bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropometric Breast Measurement: Analysis of the Average Breast in Young Nulliparous Saudi Female Population
Authors: Al-Qattan Mohammad M. , Aldakhil Sahar S. , Al-Hassan Turki S. , Al-Qahtani Abdulah
Published: August 2019

Background:

Anthropometric measurements and proportions of the female body play a significant role in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This study is aimed to identify the descriptive measurements of the breast in a sample population of young nulliparous Saudi women.

Methods:

Fifty-four nulliparous Saudi women of 20–25 years old, with no physical or developmental deformity, and body mass index (BMI) of 20–25 kg/m2 were recruited. The following parameters were measured: body weight, height, BMI, sternal notch-nipple length for each breast (SN), internipple distance (IND), distance from nipple to inframammary fold (IMF), distance from edge of areola to the IMF, and areolar diameter (AD).

Results:

The mean values of age, BMI, height, and weight of the participants were 22.1 ± 1.2 years, 21.8 ± 3.1 kg/m2, 162.1 ± 5 cm, and 57.4 ± 8.6 kg, respectively. The mean values of the breast parameters were 19.8, 20.3, 7.7, 5.4, and 4.5 cm for SN, IND, distance from nipple to IMF, distance from lower end of the areola to IMF, and AD, respectively. Statistically significant difference was found only in the distance from edge of areola to IMF between the right and left breasts, with the parameter significantly higher in the left breast (P < 0.05, n = 54). A positive correlation between weight and BMI was found in SN, IND, distance from nipple to IMF, and AD.

Conclusion:

These study results will be useful for the comparison of anthropometric breast values of young Saudi women with those of women from other nationalities.
Silver in Wound Care—Friend or Foe?: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Khansa Ibrahim , Schoenbrunner Anna R. , Kraft Casey T. , Janis Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Due to its strong antimicrobial activity, silver is a commonly used adjunct in wound care. However, it also has the potential to impair healing by exerting toxic effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The published literature on the use of silver in wound care is very heterogeneous, making it difficult to generate useful treatment guidelines.

Methods:

A search of high-quality studies on the use of silver in wound care was performed on PubMed. A detailed qualitative analysis of published articles was performed to evaluate the evidence for the use of silver in infected wounds, clean wounds, burns, and over closed surgical incisions.

Results:

Fifty-nine studies were included in this qualitative analysis. We found that, overall, the quality of the published research on silver is poor. While there is some evidence for short-term use of dressings containing nanocrystalline silver in infected wounds, the use of silver-containing dressings in clean wounds and over closed surgical incisions is not indicated. Negative-pressure wound therapy accelerates the healing of contaminated wounds, especially when silver is used as an adjunct. For burns, silver sulfadiazine slows healing and should not be used. Instead, nanocrystalline silver, or alternatives such as octenidine and polyhexanide, lead to less infection and faster healing.

Conclusions:

In infected wounds, silver is beneficial for the first few days/weeks, after which nonsilver dressings should be used instead. For clean wounds and closed surgical incisions, silver confers no benefit. The ideal silver formulations are nanocrystalline silver and silver-coated polyurethane sponge for negative-pressure wound therapy. Silver sulfadiazine impairs wound healing. Proper use of silver-containing dressings is essential to optimize wound healing.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Medium- and Long-Term Outcomes of the Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis
Authors: Priddy Jack , Bardan Ahmed Shalaby , Tawfik Hadeel Sherif , Liu Christopher
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

The Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro), used in patients with high risk of corneal graft failure, is increasingly being used. However, the medium- to long-term outcomes are currently unclear. We analyzed the medium- (2–5 years) and long-term (>5 years) efficacy and safety of the Boston type 1 KPro in terms of visual outcomes, device retention, and postoperative complications.

Methods:

We last searched electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on March 31, 2018. Visual outcomes and device retention at 2 and 5 years, alongside postoperative complications, were primary outcome measures.

Results:

We identified 407 articles. Thirty studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The combined proportion of eyes with ≥6/60 vision was 62% at 2 years and 51% at 5 years. The combined retention rate was 88% at 2 years and 74% at 5 years. Retroprosthetic membrane (36.6%) and glaucoma (39.3%) were found to be the most common long-term complications. Very few studies showed visual outcomes or retention rates at 5 years, with results sparse and collectively not meaningful because of small patient numbers and ambiguous reporting of follow-up times.

Conclusions:

The 2-year results indicate that there is a place for the Boston type 1 KPro in the management of corneal blindness. However, there is scarce evidence regarding its medium- and long-term efficacy and safety. The high rate of reported complications necessitates strict patient selection and stringent follow-up.
Cenegermin in Pediatric Neurotrophic Keratopathy
Authors: Pedrotti Emilio , Bonetto Jacopo , Cozzini Tiziano , Fasolo Adriano , Marchini Giorgio
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

We report a case of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) arising after surgery for rhabdomyosarcoma of the jaw successfully treated with Cenegermin eye drops (Oxervate; Dompé Farmaceutici, Milan, Italy) in a 3-year-old boy.

