bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostics of pediatric supratentorial RELA ependymomas: integration of information from histopathology, genetics, DNA methylation and imaging
Authors: Pagès Mélanie , Pajtler Kristian W. , Puget Stéphanie , Castel David , Boddaert Nathalie , Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Picot Stéphanie , Debily Marie‐Anne , Kool Marcel , Capper David , Sainte‐Rose Christian , Chrétien Fabrice , Pfister Stefan M. , Pietsch Torsten , Grill Jacques , Varlet Pascale , Andreiuolo Felipe
Published: October 2018

Ependymoma with RELA fusion has been defined as a novel entity of the revised World Health Organization 2016 classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by fusion transcripts of the RELA gene and consequent pathological activation of the NFkB pathway. These tumors represent the majority of supratentorial ependymomas in children. The validation of diagnostic tools to identify this clinically relevant ependymoma entity is essential. Here, we have used interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for C11orf95 and RELA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p65‐RelA and the recently developed DNA methylation‐based classification besides conventional histopathology, and compared the precision of the methods in 40 supratentorial pediatric brain tumors diagnosed as ependymomas in the past years. Reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and RNA sequencing were performed to explore discordant cases. Furthermore, we integrated imaging and clinical features as additional layers of information. The concordance between nuclear RelA expression by IHC and RELA FISH was 100%. Concordance between IHC and DNA methylation profiling, and between FISH and DNA methylation profiling was also high (96.4% and 95.2%, respectively). Thirty‐four out of 40 (85%) cases were confirmed by integrated diagnoses as ependymal tumors, including 22 RELA‐fused ependymomas (71% of ependymal tumors), two YAP1‐fused ependymomas (6%), six non‐RELA/non‐YAP1 ependymomas (18%) and four ependymal/subependymal mixed tumors (12%). Ependymal/subependymal mixed tumors had an excellent clinical outcome despite the presence of histopathological signs of malignancy, suggesting that these tumors should not be diagnosed as classic ependymomas. DNA methylation profiling helped in the differential diagnosis of RELA‐fused ependymomas. IHC and FISH, which are available in the majority of pathology laboratories, are valuable tools to identify RELA‐fused ependymomas.
Two‐pore domain potassium channels: emerging targets for novel analgesic drugs: IUPHAR Review 26
Authors: Gada Kirin , Plant Leigh D
Published: October 2018

Chronic pain is a debilitating and increasingly common medical problem with few effective treatments. In addition to the direct and indirect economic burden of pain syndromes, the concomitant increase in prescriptions for narcotics has contributed to a sharp rise in deaths associated with drug misuse – the ‘opioid crisis’. Together, these issues highlight the unmet clinical and social need for a new generation of safe, efficacious analgesics. The detection and transmission of pain stimuli is largely mediated by somatosensory afferent fibres of the dorsal root ganglia. These nociceptive cells express an array of membrane proteins that have received significant attention as attractive targets for new pain medications. Among these, a growing body of evidence supports a role for the two‐pore domain potassium (K2P) family of K+ channels. Here, we provide a concise review of the K2P channels, their role in pain biology and their potential as targets for novel analgesic agents.
Diagnostic accuracy of the McGill thyroid nodule score in paediatric patients
Authors: Creo Ana , Alahdab Fares , Al Nofal Alaa , Thomas Kristen , Kolbe Amy , Pittock Siobhan
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Thyroid cancer is the most common paediatric endocrine cancer; accurate diagnosis and prompt management of paediatric thyroid nodules is critical. The McGill Thyroid Nodule Score (MTNS), based upon clinical, ultrasound (US) and cytology criteria, has recently been modified and studied in a pilot paediatric group with good results. We aim to describe the diagnostic accuracy of the paediatric modified MTNS (PMTNS) in a large paediatric cohort.

Methods

We utilized an established retrospective cohort between 1996 and 2015 of 99 patients ≤21 years old with 131 thyroid nodules. Two experienced paediatric radiologists, blinded to pathology and radiology reports, reviewed US features. We abstracted cytology, histology and laboratory results, assigning each nodule a PMTNS. PMTNS performance was compared to FNA and histology.

Results

Approximately 33% of nodules were malignant. The cohort was predominantly adolescent (mean age 15.4 ± 3.8 years). The average PMTNS for malignant and benign nodules, based on final histology, was 12.7 ± 4.3 and 1.7 ± 2.9, respectively. A PMTNS ≥8 resulted in a 93.2% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity for detecting malignancy, while a PMTNS ≥9 resulted in a 90.9% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. However, Bethesda cytology category ≥4 independently had a 97.7% sensitivity and 94.0% specificity for detecting malignancy. The PMTNS had diminishing diagnostic accuracy in younger children compared with older children.

