risk of any complication [OR 1.68 (95% CI 1.1–2.6)], which was even more pronounced for moderate complications [Clavien–Dindo II, OR 2.14 (CI 1.2–2.4]; Clavien–Dindo III, OR 2.35 (CI 1.0–5.5)] in patients with PRF ≥ 40 vs < 40 cm2. The absolute risk of complications was similar in men and women with PRF ≥ 40 cm2.

Conclusion

PRF, an easily measured indirect marker of visceral obesity, was associated with overall and moderate complications in men and women and could serve as a useful tool in the assessment of preoperative risk.
Concurrence of autophagy with apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells contributes to chronic pulmonary toxicity induced by methamphetamine
Authors: Wang Yun , Gu Yu‐Han , Liang Li‐Ye , Liu Ming , Jiang Bin , Zhu Mei‐Jia , Wang Xin , Shi Lin
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse evokes pulmonary toxicity. The aim of our study is to investigate if autophagy is induced by MA and if autophagy‐initiated apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells is involved in MA‐induced chronic pulmonary toxicity.

Materials and Methods

The rats in Control group and MA group were tested by Doppler and HE staining. The alveolar epithelial cells were treated with MA, following by western blot, RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence assay.

Results

Chronic exposure to MA resulted in lower growth ratio of weight and in higher heart rate and peak blood flow velocity of the main pulmonary artery of rats. MA induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in lungs, more compact lung parenchyma, thickened alveolar septum and reduction in the number of alveolar sacs. In alveolar epithelial cells, the autophagy marker LC3 and per cent of cells containing LC3‐positive autophagosome were significantly increased. MA dose dependently suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR to inactivate mTOR, elicited autophagy regulatory proteins LC3 and Beclin‐1, accelerated the transformation from LC3 I to LC3 II and initiated apoptosis by decreasing Bcl‐2 and increasing Bax, Bax/Bcl‐2 and cleaved Caspase 3. The above results suggest that sustained autophagy was induced by long‐term exposure to MA and that the increased Beclin‐1 autophagy initiated apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells.

Conclusions

Concurrence of autophagy with apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells contributes to chronic pulmonary toxicity induced by MA.
Cytomegalovirus infection and graft rejection as risk factors for pneumocystis pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam Seyed M. , Krishnan Rohin Jayaram , Guo Hui , Kumar Deepali
Published: June 2018

A growing number of publications have reported the outbreaks of post‐transplant pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP). In most studies, the onset of PJP was beyond 6‐12 months of prophylaxis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and allograft rejection have been repeatedly reported as probable risk factors for post‐transplant PJP. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we determined the pooled effect estimates of these 2 variables as risk factors. Data sources included PUBMED, MEDLINE‐OVID, EMBASE‐OVID, Cochrane Library, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, World Health Organization, and Web of Science. We excluded publications related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. Eventually, 15 studies remained for the final stage of screening. Cytomegalovirus infection (OR: 3.30, CI 95%: 2.07‐5.26, I2: 57%, P = 0.006) and allograft rejection (OR:2.36, CI95%: 1.54‐3.62, I2: 45.5%, P = 0.05) significantly increased the risk of post‐transplant PJP. Extended prophylaxis targeting recipients with allograft rejection or CMV infection may reduce the risk of PJP.
Duration of corticosteroid use and long‐term outcomes after adult heart transplantation: A contemporary analysis of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry
Authors: Goldraich Livia A. , Stehlik Josef , Cherikh Wida S. , Edwards Leah B. , Urban Read , Dipchand Anne , Ross Heather J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Long‐term corticosteroid (CS) maintenance remains an effective option for immunosuppression following heart transplantation. We used the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry to examine characteristics and long‐term survival among heart transplant recipients with different duration of CS therapy.

Methods

Primary adult heart recipients transplanted between 2000 and 2008 who survived at least 5 years were categorized into three groups according to CS use: early withdrawal (≤2 years) (EARLY D/C), late withdrawal (between 2 and 5 years) (LATE D/C), or long‐term use (>5 years) (LONG‐TERM). Recipient and donor characteristics, post‐transplant morbidities, and mortality were compared among groups. Kaplan‐Meier was used to estimate survival up to 10 years post‐transplant.