Methods:

At the age of 1 year, the boy underwent surgery for rhabdomyosarcoma of the jaw, followed by radiotherapy. Subsequent NK was initially treated with preservative-free artificial tears, topical combination of dexamethasone 0.1% and netilmicin 0.3% (Netildex; Sifi, Catania, Italy), and moxifloxacin 0.5% (Vigamox; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX), followed by 10 cycles of a topical eye biopolymer containing a poly-carboxymethyl glucose sulfate solution (Cacicol; Theà, Clermont-Ferrand, France) and 4 amniotic membrane transplantations. Keratopathy was recalcitrant to therapy and tissue transplant. Therapy was switched to Cenegermin eye drops 6 times daily for 8 weeks.

Results:

Complete healing of the corneal epithelium was achieved at 3 weeks into treatment.

Conclusions:

Cenegermin was effective in restoring corneal integrity in this pediatric patient with NK.
Management of pancreatic fluid collections in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Mahapatra Soumya J. , Garg Pramod K.
Published: August 2019

Acute pancreatitis is associated with development of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Acute PFCs that develop in interstitial edematous pancreatitis mostly resolve but some may persist and evolve into pseudocysts. Acute necrotic collections occurring in acute necrotizing pancreatitis generally persist and evolve into walled-off necrosis (WON) after 3 to 4 weeks. Most acute fluid collections do not require drainage unless they are large and cause compression of adjacent organs, contribute to increase in intraabdominal pressure or become infected. Acute infected collections can be managed with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage but may require necrosectomy either by minimally invasive surgical or endoscopic methods such as video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement and percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy. Mature sterile collections, that is, pseudocyst and WON with a defined wall are best treated by internal transmural drainage which can be achieved either by per-oral endoscopic or surgical, preferably laparoscopic, method. Of late, infected PFCs are increasingly being treated with an endoscopic step-up approach that has been shown to be better than minimally invasive surgical step-up approach in terms of lesser complications. Use of lumen apposing metal stents during endoscopic drainage has emerged as an attractive option that facilitates necrosectomy in infected WON.
Preliminary Analysis From the Craniofacial Collaboration United Kingdom Developmental Outcomes in Children With Sagittal Synostosis
Authors: Care Helen , Kennedy-Williams Patrick , Cunliffe Alexandra , Denly Susie , Horton Jo , Kearney Anna , Knapp Maria , O’Leary Gemma , Piggott Katie , Pinckston Molly , Rooney Natasha , Thomas Siân , Dalton Louise
Published: August 2019

The Craniofacial Collaboration United Kingdom (CC-UK) was established across the 4 Highly Specialized Craniofacial Centres (HSCCs) in the UK in 2015. This is the first wave of data to be analyzed, looking at 3-year-old children with sagittal synostosis who have had primary corrective surgery. This is a comprehensive, homogenous dataset, looking at parental measures of development and behavior. The results indicate that the majority of children are rated by their parents as falling within one standard deviation of the mean for both developmental and behavioral measures. However, there was a trend across the age groups within the sample which, although not statistically significant, indicates that more developmental difficulties may become apparent as children get older. Behavior was rated as more problematic, and the areas of greatest parental concern were Conduct (challenging or confrontational behavior) and Hyperactivity domains, where 24% of children were rated as within the clinically significant range. Although the majority of children were rated as falling within the average range, the difference in the mean between the sagittal and the normative group was significant in 5 of the 6 behavioral domains. Further research is required to examine whether these findings are stable over time and to look at the mechanism which might be driving these changes. It is anticipated that future CC-UK analysis will elucidate this more clearly.
Anthropometric Analysis of Secondary Cleft Lip Rhinoplasty Using Costal Cartilage Graft
Authors: Talaat Wael M. , Ghoneim Mohamed M. , El-Shikh Yasser M. , Elkashty Sherif I. , Ismail Mohammed A.G. , Keshk Tarek F.A.
Published: August 2019

Despite the improvement of primary repair of nasal deformities during the management of cleft lip in infancy, this does not exclude the need for revision rhinoplasty in adulthood for complete patients’ rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of secondary rhinoplasty using costal cartilage grafts in patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Twenty patients who were operated at earlier ages for correction of cleft lip and had a residual unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity were included in this study. Costal cartilage rib grafts were harvested; carved and used for maxillary augmentation, columellar strut graft, and lateral crural strut graft. Five anthropometric measurements (nostril height, width and gap area, columellar axis deviation angle and nasal base inclination angle) were used for evaluation of aesthetic results. The ratio of nostril width, height and gap area between the cleft side and the non-cleft side showed significant improvement (P<0.05). The columellar axis deviation showed significant improvement towards the midline (P= 0.004), and the alar base inclination showed improvement towards the horizontal line (P= 0.0045). In conclusion, the aesthetic outcomes of secondary cleft lip rhinoplasty using the costal cartilage are satisfactory. The costal cartilage has the required strength, is easily carved and maintains shape for considerable time.
Circulating B Cells With Memory and Antibody-Secreting Phenotypes Are Detectable in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients Before the Development of Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Fischman Clara , Fribourg Miguel , Fabrizio Ginevri , Cioni Michela , Comoli Patrizia , Nocera Arcangelo , Cardillo Massimo , Cantarelli Chiara , Gallon Lorenzo , Petrosyan Astgik , Da Sacco Stefano , Perin Laura , Cravedi Paolo
Published: August 2019

Background.