Conclusion

Paediatric modified McGill Thyroid Nodule Score predicts malignancy, perhaps due to the score's emphasis on cytology results; however, the score is less accurate in younger patients. While cytology results remain reliable, further work is needed to develop a non‐invasive scoring system to predict malignancy in children.
Parents’ early book reading to children: Relation to children's later language and literacy outcomes controlling for other parent language input
Authors: Ece Demir‐Lira Ö. , Applebaum Lauren R. , Goldin‐Meadow Susan , Levine Susan C.
Published: October 2018

It is widely believed that reading to preschool children promotes their language and literacy skills. Yet, whether early parent–child book reading is an index of generally rich linguistic input or a unique predictor of later outcomes remains unclear. To address this question, we asked whether naturally occurring parent–child book reading interactions between 1 and 2.5 years‐of‐age predict elementary school language and literacy outcomes, controlling for the quantity of other talk parents provide their children, family socioeconomic status, and children's own early language skill. We find that the quantity of parent–child book reading interactions predicts children's later receptive vocabulary, reading comprehension, and internal motivation to read (but not decoding, external motivation to read, or math skill), controlling for these other factors. Importantly, we also find that parent language that occurs during book reading interactions is more sophisticated than parent language outside book reading interactions in terms of vocabulary diversity and syntactic complexity.
Evaluating a Prototype of a Recommender‐Driven Online Learning System
Authors: Peiris K. Dharini Amitha , Gallupe R. Brent
Published: October 2018

Recommender‐driven online learning systems (ROLS) are at the forefront of new computer‐based learning. They incorporate machine learning to allow learning‐by‐doing, generating personalized recommendations in the process. This article describes the evaluations of a new type of online learning systems, ROLS. This evaluation was carried out in three phases using a design science research approach. In Phase I, building the ROLS prototype validated the conceptual framework used. In Phase II, building an instantiation of ROLS to teach Structured Query Language (SQL), SQL‐with‐Ease, validated the ROLS prototype. In Phase III, a laboratory experiment evaluated learning outcomes from using SQL‐with‐Ease compared with two other traditional forms of learning. A set of qualitative interviews carried out with learners soon after using the system confirmed that the system was effective. They indicated that more work on fine‐tuning recommendations generated by the system could further improve learner satisfaction. The key implication for practitioners is that ROLS have the potential to improve learning outcomes significantly. Implications for researchers are that evaluations of ROLS, which include formative and summative evaluations, are essential to improve their performance and that developing innovative approaches to evaluation can advance these learning technologies.
An unusual appearance of a large mitral valve cleft within a prolapsing segment diagnosed by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Ramsdell Geoffrey , Davies Stephen , Ailawadi Gorav , Singh Karen E.
Published: October 2018

Eighty‐year‐old woman presented for minimally invasive mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation. Intraoperative two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) and subsequent three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography examination showed severe mitral valve regurgitation with a bidirectional jet caused by both P2 segment prolapse and a large cleft within the P2 segment. The preoperative diagnosis of this complex pathology was challenging by 2DTEE, and a 3D examination of the mitral valve was helpful to confirm the presence of a cleft within the prolapsing segment.
Starfish in the heart: Congenital anomaly of the papillary muscles
Authors: Makkiya Mohammed , Villablanca Pedro A. , Walker Jonathan R. , Haramati Linda B. , Garcia Mario J. , Zaidi Ali , Taub Cynthia
Published: October 2018

Most common congenital anatomical abnormalities of the subvalvular apparatus (papillary muscles and chordae tendineae) are parachute or parachute like mitral valve. This is more commonly reported among the pediatric population as they develop heart failure symptoms shortly after birth. Reports of adult cases are rare and incidental. Multimodality imaging has an important role in evaluating such anatomical abnormalities, and identification of possible related complications. We are describing a rare atypical variant of parachute like mitral valve.
Reduction of child poverty in Serbia: Benefit or employment strategy?
Authors: Clavet Nicholas‐James , Tiberti Luca , Vladisavljević Marko , Rakić Jelena Žarković , Anić Aleksandra , Krstić Gorana , Ranđelović Saša
Published: October 2018

Based on the Serbian Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) and tax benefits and structural microsimulation models, we evaluate the labour supply and distributive effects of several reform strategies concerning two major social transfers in Serbia: child allowance and social monetary assistance. Our results show that, in a context of a low labour participation rate, and high unemployment and informality rates, a benefit strategy is by far the more cost‐effective option for reducing child poverty than an employment strategy that aims to raise the work incentives for parents. Both proposed reforms are found to be progressive.
Coffee, tea, and caffeine intake and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mortality in a pooled analysis of eight prospective cohort studies
Authors: Petimar J. , O'Reilly É. , Adami H.‐O. , van den Brandt P. A. , Buring J. , English D. R. , Freedman D. M. , Giles G. G. , Håkansson N. , Kurth T. , Larsson S. C. , Robien K. , Schouten L. J. , Weiderpass E. , Wolk A. , Smith‐Warner S. A.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Caffeine is associated with a lower risk of some neurological diseases, but few prospective studies have investigated caffeine intake and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mortality. We therefore determined associations between coffee, tea and caffeine intake, and risk of ALS mortality.