Results

The study cohort included 8161 recipients (2043 in EARLY D/C; 2031 in LATE D/C; and 4087 in LONG‐TERM). LONG‐TERM use of CS decreased over time, from 60% in 2000 to 43% in 2008, while EARLY D/C increased from 19% to 33%, respectively. Survival at 10 years after transplant was lower among the LONG‐TERM group (73% vs EARLY D/C 82% vs LATE D/C 80%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this large multinational cohort, the practice of long‐term CS maintenance was associated with lower long‐term survival compared with shorter CS use.
Benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy does not lead to neurological sequelae
Authors: Danielsson Annika , Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Stödberg Tommy , Lagerstedt‐Robinson Kristina , Klackenberg Arrhenius Eva , Tedroff Kristina
Published: June 2018

Aim

To elucidate the natural course of benign paroxysmal torticollis, the relationship of this disorder to migraine and other paroxysmal diseases, and to analyse candidate genes.

Method

This was a case series of children with benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy (BPTI) diagnosed from 1998 to 2005, at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. A neurological examination and a formalized motor assessment were performed from 2005 to 2007. At a second follow‐up, in 2014 to 2015, the children and their parents were interviewed and candidate genes analysed.

Results

The mean age of the eight females and three males included in the second follow‐up was 13 years 9 months (SD 2y 2mo). All motor assessments were normal. Five had developed migraine, abdominal migraine, and/or cyclic vomiting. Prophylactic treatment or migraine‐specific medication during attacks were not needed. No paroxysmal tonic upgaze, benign paroxysmal vertigo, epilepsy, episodic ataxia, or paroxysmal dyskinesia was reported. Rare genetic variants in CACNA1A and ATP1A2 were found in two children. Five had a family history of migraine.

Interpretation

BPTI is transient and does not lead to neurological sequelae. Most children afflicted experience either a mild migraine or no paroxysmal disorder at all in their adolescence. Genetic variants in candidate genes were few, indicating potential genetic heterogeneity.

What this paper adds

After resolution of their benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy (BPTI), children display no gross motor delay.

Most adolescents who previously had BPTI have not developed migraine.

No mutations in candidate genes, known to cause hemiplegic migraine, were found.

Associated symptoms are often lacking during episodes of torticollis.
Neutrophils as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Aarts Cathelijn E. M. , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: June 2018

Neutrophils form the first line of defence against invading pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, as part of the innate immune response. Recently, neutrophils have also been discovered as repressors of adaptive immune responses. Under certain conditions, such as cancer and severe injury, an expansion of immature and mature neutrophils has been observed to induce suppression of T‐cell proliferation. These suppressing cells are known as so‐called myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous population of granulocytic‐MDSCs and monocytic‐MDSCs. Initially, MDSCs were believed to be a specific immature type of myeloid immune cell released from the bone marrow, but mature neutrophils have also been proposed to have suppressive capacity. However, granulocytic‐MDSCs show a similar morphology and expression of cell surface markers as mature neutrophils. The only characteristic that discriminates granulocytic (g)‐MDSCs from mature neutrophils is their suppressive capacity, raising the question whether human g‐MDSCs and neutrophils are actually different cell types or whether they are one plastic cell type that can functionally polarize from microbial killers to immunosuppressor cells, depending on local conditions. In this review, we will focus on the MDSC activity of circulating mature neutrophils.
Increased rate of lumbar spondylolisthesis in rheumatoid arthritis: A case‐control study
Authors: Hagege Benjamin , Tubach Florence , Alfaiate Toni , Forien Marine , Dieudé Philippe , Ottaviani Sébastien
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of lumbar spondylolisthesis (SPL) in patients suffering from low back pain (LBP) with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify potential factors associated with SPL in patients with RA.

Methods

We performed a case‐control study. Cases and control patients had chronic LBP (more than 4 weeks). Patient with RA fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. The main outcome was the presence of lumbar SPL on lumbar X‐ray. The prevalence of SPL between RA and control patients was compared using chi‐squared test. Potential factors associated with SPL in patients with RA were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

A total of 67 cases and 83 controls were included. Median [interquartile range] age of patients with RA was 60.0 years [51.0‐72.0]; 80.6% were females; and 92.5% and 83.6% were positive for anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) or rheumatoid factor, respectively. Mean RA disease duration was 11.2 ± 8.7 years. SPL was more frequent in patients with RA than controls (41.8% versus 18.1%, P = 0.001). Adjusted to gender, RA was associated with increased prevalence of SPL (OR 3.15 [95% CI 1.48‐6.70], P = 0.003). Among patients with RA, SPL was mainly Grade 1 (85.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed SPL is associated with increased age in patients with RA (OR 1.06 [1.02‐1.11], P = 0.004).