Development of anti–human leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) is associated with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and reduced allograft survival in kidney transplant recipients. Whether changes in circulating lymphocytes anticipate DSA or AMR development is unclear.

Methods.

We used time-of-flight mass cytometry to analyze prospectively collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from pediatric kidney transplant recipients who developed DSA (DSA-positive recipients [DSAPOS], n = 10). PBMC were obtained at 2 months posttransplant, 3 months before DSA development, and at DSA detection. PBMC collected at the same time points posttransplant from recipients who did not develop DSA (DSA-negative recipients [DSANEG], n = 11) were used as controls.

Results.

DSAPOS and DSANEG recipients had similar baseline characteristics and comparable frequencies of total B and T cells. Within DSAPOS recipients, there was no difference in DSA levels (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]: 13 687 ± 4159 vs 11 375 ± 1894 in DSAPOSAMR-positive recipients (AMRPOS) vs DSAPOSAMR-negative recipients (AMRNEG), respectively; P = 0.630), C1q binding (5 DSAPOSAMRPOS [100%] vs 4 DSAPOSAMRNEG [80%]; P = 1.000), or C3d binding (3 DSAPOSAMRPOS [60%] vs 1 DSAPOSAMRNEG [20%]; P = 0.520) between patients who developed AMR and those who did not. However, DSAPOS patients who developed AMR (n = 5; 18.0 ± 3.6 mo post-DSA detection) had increased B cells with antibody-secreting (IgD−CD27+CD38+; P = 0.002) and memory (IgD-CD27+CD38−; P = 0.003) phenotypes compared with DSANEG and DSAPOSAMRNEG recipients at DSA detection.

Conclusions.

Despite the small sample size, our comprehensive phenotypic analyses show that circulating B cells with memory and antibody-secreting phenotypes are present at DSA onset, >1 year before biopsy-proven AMR in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Evaluation of Reproducible and Transparent Research Practices in Pulmonology Publications
Authors: Smith Caleb A. , Nolan Johnny , Tritz Daniel J. , Heavener Trace E. , Pelton Jameson , Cook Kathy , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2019

Rationale

Study reproducibility is valuable for validating or refuting results. Provision of reproducibility indicators, such as materials, protocols, and raw data in a study to improve its potential for reproduction. Efforts to reproduce noteworthy studies in the biomedical sciences have resulted in an overwhelming majority of them being found to be unreplicable, causing concern for the integrity of research in other fields, including medical specialities.

Objective

Here, we analyzed the reproducibility of studies in the field of pulmonology.

Methods

300 pulmonology articles were randomly selected from an initial PubMed search for data extraction. Two authors scoured these articles for reproducibility indicators including materials, protocols, raw data, analysis scripts, inclusion in systematic reviews, and citations by replication studies as well as other factors of research transparency including open accessibility, funding source and competing interest disclosures, and study preregistration.

Main Results

Few publications included statements regarding materials (11%), protocols (1%), data (21%), and analysis script (0%) availability. Less than 10% indicated preregistration. More than half of the publications analyzed failed to provide a funding statement. Conversely, 66% of the publications were open access and 70% included a conflict of interest statement.

Conclusion

Overall, our study indicates pulmonology research is currently lacking in efforts to increase replicability. Future studies should focus on providing sufficient information regarding materials, protocols, raw data, and analysis scripts, among other indicators, for the sake of clinical decisions that depend on replicable or refutable results from the primary literature.
Epigenetics biomarkers of delirium: immune response, inflammatory response and cholinergic synaptic involvement evidenced by genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of delirious inpatients
Authors: Saito Taku , Toda Hiroyuki , Duncan Gabrielle N. , Jellison Sydney S. , Yu Tong , Klisares Mason J. , Daniel Sophia , Andreasen Allison , Leyden Lydia , Hellman Mandy , Shinozaki Eri , Lee Sangil , Yoshino Aihide , Cho Hyunkeun R. , Shinozaki Gen
Published: August 2019

Background

The authors previously hypothesized the role of epigenetics in pathophysiology of delirium, and tested DNA methylation (DNAm) change among pro-inflammatory cytokines along with aging in blood, glia and neuron. The authors reported that DNAm level of the TNF-alpha decreases along with aging in blood and glia, but not in neuron; however, DNAm differences between delirium cases and non-delirium controls have not been investigated directly. Therefore, in the present study, DNAm differences in blood between delirium patients and controls without delirium were examined.