Methods

We conducted pooled analyses of eight international, prospective cohort studies, including 351 565 individuals (120 688 men and 230 877 women). We assessed coffee, tea and caffeine intake using validated food‐frequency questionnaires administered at baseline. We used Cox regression to estimate study‐ and sex‐specific risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ALS mortality, which were then pooled using a random‐effects model. We conducted analyses using cohort‐specific tertiles, absolute common cut‐points and continuous measures of all exposures.

Results

During follow‐up, 545 ALS deaths were documented. We did not observe statistically significant associations between coffee, tea or caffeine intake and risk of ALS mortality. The pooled multivariable risk ratio (MVRR) for ≥3 cups per day vs. >0 to <1 cup per day was 1.04 (95% CI, 0.74–1.47) for coffee and 1.17 (95% CI, 0.77–1.79) for tea. The pooled MVRR comparing the highest with the lowest tertile of caffeine intake (mg/day) was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.80–1.23). No statistically significant results were observed when exposures were modeled as tertiles or continuously.

Conclusions

Our results do not support associations between coffee, tea or total caffeine intake and risk of ALS mortality.
High nutrient availability leads to weaker top‐down control of stream periphyton: Compensatory feeding in Ancylus fluviatilis
Authors: Iannino Alessandra , Vosshage Alexander T. L. , Weitere Markus , Fink Patrick
Published: October 2018

Benthic algal biomass and distribution in freshwater ecosystems are determined by both nutrient availability (bottom‐up control) and grazing activity by herbivores (top‐down control). Fluctuations in algal nutrient ratios may cause grazers to optimise their food intake through behavioural strategies in order to maintain a constant soft body stoichiometry. Such linkages between nutrient availability and grazing control of algal biomass are as yet poorly understood.

In this study, we tested whether the stream‐dwelling freshwater gastropod Ancylus fluviatilis would increase its food consumption rate with decreasing periphyton nutrient content, a behaviour known as compensatory feeding. We performed a fully factorial microcosm experiment in which two levels of periphyton phosphorus content (low versus high) were crossed with grazer presence/absence in 12 circular flumes. After 1 week of grazing, food consumption rates were measured by determining the periphyton difference between grazed and ungrazed flumes, and the periphyton biomass variability in every flume was described with a coefficient of variation.

The food consumption rate of A. fluviatilis was significantly higher in the low phosphorus compared to the high phosphorus treatment, supporting the compensatory feeding hypothesis. As a result, in the presence of grazers, periphyton biomass was significantly lower under low phosphorus availability, while biomass was not affected by nutrient enrichment in the grazer‐free flumes.

Despite the strong difference in periphyton phosphorus content, A. fluviatilis soft body stoichiometry did not differ between the two nutrient treatments, suggesting strong stoichiometric homeostasis. Furthermore, the distribution of algal biomass was significantly more heterogeneous in the grazed phosphorus‐poor than in the phosphorus‐rich periphyton.

Our findings suggest that nutrient enrichment may lead to a weaker top‐down control of algal biomass in stream ecosystems and to reduced spatial heterogeneity of periphyton abundance.
The toxicity in vitro of titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with noble metals on mammalian cells
Authors: Rosłon Magdalena , Jastrzębska Agnieszka , Sitarz Karolina , Książek Iza , Koronkiewicz Mirosława , Anuszewska Elżbieta , Jaworska Małgorzata , Dudkiewicz‐Wilczyńska Jadwiga , Ziemkowska Wanda , Basiak Dariusz , Rozmys?owska‐Wojciechowska Anita , Olszyna Andrzej
Published: October 2018

The aim of the presented work was to evaluate the effect of modification of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with noble metals and their oxides on selected mammalian cells. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles modified with Au, Ag, Pd, Ag2O, and PdO with reference to the unmodified TiO2 nanoparticles were presented. The evaluation of cytotoxic activity of the tested nanocomposite particles was carried out using three cell lines: Caco‐2 colorectal epithelial adenocarcinoma cells, BJ normal human skin fibroblasts, and L929 mouse fibroblasts. The in vitro studies included determination of cell viability after 24 and 48 hours of exposure to the nanocomposite particles, using the MTT assay, as well as flow cytometry with Annexin V‐FITC staining. Our results indicate that irrespectively of the kind of cell line and assay used, nanoparticles of unmodified titanium dioxide as well as those with addition of gold and palladium have a slight impact on cell viability at the investigated concentration range (10‐200 μg/mL). Nanoparticles with addition of silver (Ag and Ag2O), were found to have significantly higher toxic effect, the level of which varied depending on the cell line and assay used.
Key factors determining variations in RNA interference efficacy mediated by different double‐stranded RNA lengths in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Wang K. , Peng Y. , Fu W. , Shen Z. , Han Z.
Published: October 2018