Conclusion

In a population of patients with chronic LBP, the prevalence of lumbar SPL was higher with than without RA. SPL might be explained by synovitis of lumbar facet joints.
Effects of biochar on the dynamics of aggregate stability in clay and sandy loam soils
Authors: Pituello C. , Dal Ferro N. , Francioso O. , Simonetti G. , Berti A. , Piccoli I. , Pisi A. , Morari F.
Published: June 2018

Recent advances suggest that organic substances of different origins might have different aggregate stability dynamics. We investigated the extent to which contrasting soil types affect the dynamics of aggregation after the addition of crop residues (R) and of biochar at two doses (BC20, 20 Mg ha−1; BC40, 40 Mg ha−1) in a 2‐year experiment. To evaluate disaggregation, we measured a set of physical–chemical and structure‐related properties of clay and sandy loam aggregates sieved to 1–2 mm, including wet aggregate stability after different pretreatments combined with laser diffraction analysis. The electrochemical properties of the colloidal suspension were also analysed to identify changes in soil chemistry affected by organic inputs. Different amounts of added biochar and soil types produced contrasting effects on wet aggregate stability. In sandy loam, the increased soil surface area from added biochar (at either dose) offset the initial small soil organic carbon (SOC) content and subsequently promoted SOC‐controlled aggregation. Conversely in clay soil, the larger biochar dose (BC40) strengthened the repulsive forces between particles with the same charge and monovalent cations, which led to chemical perturbation and some aggregate breakdown not found with BC20. Pore structure also changed in clay aggregates. A shift towards more micropores (30–5 μm, + 29% more than in the control) and ultramicropores (5–0.1 μm, + 22% more than in the control), which contributed to aggregate stabilization, resulted when biochar was added, but not for residue. Our results suggest that biochar promotes aggregate stability, which, in turn, improves the physical fertility of soil, especially if it has a coarse texture and small organic carbon content. Further study is needed of the physical–chemical interactions between added biochar and surface‐charged clay‐rich soils.

Highlights

Aggregate dynamics are poorly understood because of complex interactions between organic inputs and soil type.

A multidisciplinary approach was used to study aggregation dynamics.

Large biochar input changed soil chemical properties that weakened stability in clay aggregates.

Aggregate stability depended on biochar dose and soil type.
Late‐onset and young‐onset relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: evidence from a retrospective long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: D'Amico E. , Patti F. , Zanghì A. , Chisari C. G. , Lo Fermo S. , Zappia M.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

Late‐onset multiple sclerosis (MS) has a prevalence of about 10–20% in natural history MS studies. Few data have been published about the long‐term disease trajectory in the cohort of late‐onset relapsing‐remitting MS (LORRMS). The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for reaching an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6.0 in LORRMS (onset at >40 years of age) and young‐onset relapsing‐remitting MS (YORRMS) (onset between 18 and 40 years of age).

Methods

Clinical and radiological [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain] follow‐up data were collected. Disability was assessed by EDSS score. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the demographic and clinical predictors of reaching an EDSS score of 6.0 in the two cohorts.

Results

A total of 671 patients with relapsing‐remitting MS were enrolled, 143 (21.3%) with LORRMS and 528 (78.7%) with YORRMS. In LORRMS, age at onset was 47.8 ± 5.3 (mean ± SD) years and duration of follow‐up was 120.7 ± 52.7 months. In YORRMS, age at onset was 27 ± 2.7 years and duration of follow‐up was 149.9 ± 92.7 months. The survival curve analyses showed a higher probability of reaching an EDSS score of 6.0 for LORRMS in a shorter time (months) than for YORRMS (94.2 vs. 103.2 months; log‐rank 8.8; P < 0.05). On MRI, YORRMS showed more brain inflammatory features than LORRMS. In the multivariate Cox model, age at onset [Exp(B) value, 6.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–22.6; P < 0.001] and male gender [Exp(B) value, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–2.8; P < 0.05] were the strongest predictors of reaching an EDSS score of 6.0.