Methods

A case-control study with 92 subjects was conducted. Whole blood samples were collected and genome-wide DNAm was measured by the Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays. The correlation between DNAm levels in the TNF-alpha and age, network analysis, and the correlation between age and DNAm age were tested.

Results

Only delirium cases showed 3 CpGs sites in the TNF-alpha significantly correlated to age after multiple corrections. A genome-wide significant CpG site near the gene of LDLRAD4 was identified. In addition, network analysis showed several significant pathways with false discovery rate adjusted p-value < 0.05. The top pathway with GO was immune response, and the second top pathway with KEGG was cholinergic synapse. Although there was no statistically significant difference, DNAm age among non-delirium controls showed “slower aging” compared to delirium cases.

Conclusions

DNAm differences were shown both at gene and network levels between delirium cases and non-delirium controls. This finding indicates that DNAm status in blood has a potential to be used as epigenetic biomarkers for delirium.
Oxidation kinetics of nanocrystalline Al thin films
Authors: Luo Jinsong , Zhang Ligong , Yang Haigui , Zhang Nan , Zhu Yongfu , Liu Xingyuan , Jiang Qing
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the oxidation kinetics of the nanocrystalline Al ultrathin films. The influence of structure and composition evolution during thermal oxidation will be observed. The reason for the change in the oxidation activation energy on increasing the oxidation temperature will be discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Al thin films are deposited on the silicon wafers as substrates by vacuumed thermal evaporation under the base pressure of 2 × 10−4 Pa, where the substrates are not heated. A crystalline quartz sensor is used to monitor the film thickness. The film thickness varies in the range from 30 to 100 nm. To keep the silicon substrate from oxidation during thermal oxidation of the Al film, a 50-nm gold film was deposited on the back side of silicon substrate. Isothermal oxidation studies of the Al film were carried out in air to assess the oxidation kinetics at 400-600°C.

Findings

The activation energy is positive and low for the low temperature oxidation, but it becomes apparently negative at higher temperatures. The oxide grains are nano-sized, and γ-Al2O3crystals are formed at above 500°C. In light of the model by Davies, the grain boundary diffusion is believed to be the reason for the logarithmic oxidation rate rule. The negative activation energy at higher temperatures is apparent, which comes from the decline of diffusion paths due to the formation of the γ-Al2O3crystals.

Originality/value

It is found that the oxidation kinetics of nanocrystalline Al thin films in air at 400-600°C follows the logarithmic law, and this logarithmic oxidation rate law is related to the grain boundary diffusion. The negative activation energies in the higher temperature range can be attributed to the formation of γ-Al2O3crystal.
Visible and invisible borders in time and space
Authors: Healy Geraldine
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how biography influences professional and academic development. It aims to show how in different ways our experiences reflect the structures of society and that histories repeat themselves with different protagonists and different preys. It uses the author’s own biography to argue that in the author’s case, early influences of Irish migration shaped some of the decisions she made and her commitment to researching inequalities. The paper also asks how relevant are early life influences on the careers of equality and diversity academics?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a biographical method that draws on a personal history of migration and relates these to historical moments to show the interconnection between the self and wider macro events.

Findings

The findings of the paper show the relevance and interconnection of biography with the macro and political context. The paper explores how an academic's personal biography[1] and the multi-layered relationship between the self and the wider macro historical context have influenced her research development. It does this by using her personal stories of being part of an Irish community and shows how everyday interactions may lead to a sense of being an outsider, of being other. History is used to show the multiple borders that Irish and other migrants experience, from biographic and diasporic borders, to violence and conflict and finally to work borders including the link with the author's research work. The paper argues that while the targets of discrimination may change over time, contemporary events can intensify the devaluation and othering of particular migrant groups.

Originality/value

Each biography has a unique element but the paper shows how individual biographies are connected and interrelated with the macro level of analysis.
Mediating model of brand equity and its application
Authors: Raut Umesh Ramchandra , Pawar Prafulla Arjun , Brito Pedro Quelhas , Sisodia Gyanendra Singh
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the mediating role of brand satisfaction and brand trust in brand equity antecedents and outcomes through an empirical investigation of brand equity elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in Pune and Mumbai, two prominent cities of India. A structured questionnaire focussed on garnering responses on measuring brand equity antecedents and outcomes was circulated to the cell phone users. The questionnaire aimed to assess the role of two additional variables, namely, brand satisfaction and brand trust, in the existing and the conceptual model of brand equity (Keller, 2001). Based on the data analysis, a structural equations path and the mediating model were developed.

Findings

The findings of this study show that the new brand equity model is highly relevant in predicting brand equity as compared to the existing brand equity model (Keller, 2001). The brand equity mediation model clearly elucidates the role of brand trust and brand satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

With reference to a theoretical contribution, the study broadens the existing hypothetical model of brand equity. The findings of this research provide a strategic and analytical model for brand managers to build brand relationships among their consumers.