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) length may affect RNA interference (RNAi) efficacy. Herein, variation in RNAi efficacy associated with dsRNA molecular length was confirmed via comparison of knockdown results following dsRNA injection into Tribolium castaneum. Through in vitro experiments with T. castaneum midgut, dsRNA accumulation in the midgut, degradation by midgut homogenates and persistence in haemolymph after injection were tested to determine the causes of RNAi efficacy variation. The comparative efficacies of dsRNAs were 480 bp ≈ 240 bp > 120 bp > 60 bp >> 21 bp. The combined midgut dsRNA accumulation and midgut homogenate‐induced degradation analyses suggested cellular uptake to be the key barrier for 21 bp dsRNA functioning, but was likely not the main determinant of the variation in longer dsRNAs’ (≥60 bp) bioactivity. In vitro RNAi experiment with T. castaneum midgut showed that long dsRNAs all significantly depleted the expression of corresponding genes, suggesting little variation in intracellular RNAi machinery’s affinity for different dsRNA lengths. In vivo haemolymph content dynamics of different dsRNAs following injection indicated higher persistence of longer dsRNAs. In addition, comparison of the in vivo and in vitro RNAi efficacy also indicated the importance of haemolymph degradation. Thus, the varied efficacy of long dsRNAs resulted from their degradation by nucleases, which varied with dsRNA length.
Comparison of Wells and YEARS clinical decision rules with D‐dimer for low‐risk pulmonary embolus patients
Authors: McLenachan Christopher J. , Chua Olivia , Chan Betty S. H. , Vecellio Elia , Chiew Angela L.
Published: October 2018

Background

Assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a diagnostic and investigative burden to emergency departments. The decision of which D‐dimer cut‐off to use in low‐risk patients remains controversial.

Aims

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of varying D‐dimer cut‐offs in the diagnosis of PE for Wells low‐risk patients.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients presenting to a tertiary emergency department over 42 months who had a D‐dimer performed for PE risk stratification. Wells scores were calculated for each patient, those with Wells score of ≤4 (‘PE unlikely’) were analysed. Four D‐dimer thresholds were compared, including traditional threshold (≥0.5 μg/mL), age‐adjusted (≥age in years × 0.01 μg/mL), doubled‐traditional threshold and YEARS criteria.

Results

During the study period, 2291 D‐dimers were ordered for suspected PE, of which 2125 were low risk for PE. Of these low‐risk patients 46 (2.2%) were found to have a PE. The sensitivity and specificity for each D‐dimer threshold were traditional threshold (95.6% and 65.6%), age‐adjusted (93.5% and 71.7%), doubled traditional (69.6% and 85.5%) and YEARS criteria (80.4% and 84.0%). Utilising an age‐adjusted threshold, YEARS criteria or doubled‐traditional threshold would have resulted in 70, 217 and 245 fewer imaging investigations.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PE in this low‐risk cohort was very low. Utilising an age‐adjusted D‐dimer would have reduced imaging tests performed while maintaining good sensitivity. Although The YEARS criteria and doubled‐traditional threshold would have reduced scanning considerably both had sensitivities of less than 90%.
Cardiac dysfunction in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is often not detected by electrocardiogram and chest radiographs
Authors: Shafuddin Eskandarain , Chang Catherina L. , Cooray Manisha , McAnulty Kim A. , Karalus Noel C. , Lee Marcus H. S. , Hancox Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Cardiac dysfunction is common in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), even in patients without clinically suspected cardiac disorders.

Aim

To investigate associations between electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest radiograph abnormalities and biochemical evidence of cardiac dysfunction (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and troponin T) in patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD at Waikato Hospital.

Methods

Independent examiners, blinded to NT‐proBNP and troponin T levels, assessed ECG for tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular hypertrophy and ischaemic changes in 389 patients and chest radiographs for signs of heart failure in 350 patients. Associations between electrocardiographic and radiographic abnormalities with at least moderate interrater agreement and cardiac biomarkers were analysed.

Results

High NT‐proBNP values (>220 pmol/L) were associated with atrial fibrillation (22 vs 6%), right ventricular hypertrophy (24 vs 15%), left ventricular hypertrophy (15 vs 4%), ischaemia (59 vs 33%) and cardiomegaly (42 vs 20%). High troponin T values (>0.03ug/L or high‐sensitivity >50 ng/L) were associated with tachycardia (65 vs 41%), right ventricular hypertrophy (26 vs 15%) and ischaemia (60 vs 36%). None of the electrocardiographic or radiographic abnormalities was sensitive or specific for cardiac biomarker abnormalities. Ischaemia on ECG was the best indicator for raised NT‐proBNP (sensitivity 59%, specificity 67%). Tachycardia and ischaemia were the best indicators of raised troponin T (sensitivity 65 and 60%, specificity 59 and 64% respectively).