Conclusions

The male population with LORRMS reached severe disability faster than those with YORRMS, even when YORRMS showed more brain inflammatory features on MRI.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 as a potential biomarker in psoriasis
Authors: Hong Xia , Jiang Shan , Marmolejo Nancy , Vangipuram Ramya , Ramos‐Rojas Elmira , Yuan Yulin , Lin Zuan‐Tao , Li Yaxi , Qiu Jingyi , Xing Yikun , Haley Christopher , Tyring Stephen K. , Wu Tianfu
Published: June 2018

To discover novel biomarkers of psoriasis, a target‐specific antibody array screening of serum samples from psoriasis patients was initially performed. The results revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) was significantly elevated in the sera of psoriasis patients, compared to healthy controls. Next, ELISA validation studies in a larger cohort of psoriasis patients (N = 73) were conducted, which confirmed that serum VEGFR‐3 was indeed significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that serum VEGFR‐3 exhibited potential in distinguishing healthy controls from psoriasis patients: area under the curve = 0.85, P < 0.001. In addition, serum levels of VEGFR‐3 were correlated with Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores (R = 0.32, P = 0.008) in psoriasis patients. Interestingly, serum VEGFR‐3 levels were significantly elevated in psoriatic arthritis compared to non‐psoriatic arthritis (P = 0.026). A pilot longitudinal study demonstrated that serum levels of VEGFR‐3 could reflect disease progression in psoriasis. Collectively, serum VEGFR‐3 may have a clinical value in monitoring disease activity of psoriasis.
Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine complications reported to the French Addictovigilance Network
Authors: Eiden Céline , Leone‐Burgos Sarah , Serre Anaïs , Carton Louise , Gerardin Marie , Le Boisselier Reynald , Gibaja Valérie , Monzon Emilie , Fouilhe Nathalie , Boucher Alexandra , Peyriere Hélène ,   French Network of Addictovigilance Centers
Published: June 2018

Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine belong to the family of diarylethylamines that are psychoactive substances derived from lefetamine (N, N‐di‐methyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine, also called L‐SPA). These dissociative anesthetic compounds act as potent and selective N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonists and were recently classified as narcotic drugs in France. The available data suggest a significant risk of psychic and somatic complications. To obtain more information, this retrospective study analyzed all spontaneous notifications of serious cases of ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine abuse collected by the French Addictovigilance Network from 2012 to 2016 and classified them as proven, probable, and possible. For each case, age, sex, concomitantly ingested substances, pattern of abuse of psychoactive drugs, and related complications (scored using the poisoning severity score) were collected. Eighteen cases were identified (one in 2013, five in 2015, and 12 in 2016) in 16 men (median age: 31.5 years [IQR 25–75% 27–34]). Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine were involved in four, seven, and 11 cases, respectively. No case was considered proven, 16 cases were considered possible, and two probable due to polysubstance abuse (co‐ingestion of other new psychoactive substances). The reported clinical complications were minor in five cases, moderate in six cases, and serious in four cases, and included psychiatric, neurologic, and cardiovascular problems. This analysis indicates that the number of reported cases progressively increased from 2012 to 2016 and mainly concerned methoxphenidine. The addictive potential of these substances seems highly probable; but further investigations are needed to limit their harmful effects.
Climate and plant controls on soil organic matter in coastal wetlands
Authors: Osland Michael J. , Gabler Christopher A. , Grace James B. , Day Richard H. , McCoy Meagan L. , McLeod Jennie L. , From Andrew S. , Enwright Nicholas M. , Feher Laura C. , Stagg Camille L. , Hartley Stephen B.
Published: June 2018