Originality/value

The present study challenges the existing model of brand equity (Keller, 2001) and further makes an effort to fill in the gaps in the existing theoretical model of brand equity.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 7 accelerates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yan Hua , Li Ting , Wang Yatao , Li Hong , Xu Jingyuan , Lu Xiaolan
Published: August 2019

An association between increased insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐7 (IGFBP7) expression and insulin resistance in metabolic diseases has been reported. However, the role and molecular mechanism of IGFBP‐7 in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains largely unknown. Therefore, the potential function of IGFBP7 in the pathological progression of NAFLD was explored in this investigation. For in vivo experiments, an animal model of NAFLD was established in C57BL/6 mice by feeding a high‐fat diet (HFD), and IGFBP7 was knocked down by injecting adeno‐associated adenovirus (AAV)‐mediated short‐hairpin (sh)‐IGFBP7 into the liver. We found that AAV‐sh‐IGFBP7 treatment significantly alleviated hepatocyte injury and inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation by reducing lipogenesis‐associated gene expression. Furthermore, downregulation of IGFBP7 markedly ameliorated IR and restored impaired insulin signalling by elevating the phosphorylation levels of IRS‐1, Akt and GSK3β in HFD‐treated mice. Similar results were also confirmed by an in vitro study in a palmitic acid (PA)‐stimulated HepG2 cell model. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that IGFBP7 contributes to hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in NAFLD development, which might serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of NAFLD.
Effect of fortification with asparagus powder on the qualitative properties of processed cheese
Authors: Solhi Parisa , Azadmard‐Damirchi Sodeif , Hesari Javad , Hamishehkar Hamed
Published: August 2019

The qualitative properties of processed cheese (PC) fortified with different levels of asparagus powder (AP) (0.5%, 1% and 1.5% wt/wt) were evaluated during storage. AP decreased the pH and lipolysis indexes and increased the phenolic content, antioxidant activity and proteolysis of the processed cheeses. AP made the structure of the cheese more elastic, increased the rigidity and decreased the spreadability compared with the control sample, which corresponded to the results obtained using dynamic oscillatory rheometry. The results showed that AP as a rich source of bioactive components could be used for the fortification of processed cheeses.
A Novel Solvent‐based Method to Separate Duct Tape from Porous Surface for Fingerprint Development
Authors: Tan Tony T.F. , Law Pecky P.K. , Kwok Stephen W.K. , Yeung Wilson W.L. , Ho Wai‐Chuen , Chung Wai‐Keung , Au Bing‐Chiu
Published: August 2019

In this study, we have proposed a novel solvent‐based method using a specific concentration of 3M™ Novec™ HFE‐72DE and 7200 solvents to untangle duct tape from porous article with minimal impact to the quality of latent fingerprint deposited on the sticky‐side surface of duct tape. A series of experiments determined that a mixture of 30% HFE‐72DE:7200 (v/v) was found to be the most effective to separate various brands of duct tape from different types of porous surface, including office copy paper, newspaper, cardboard, and tissue wipe, which had been stored for up to 30 days before untangling. Further studies also revealed that 30% HFE‐72DE:7200 was compatible with three common fingerprint development methods for porous articles, namely ninhydrin, indanedione‐zinc, and physical developer. The nonflammability and low toxicity nature of this novel solvent mixture also make it ideal for separating duct tape from porous surface in laboratory or at crime scene.
Arid Climate Adipocere—The Importance of Microenvironment
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Simpson Ellie , Forbes Shari L.
Published: August 2019

Skeletal remains were retrieved from a cave in an arid desert environment. The submitted material consisted of dried grass, soil, and malodorous skeletal remains wrapped in leather. After examination, it was revealed that the smell had not been due to recent decomposition but to adipocere. The cause of death was listed as “undetermined” and a suggested date of death as “unknown.” Although adipocere usually requires a damp environment or submersion in water to develop, this case provides further evidence for the rare possibility of adipocere formation in an otherwise very dry environment. Wrapping of the body in leather material had produced an impermeable barrier which had sequestrated and preserved bodily fluids allowing anaerobic decay with fat hydrolysis and adipocere formation. Microenvironments may have potentially significant and quite idiosyncratic effects on decompositional processes which may initially confuse investigations.
Australian team sports athletes prefer dietitians, the internet and nutritionists for sports nutrition information
Authors: Trakman Gina L. , Forsyth Adrienne , Hoye Russell , Belski Regina
Published: August 2019

Aim

To evaluate the information sources that are used and preferred by Australian athletes and to assess if preferences influence nutrition knowledge (NK).