Conclusions

ECG and chest radiograph abnormalities have poor sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute cardiac dysfunction in exacerbations of COPD. Cardiac biomarkers provide additional diagnostic information about acute cardiac dysfunction in exacerbations of COPD.
Thermodynamics of reaction between gas‐turbine ceramic coatings and ingested CMAS corrodents
Authors: Costa Gustavo , Harder Bryan J. , Wiesner Valerie L. , Zhu Dongming , Bansal Narottam , Lee Kang N. , Jacobson Nathan S. , Kapush Denys , Ushakov Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: October 2018

The thermodynamic stability of ceramic coatings with respect to their reaction products is crucial to develop more durable coating materials for gas‐turbine engines. Here, we report direct measurements using high‐temperature solution calorimetry of the enthalpies of reaction between some relevant ceramic coatings and a corrosive molten silicate. We also report the enthalpy of mixing between the coatings and molten silicate after combining the results measured by high‐temperature solution calorimetry with enthalpies of fusion measured by drop‐and‐catch calorimetry and differential thermal analysis. The enthalpies of solution of selected silicate and zirconia‐based coatings and apatite reaction products are moderately positive except for 7YSZ, yttria‐stabilized zirconia. Apatite formation is only favorable over coating dissolution in terms of enthalpy for 7YSZ. The enthalpies of mixing between the coatings and the molten silicate are less exothermic for Yb2Si2O7 and CaYb4Si3O13 than for 7YSZ, indicating lower energetic stability of the latter against molten silicate corrosion. The thermochemical results explain and support the very corrosive nature of CMAS melts in contact with ceramic coatings.
Highly‐efficient preparation of anisotropic ZrB2–SiC powders and dense ceramics with outstanding mechanical properties
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Liu Jianghao , Liang Feng , Xu Haiyue , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Shaowei
Published: October 2018

Highly‐dense ZrB2–SiC ceramics with excellent mechanical properties including Vickers hardness of 24.5 GPa and fracture toughness of 4.8 MPa/m1/2 were successfully prepared, by spark plasma sintering of the raw powders synthesized by a novel molten‐salt and microwave co‐assisted boro/carbothermal reduction (MSM‐BCTR) method. Compared with the processing conditions required for synthesizing ZrB2–SiC by conventional reduction method, the present MSM‐BCTR method possessed a variety of significant merits including the smaller material cost, lower processing temperature (1200°C), and remarkably higher efficiency (soaking time as short as 20 minutes). More importantly, the ZrB2–SiC powders, resultant from MSM‐BCTR treatment, were verified to have single‐crystalline nature and uniform well‐grown anisotropic morphologies (rod‐like ZrB2 and sheet‐like SiC) as well as great potential in promoting the mechanical properties of their bulk counterparts. This great achievement was mainly ascribed to the specific MSM‐BCTR conditions characterized by microwave heating and molten‐salt medium.
Improved photocatalytic activity of Bi4TaO8Cl by Gd3+ doping
Authors: Feng Zaiqiang , Li Gang , Yuan Xianjie , Zhang Zhanzhe , Tang Mingqi , Zhang Ruizhu
Published: October 2018

Bi4TaO8Cl and Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ photocatalysts were synthesized by the solvothermal technique. The phase, microstructure, optical properties, and photocatalytic activities were investigated. Both Bi4TaO8Cl and Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ have the singly orthorhombic phase and the flower‐like hierarchical structure. The Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ has higher photocatalytic activity of MB than that of Bi4TaO8Cl under visible light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic activity of Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ is induced by its lower band gap energy, the higher efficiency charge separation, and transfer process, as well as the photogenerated charge carriers with a longer time, which are confirmed by the longer absorption band edge, lower emission intensity, and higher photocurrent under visible light irradiation. The trapping experiments and electron spin resonance results suggest that ˙O2− is the predominant active species for the photocatalysis of MB by Bi4TaO8Cl and Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ under visible light irradiation.
The role of co‐dopants on the luminescent properties of α‐Al2O3:Mn4+ and BaMgAl10O17:Mn4+
Authors: Xu Yudong , Wang Lei , Qu Bingyan , Li Di , Lu Jie , Zhou Rulong
Published: October 2018