Coastal wetlands are among the most productive and carbon‐rich ecosystems on Earth. Long‐term carbon storage in coastal wetlands occurs primarily belowground as soil organic matter (SOM). In addition to serving as a carbon sink, SOM influences wetland ecosystem structure, function, and stability. To anticipate and mitigate the effects of climate change, there is a need to advance understanding of environmental controls on wetland SOM. Here, we investigated the influence of four soil formation factors: climate, biota, parent materials, and topography. Along the northern Gulf of Mexico, we collected wetland plant and soil data across elevation and zonation gradients within 10 estuaries that span broad temperature and precipitation gradients. Our results highlight the importance of climate–plant controls and indicate that the influence of elevation is scale and location dependent. Coastal wetland plants are sensitive to climate change; small changes in temperature or precipitation can transform coastal wetland plant communities. Across the region, SOM was greatest in mangrove forests and in salt marshes dominated by graminoid plants. SOM was lower in salt flats that lacked vascular plants and in salt marshes dominated by succulent plants. We quantified strong relationships between precipitation, salinity, plant productivity, and SOM. Low precipitation leads to high salinity, which limits plant productivity and appears to constrain SOM accumulation. Our analyses use data from the Gulf of Mexico, but our results can be related to coastal wetlands across the globe and provide a foundation for predicting the ecological effects of future reductions in precipitation and freshwater availability. Coastal wetlands provide many ecosystem services that are SOM dependent and highly vulnerable to climate change. Collectively, our results indicate that future changes in SOM and plant productivity, regulated by cascading effects of precipitation on freshwater availability and salinity, could impact wetland stability and affect the supply of some wetland ecosystem services.
Prediction of individual factor VIII or IX level for the correction of thrombin generation in haemophilic patients
Authors: Chelle P. , Montmartin A. , Piot M. , Ardillon L. , Wibaut B. , Frotscher B. , Cournil M. , Morin C. , Tardy‐Poncet B.
Published: June 2018

Background

The thrombin generation (TG) assay can assess individual clotting potential. The thrombin generation potential is correlated with the patient's bleeding phenotype and varies from one patient to the other for the same degree of factor VIII or IX deficiency.

Objective

To define in vitro for individual haemophilic patients the target factor VIII or IX level required to normalize their TG.

Patients/Methods

Plasmas from 20 haemophilic patients were spiked with increasing levels of the deficient coagulation factor and TG parameters were measured. The relationships between factor levels and TG parameters were determined by linear regression. The normal range of thrombin generation was defined in 39 healthy male volunteers.

Results

Despite inter‐individual heterogeneity in basal TG and responses to spiking, a linear relationship was found between factor VIII or IX levels and TG parameters for individual patients. Based on the individual responses of patient plasmas to spiking, it is possible to define in vitro the target factor VIII or IX levels needed to normalize the TG parameters. For both haemophilic A and haemophilic B patients, significant correlations were found between basal peak values and their correction slopes. The correction slope was steeper in haemophilic B patients, so the factor IX level needed to normalize the TG parameters was lower than for haemophilic A patients.

Conclusions

The TG assay could be used to determine in vitro the patient‐specific factor VIII or IX level to be reached to effectively normalize their TG. These in vitro results should be confirmed by ex‐vivo studies.
Influence of new hire transition workload on insomnia in nurses
Authors: Chang Yuanmay , Lam Calvin , Chung Min‐Huey
Published: June 2018

Aims

In this study, we investigated the relationship of the prevalence and incidence of insomnia with the new hire transition workload in nurses.

Methods

This retrospective study used the clinical diagnosis data of the entire nursing population in Taiwan for 2005 to 2008, drawn from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Adjusted logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to separately analyse factors related to the prevalence and incidence of insomnia.

Results

During this period, the prevalence of insomnia increased, whereas its incidence remained stable. After adjustment for demographic variables in the logistic regression models, the higher prevalence of insomnia was associated with a longer employment duration and a higher new hire ratio. In the Cox regression models, a higher incidence of insomnia was associated with a shorter employment duration and a higher new hire ratio. Nurses with a longer employment duration had a higher prevalence, but lower incidence, of insomnia. A higher new hire ratio was associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of insomnia.

Conclusion

To mitigate the risk of insomnia, we suggest that additional support should be provided to non‐new nurses to assist them in the new hire transition.
Remembering War: Fabre on Remembrance
Authors: Stemplowska Zofia
Published: June 2018

Following wars, what requirements, if any, of remembrance do we – those who live in peacetime – have? On whom do they fall? Who must be remembered? How should they be remembered? Fabre offers us an account of remembrance that answers some of those questions and provides a helpful framework for working through the others. It is philosophically nuanced as well as attuned to the complexity of war and informed by actual commemorative practices. In this article, however, I expand Fabre's list of desiderata that a good account of war remembrance must meet. I argue that Fabre's account needs to be refined and, at least in one respect, revised in light of these new desiderata.