Methods

Elite and non‐elite Australian team sport athletes, playing Australian football (AF), cricket, lawn bowls, soccer or hockey, were recruited via the sporting organisations' qualified sports dietitians or club presidents. Athletes completed one of two online, validated sports NK questionnaires. Frequency analysis on previous sources of advice, preferred sources of information and preferred type of support were assessed. Differences in NK scores (%) based on previous sources of dietary advice and preferences for obtaining information were assessed using t test or Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

Demographic and information source questions were completed by 410 athletes; 331 also completed NK questions. Athletes were mostly non‐elite (76%) and AF players (79%). Forty‐four per cent of athletes reported having previously received advice from a dietitian. Twenty per cent, 19% and 16% of athletes chose “dietitian,” “internet” and “nutritionist” as their preferred source of nutrition information, respectively. Athletes preferred information on sports nutrition (35%), individual consultations (33%), and information on general healthy eating (33%), over cooking classes (4%) and group presentations (3%). There were no significant associations between preferred and previous information sources and NK scores.

Conclusions

Australian athletes prefer dietitians, the internet and nutritionists for sports nutrition information. There is an interest in and need for access to a qualified sports dietitian and reputable internet‐based nutrition information. Education programs and advice given to athletes need to be evaluated.
An early investigation of individual budget expenditures in the era of consumer‐directed care
Authors: Bulamu Norma B. , Kaambwa Billingsley , Gill Liz , Cameron Ian D. , Ratcliffe Julie
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To identify the key categories of consumer expenditures following the introduction of consumer‐directed care (CDC) in the Australian community aged care sector.

Methods

Income and expenditure data were extracted from monthly budget statements and categorised. Expenditures by category were examined by home care package level, length of time receiving CDC and socio‐demographic characteristics.

Results

A total of 150 older people in receipt of CDC in South Australia and New South Wales were approached, of whom 95 (63%) consented to participate. Hours of formal care support received was a key driver of expenditure. On average, approximately 53% of total expenditure was allocated to care services, 20% to administration and 17% to case management.

Conclusions

This study was undertaken during the initial stages of the transition to CDC. Further research should investigate the longer‐term budgetary impacts of the transition to CDC for consumers and the sector.
A mood state‐specific interaction between kynurenine metabolism and inflammation is present in bipolar disorder
Authors: van den Ameele Seline , van Nuijs Alexander LN , Lai Foon Yin , Schuermans Jeroen , Verkerk Robert , van Diermen Linda , Coppens Violette , Fransen Erik , de Boer Peter , Timmers Maarten , Sabbe Bernard , Morrens Manuel
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Cytokines are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms by kynurenine pathway activation. Kynurenine metabolites affect neurotransmission and can cause neurotoxicity. We measured inflammatory markers in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and studied their relation to kynurenine metabolites and mood.

Methods

Patients with BD suffering from an acute mood episode were assigned to the depressive (n = 35) or (hypo)manic (n = 32) subgroup. Plasma levels of inflammatory markers [cytokines, C‐reactive protein] and kynurenine metabolites [tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), 3‐hydroxykynurenine (3‐HK), quinolinic acid (QA), kynurenic acid (KYNA)] were measured on 6 time points during 8 months follow‐up. Biological marker levels in patients were compared to controls (n = 35) and correlated to scores on mood scales. Spearman correlations and linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Twenty patients of the manic subgroup, 29 of the depressive subgroup, and 30 controls completed the study. The manic subgroup had a rapid remission of mood symptoms, but in the depressive subgroup subsyndromal symptoms persisted. No differences in inflammation were found between groups. A strong correlation between tumor necrosis factor‐α and KYN, KYN/TRP, 3‐HK and QA (ρ > 0.60) was specific for the manic group, but only at baseline (during mania). The depressive subgroup had a lower neuroprotective ratio (KYNA/3‐HK, P = .0004) and a strong association between interferon‐y and kynurenine pathway activation (P < .0001). KYNA was low in both patient groups versus controls throughout the whole follow‐up (P = .0008).

Conclusions

Mania and chronic depressive symptoms in BD are accompanied by a strong interaction between inflammation and a potentially neurotoxic kynurenine metabolism.
Bullying by siblings and peers: Poly‐setting victimization and the association with problem behaviours and depression
Authors: Foody Mairéad , Samara Muthanna , O'Higgins Norman James
Published: August 2019

Background

In recent times, sibling bullying has emerged of interest to researchers concerned with the emotional and behavioural implications for victimization regardless of type and setting.

Aims

This research attempts to extend current knowledge on both peer and sibling bullying and to determine the effects of poly‐setting victimization. This paper is concerned with the following objectives: (1) determining the current rate of bullying and victimization among siblings and peers in a large sample of adolescents; (2) investigating the relationship between sibling and peer bullying and depression and behaviour; (3) highlighting the carry‐over effects of bullying from one setting to another; and (4) determining the overall association of poly‐setting victimization with depression and behaviour.

Sample and methods

Over 2,000 adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years participated in an online survey.

Results

Results found lower rates of sibling bullying compared to international studies. Sibling victims of bullying were at increased risk of becoming peer victims. Poor friendship quality, disliking school, along with peer and sibling bullying involvement predicted scores in the clinical range for outcome measures of internalizing and externalizing problem.