Mn4+ doped aluminate materials with efficient red emission are promising components for warmer white light‐emitting diodes. However, it still remains as a challenge on increasing its luminous efficiency. For Mn4+ doped aluminate phosphors, co‐dopants such as Li+, Mg2+, Na+, Si4+, or Ge4+ ions are often added to tailor the photoluminescence properties of phosphors during preparing process. However, the role of the ions is still in debate. In this work we took BaMgAl10O17:Mn (BMA:Mn) and α‐Al2O3:Mn as examples to study the effects of Li+, Mg2+, Na+, and Si4+ on their luminescent properties. The energy levels induced by the co‐dopants and some possible intrinsic defects of hosts (Al2O3) were calculated using the first‐principles method. It is found that the Mg2+ and Na+ ions, compared with Li+ and Si4+, can prefer to form hole‐type defects which enhance the valence stability of Mn4+ and thus enhance the emission intensity of the as‐prepared phosphors.
Analysis of changes to lncRNAs and their target mRNAs in murine jejunum after radiation treatment
Authors: Lu Qianying , Gong Wei , Wang Jinhan , Ji Kaihua , Sun Xiaohui , Xu Chang , Du Liqing , Wang Yan , Liu Qiang
Published: October 2018

LncRNAs have been reported to play an important role in various diseases. However, their role in the radiation‐induced intestinal injury is unknown. The goal of the present study was to analyse the potential mechanistic role of lncRNAs in the radiation‐induced intestinal injury. Mice were divided into two groups: Control (non‐irradiated) and irradiated. Irradiated mice were administered 14 Gy of abdominal irradiation (ABI) and were assessed 3.5 days after irradiation. Changes to the jejuna of ABI mice were analysed using RNA‐Seq for alterations to both lncRNA and mRNA. These results were validated using qRT‐PCR. LncRNAs targets were predicted based on analysis of lncRNAs‐miRNAs‐mRNAs interaction. 29 007 lncRNAs and 17 142 mRNAs were detected in the two groups. At 3.5 days post‐irradiation, 91 lncRNAs and 57 lncRNAs were significantly up‐ and downregulated respectively. Similarly, 752 mRNAs and 400 mRNAs were significantly up‐ and downregulated respectively. qRT‐PCR was used to verify the altered expression of four lncRNAs (ENSMUST00000173070, AK157361, AK083183, AK038898) and four mRNAs (Mboat1, Nek10, Ccl24, Cyp2c55). Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated the predicted genes were mainly involved in the VEGF signalling pathway. This study reveals that the expression of lncRNAs was altered in the jejuna of mice post‐irradiation. Moreover, it provides a resource for the study of lncRNAs in the radiation‐induced intestinal injury.
Prioritizing topics in guideline development: results of a two‐phase online survey of dermatologist members of the EADV
Authors: Nast A. , Gaskins M. , Eisert L. , Werner R. N. , Borradori L. , Marinovic B. , Paul C. , Dressler C.
Published: October 2018

Background

Most clinical guidelines in dermatology are encyclopaedic, covering a disease and its aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in their entirety. The usability and uptake of guideline recommendations might be improved by guidelines that are more concise and address specific questions ranked by users according to their perceived importance.

Objective

To survey the largest association of dermatologists in Europe, identify which questions in their everyday practice they felt would benefit from short, evidence‐based guidance and rank these systematically.

Methods

A two‐phase online survey using a structured ranking approach and the members directory of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).

Results

The first survey yielded 265 suggestions, indicating a response rate of 3.7%. We grouped all responses according to themes and subsequently combined these into a list of 35 broader topics. These were presented to all members of the EADV in the second survey (response rate: 9.7%), which yielded a list of the top 10 topics participants felt were most in need of guidance. The first three were ‘Systemic drug treatment in dermatology during pregnancy and for women wishing to have children in the near future’, ‘alopecia areata’ and ‘interpretation of laboratory results in connective tissue diseases’.

Conclusion

Our two‐phase survey of EADV members and a structured ranking process were practical to implement and yielded a list of the top 10 topics in dermatology and venereology for guideline development. Guideline dissemination needs to be improved, and practical, more concise guidelines may facilitate efforts to do so.
Initial results of ixekizumab efficacy and safety in real‐world plaque psoriasis patients: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Deza G. , Notario J. , Lopez‐Ferrer A. , Vilarrasa E. , Ferran M. , del Alcazar E. , Carrascosa J.M. , Corral M. , Salleras M. , Ribera M. , Puig L. , Pujol R. M. , Vidal D. , Gallardo F.
Published: October 2018

Background

Ixekizumab (anti‐IL17A) is effective as treatment for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, but real‐life data on effectiveness and safety are currently very limited.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in a cohort of real‐life plaque psoriasis patients.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 100 patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with ixekizumab at seven Spanish dermatological centres.