Conclusions

The current study has clinical and educational implications for working with all important stakeholders (i.e., schools, parents, siblings) to reduce bullying and improve mental health.
Determining patient preferences in a glaucoma service: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Lu Thomas Chengxuan , Angell Blake , Dunn Hamish , Ford Belinda , White Andrew , Keay Lisa
Published: August 2019

Importance

Patient perspectives are crucial in informing design of acceptable services.

Background

This study determined patient preferences in glaucoma care.

Design

A discrete choice experiment was used to evaluate the relative importance of out‐of‐pocket costs, waiting time, continuity of care, service location and expertise.

Participants

Ninety‐eight glaucoma suspects or glaucoma patients were recruited from one public and two private clinics in Sydney.

Methods

Twelve choice‐tasks were presented in random order and forced‐choice preferences were elicited. Choice data were analysed using a multinominal logit model (NLOGIT 4.0).

Main Outcome Measures

The relative importance and the likelihood of choosing services with each attribute were determined. Willingness‐to‐pay and willingness‐to‐wait were calculated. Analyses were stratified by whether the patient attended a public or private glaucoma clinic and other demographic features.

Results

Choice was influenced by four or five attributes: greater clinician expertise, the same clinician each visit, lower out‐of‐pocket costs and shorter wait times (all P < .05). Respondents were willing to pay an additional (Australian dollars) $325 (95% confidence interval [CI] 188‐389) to see a senior eye doctor, and $87 (95% CI 60‐116) to see the same clinician each visit. Respondents were willing to wait for these attributes; however, the estimates had wide confidence intervals and were beyond the range tested. Private patients had a stronger preference for expertise and continuity of care compared to public patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

Expertise and continuity of care were important to glaucoma patients in this setting, and they were willing to pay out‐of‐pocket and concede longer waiting times to secure these preferences.
First report of Erysiphe kenjiana causing powdery mildew of elm in Romania
Authors: Chinan Vasilică‐Claudiu
Published: August 2019

Erysiphe kenjiana is an Asian fungus causing powdery mildew of Ulmus spp. In 2017, 10 years after its introduction in Europe, it was detected in Romania on Ulmus pumila, the Siberian elm, which is cultivated in urban environments as an ornamental and shade tree. The identification of the fungus was based on morphological characteristics and molecular data (rDNA internal transcribed spacer region). This is the first report of E. kenjiana in Romania, and only the third from a European country.
The Bayesian‐Laplacian brain
Authors: Zeki Semir , Chén Oliver Y.
Published: August 2019

We outline what we believe could be an improvement in future discussions of the brain acting as a Bayesian‐Laplacian system. We do so by distinguishing between two broad classes of priors on which the brain's inferential systems operate: in one category are biological priors (β priors) and in the other artefactual ones (α priors). We argue that β priors, of which colour categories and faces are good examples, are inherited or acquired very rapidly after birth, are highly or relatively resistant to change through experience, and are common to all humans. The consequence is that the probability of posteriors generated from β priors having universal assent and agreement is high. By contrast, α priors, of which man‐made objects are examples, are acquired post‐natally and modified at various stages throughout post‐natal life; they are much more accommodating of, and hospitable to, new experiences. Consequently, posteriors generated from them are less likely to find universal assent. Taken together, in addition to the more limited capacity of experiment and experience to alter the β priors compared with α priors, another cardinal distinction between the two is that the probability of posteriors generated from β priors having universal agreement is greater than that for α priors. The two categories are distinct at the extremes; there is, however, a middle range where they merge into one another to varying extents, resulting in posteriors that draw upon both categories.
Quarter cracks in Thoroughbred racehorses trained in Hong Kong over a 9‐year period (2007–2015): incidence, clinical presentation, and future racing performance
Authors: McGlinchey L. , Robinson P. , Porter B. , Sidhu A. B. S. , Rosanowski S. M.
Published: August 2019

A quarter crack is a defect of the hoof wall that is caused by a combination of factors that affect the quality of the hoof horn. To date, no peer‐reviewed studies have described the incidence of quarter cracks in Thoroughbred racehorses during training. Further, there is limited information regarding the clinical presentation and racing performance following a quarter crack. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to describe the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of quarter cracks sustained by horses in racing and training at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Horses with quarter cracks that required attention from a farrier and/or veterinarian were identified using farrier and veterinary clinical records. Data were described, including the affected foot, presence of lameness, treatment, reoccurrence and racing data for case and control horses. There was no significant difference between case and control horses for total career length, and the total number of starts, wins and places. Seventy‐four horses experienced at least one quarter crack during the study period, for a total of 114 quarter cracks. Half of the horses experiencing a quarter crack were not lame on presentation. Most quarter cracks occurred in the right fore (n = 56/102; 54.9%) and in a medial position (n = 90/102; 88.2%). Horses returned to racing a median of 50 days after the first treatment, for a median of 18 starts. Six horses retired due to the occurrence of a quarter crack. Although the incidence of quarter cracks in racehorses is low and the majority of horses returned to a racing career comparable to unaffected horses, the reoccurrence rate is high, putting an emphasis on ongoing hoof management and farrier care to help prevent the reoccurrence.
Continued social participation protects against depressive symptoms across the retirement transition: Longitudinal evidence from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Liu Huiying , Fang Boye , Chan Jieling , Lou Vivian WQ
Published: August 2019

Aim

Social participation is an important social resource over retirement, but little is known about how changing social participation might affect mental health over retirement. This study examined the impact of retirement status, changes in social participation and their interactions on subsequent depressive symptoms over a 4‐year period.

Methods

Data were obtained from the first three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. The analytical sample included 2364 individuals with different retirement statuses (remained retired, transitioned to retirement, remained working). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the impact of retirement status, changes in social participation and their interactions on depressive symptoms.

Results

Compared with those who remained working, individuals who remained retired reported reduced depressive symptoms (β = −0.64, 95% CI −1.23 to −0.05); individuals who transitioned to retirement reported elevated depressive symptoms (β = 0.74, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.41). Relative to those who reported no participation over the study, individuals who maintained or increased social participation reported reduced depressive symptoms (β = −1.12, 95% CI −1.67 to −0.56; β = −1.03, 95% CI −1.90 to −0.17); individuals who decreased social participation reported elevated depressive symptoms (β = 0.70, 95% CI 0.13–1.28). Individuals with decreased social participation were more influenced by the negative impact of transition to retirement on depressive symptoms (β = 1.93, 95% CI 0.12–3.74).

Conclusion

These results highlighted the time‐varying effects of retirement on mental health, and continued social participation acting as an adaptive strategy to protect against depressive symptoms over time. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 972–976.
Genetic mark‐recapture analysis of winter faecal pellets allows estimation of population size in Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus
Authors: Shyvers Jessica E. , Walker Brett L. , Oyler‐McCance Sara J. , Fike Jennifer A. , Noon Barry R.
Published: August 2019

The Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus is a species of conservation concern throughout its range in western North America. Since the 1950s, the high count of males at leks has been used as an index for monitoring populations. However, the relationship between this lek‐count index and population size is unclear, and its reliability for assessing population trends has been questioned. We used non‐invasive genetic mark‐recapture analysis of faecal and feather samples to estimate pre‐breeding population size for the Parachute‐Piceance‐Roan, a small, geographically isolated population of Sage Grouse in western Colorado, during two consecutive winters from 2012 to 2014. We estimated total pre‐breeding population size as 335 (95% confidence interval (CI): 287–382) in the first winter and 745 (95% CI: 627–864) in the second, an approximate doubling in abundance between years. Although we also observed a large increase in the spring lek‐count index between those years, high male count data poorly represented mark‐recapture estimates of male abundance in each year. Our data suggest that lek counts are useful for detecting the direction and magnitude of large changes in Sage Grouse abundance over time but they may not reliably reflect small changes in abundance that may be relevant to small populations of conservation concern.
Treatment of immature teeth with nonvital pulps in adults: a prospective comparative clinical study comparingMTAwith Ca(OH)2
Authors: Kandemir Demirci G. , Kaval M. E. , Güneri P. , Çalışkan M. K.
Published: August 2019

Aim

To evaluate and compare the influence of various predictors on outcomes of apexification using either mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide (CH) in permanent immature anterior teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions of adults.

Methodology

Ninety immature teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions on adult patients (aged 18–40 years) were treated withMTA(45 teeth) orCH(45 teeth) between 2015 and 2018. Patients of both groups were recalled for follow‐up examinations after the first intervention at 1,3,6 and 12 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year and every year thereafter until the end of the study (median 32.3 months). The treatment outcome based on clinical and radiographic criteria was assessed by calibrated examiners and dichotomized as ‘healed+healing’ or ‘not healed’. The age, gender, stage of root development, preoperative signs and symptoms of apical periodontitis and size of periapical lesion were recorded. The cumulative success proportion and mean time were analysed with the Kaplan–Meier test. The generalized logrank statistic was used to describe prognostic clinical variables. Fisher's exact test was applied for the evaluation of the healing rates.

Results

Thirty‐nine of the 45 teeth treated withMTAwere available for recall. Of these, 29 teeth (74%) revealed calcific apical barrier formation with complete resolution of periapical lesions, 7 teeth (18%) were healing, and 3 teeth (8%) had persistent disease. Thirty‐four of the 45 teeth in theCHgroup were available for recall. Of these, 27 teeth (79%) had complete healing of periapical lesions and had calcific barrier formation, 4 teeth (12%) were healing, and the remaining 3 teeth (9%) had not healed. The survival rate of teeth treated withMTAwas similar to the survival rates observed in teeth treated withCH(90% and 91%, respectively,P > 0.05). The generalized logrank statistic revealed that the cumulative success rate of both materials was not significantly different (P > 0.05). None of the tested predictors had an influence on the treatment outcomes of teeth in both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Apexification with bothMTAandCHwas associated with similar treatment outcomes.MTAmay be proposed as a material for apexification treatment in immature teeth of adult patients due to the shorter treatment time associated with its use.