Results

According to the as observed analysis, the percentage of patients achieving a 75% and 90% of reduction from the baseline score of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 87.5%–50.0% at week 12–16; 88.3%–58.4% at week 24 and 82.9%–58.5% at week 52, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score of PASI at baseline was 12.9 ± 9.2, and it declined rapidly after ixekizumab administration to 1.9 ± 4.0 (P < 0.001) at week 12–16 and was maintained at 1.7 ± 4.1 and 1.8 ± 2.9 at week 24 and 52, respectively. Ixekizumab response was not affected by clinical variables like body mass index, disease duration or the presence of psoriatic arthritis. However, the bio‐naive group showed significantly higher PASI 75 response rate at week 12–16 compared to patients previously exposed to biologic agents (P = 0.037). Twenty‐six (26%) patients experienced adverse events (AEs) during the follow‐up period, being most of them of mild‐to‐moderate intensity. The most common AE was local reaction at the site of injection (14/26; 53.8%). At the end of the observational period, 15 (15%) patients discontinued ixekizumab treatment due to limited clinical improvement (n = 11), adverse events (n = 3) or lost to follow‐up (n = 1) within a mean ± SD time of 6.0 ± 3.9 months.

Conclusion

The present study illustrates the initial experience with ixekizumab in real‐world clinical practice confirming its usefulness and safety in the management of plaque psoriasis patients.
Association between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and gout: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Hu S.C.‐S. , Lin C.‐L. , Tu H.‐P.
Published: October 2018

Background

Psoriasis is a common skin disease that has been recently found to be associated with various systemic inflammatory disorders. However, the association between psoriasis and gout has not been well defined.

Objective

We investigated whether there is an association between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and gout in a large population of patients in Taiwan.

Methods

A nationwide population‐based cross‐sectional study was performed using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A total of 114 623 patients with gout and 114 623 patients without gout (1 : 1 propensity score‐matched according to age, sex, income category and urbanization level) were identified. The prevalence of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other comorbid diseases in these two groups of patients was compared. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

Results

There was an increased prevalence of psoriasis in patients with gout compared with patients without gout (1.6% vs. 1.1%, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed an increased prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (0.3% vs. 0.1%, P < 0.0001) in patients with gout compared with patients without gout. In addition, multiple conditional logistic regression analysis showed that gout was significantly associated with psoriasis (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20–1.42) and psoriatic arthritis (adjusted OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.95–3.22). After stratification by age and sex, it was found that the strength of the association between gout and psoriasis was similar among males and females but varied according to age group, with patients aged 41–50 years having the strongest association.

Conclusion

Gout is significantly associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the Taiwanese population, and the strength of the association varies with the patient's age. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this association.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND DIVIDEND PAYOUT POLICY: BEYOND COUNTRY‐LEVEL GOVERNANCE
Authors: Chang Bin , Dutta Shantanu , Saadi Samir , Zhu PengCheng
Published: October 2018

We address the mixed empirical findings on how corporate governance affects dividend payout policy by analyzing a large sample of firms from 30 countries. Our results indicate that firms with better firm‐level governance pay more dividends, even after controlling for country‐level governance. However, this relation is pronounced only in countries with low shareholder rights. In addition, we find that when the shareholder rights index is high, firm‐level governance is unrelated to dividend payout in the full sample period. Finally, we show that in high‐shareholder‐rights countries, firm‐level governance changes its role from before to after the 2008–2009 financial crisis.
Staffing and Service Availability in Assisted Living: The Importance of Nurse Delegation Policies
Authors: Beeber Anna Song , Zimmerman Sheryl , Madeline Mitchell C. , Reed David
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To examine the health services provided in residential care and assisted living (RC/AL), the staff providing these services, and the degree to which the services relate to state‐level nurse delegation policies and other correlates of service provision.

Design

This cross‐sectional study descriptively examined the relationships among RC/AL characteristics, services, staffing, and nurse delegation regulations/policies.

Setting

RC/AL settings (N=245) in 8 U.S. states (CA, FL, IL, KS, NC, NH, NJ, OR).

Participants

Administrators and healthcare supervisors (individuals overseeing health care and services provided to residents).

Measurements

Using a telephone survey, we examined how delegation policies related to staffing and the availability of 26 health services.

Results

Significantly more services were available in RC/AL settings that permit delegation (delegation states) than states that do not permit delegation (nondelegation states) (19.7 vs 18.1, p < .001). Delegation states also had more medication technicians administering, assisting with, or observing self‐administration of prescribed and as‐needed medications (p < .001), whereas nondelegation states had staff with fewer qualifications handling medications (p < .001). In 2‐way comparisons of categories of nurse staffing (none, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) only, registered nurses (RNs) only, LPN/LVNs and RNs), RC/AL communities with no nurse staffing offered significantly fewer services than all other categories. Those with RNs only also offered a significantly fewer services than those with LPN/LVNs only.

Conclusion

This study is a first step in identifying how staffing and availability of services in RC/AL are related to statewide nurse delegation practices, forming the basis for further exploration of how these characteristics may relate to quality of care. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2158–2166, 2018.
Reply to: Proton Pump Inhibitors and Long‐term Risk of Community‐acquired Pneumonia in Older Adults
Authors: Ble Alessandro , Zirk‐Sadowski Jan , Masoli Jane A.
Published: October 2018

This letter comments on the letters by Ayele et al and Richard Schreiber
Genetic pathways controlling inflorescence architecture and development in wheat and barley
Authors: Gauley Adam , Boden Scott A.
Published: October 2018

Modifications of inflorescence architecture have been crucial for the successful domestication of wheat and barley, which are central members of the Triticeae tribe that provide essential grains for the human diet. Investigation of the genes and alleles that underpin domestication‐related traits has provided valuable insights into the molecular regulation of inflorescence development of the Triticeae, and further investigation of modified forms of architecture are proving to be equally fruitful. The identified genes are involved in diverse biological processes, including transcriptional regulation, hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, post‐transcriptional and post‐translational regulation, which alter inflorescence architecture by modifying the development and fertility of lateral organs, called spikelets and florets. Recent advances in sequencing capabilities and the generation of mutant populations are accelerating the identification of genes that influence inflorescence development, which is important given that genetic variation for this trait promises to be a valuable resource for optimizing grain production. This review assesses recent advances in our understanding of the genes controlling inflorescence development in wheat and barley, with the aim of highlighting the importance of improvements in developmental biology for optimizing the agronomic performance of staple crop plants.
Simulated driving: The added value of dynamic testing in the assessment of visuo‐spatial neglect after stroke
Authors: Spreij Lauriane A. , Ten Brink Antonia F. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M. A. , Nijboer Tanja C. W.
Published: October 2018

Background

Visuo‐spatial neglect (VSN) is generally assessed with neuropsychological paper‐and‐pencil tasks, which are often not sensitive enough to detect mild and/or well‐compensated VSN. It is of utmost importance to develop dynamic tasks, resembling the dynamics of daily living.

Objective

A simulated driving task was used to assess (1) differences in performance (i.e., position on the road and magnitude of sway) between patients with left‐ and right‐sided VSN, recovered VSN, without VSN, and healthy participants; (2) the relation between average position and VSN severity; and (3) its diagnostic accuracy in relation to traditional tasks.

Methods

Stroke inpatients were tested with a cancellation task, the Catherine Bergego Scale and the simulated driving task.

Results

Patients with left‐sided VSN and recovered VSN deviated more regarding position on the road compared to patients without VSN. The deviation was larger in patients with more severe VSN. Regarding diagnostic accuracy, 29% of recovered VSN patients and 6% of patients without VSN did show abnormal performance on the simulated driving task. The sensitivity was 52% for left‐sided VSN. Right‐sided VSN was not well detected, probably due to the asymmetric layout.

Conclusions

Based on these results, the simulated driving task should not be the only task to assess VSN, especially in its current form. Given the heterogenic nature of VSN, the assessment should always consist of several tasks varying in nature and complexity and include a dynamic task to detect mild and/or recovered VSN. A symmetric design should be used when designing novel tasks to assess right‐sided VSN.
Titanium release in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Pettersson Mattias , Pettersson Jean , Johansson Anders , Molin Thorén Margareta
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the titanium (Ti) content of biopsies from patients with severe peri‐implantitis or controls without Ti exposure.

Background

Peri‐implantitis is considered to be an infectious disease, but recent studies have shown that Ti can aggravate inflammation in combination with bacterial products. The Ti content of peri‐implantitis and periodontitis (controls) tissue is unknown.

Methods

Thirteen patients referred for peri‐implantitis and eleven for periodontitis treatment were included in the study. Disease severity was obtained from dental records. Biopsies were taken from both groups and chemically analysed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Ti content. Additionally, two patients with peri‐implantitis and two with periodontitis were recruited and their biopsies were analysed microscopically with light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with element analysis to investigate the presence of particulate Ti.

Results

All patients lost one or more implants despite undergoing peri‐implant or treatment. Peri‐implantitis tissue contained significantly higher concentrations of Ti than control samples with a mean ± SD of 98.7 ± 85.6 and 1.2 ± 0.9 μg/g, respectively. Particulate metal was identified in peri‐implantitis and control biopsies, but element analyses could confirm only the presence of Ti in peri‐implantitis tissue.

Conclusion

We showed that high contents of particulate and submicron Ti were present in peri‐implantitis tissue. These high Ti contents in peri‐implant mucosa can potentially aggravate inflammation, which might reduce the prognosis of treatment interventions.
Urinary tract infections in febrile children: Changing spectra of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic susceptibilities?
Authors: Rakhra Jus , Williams Gabrielle , Marais Ben J , Craig Jonathan C , Gunasekera Hasantha
Published: October 2018

Aim

To compare the spectra of pathogens causing febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) in children, treatment and antimicrobial susceptibility between 2004–2006 and 2007–2009.

Methods

UTI were identified from a cohort study of febrile children younger than 5 years presenting to a large tertiary children's hospital's emergency department with febrile illnesses. We compared pathogenic profiles, antibiotic choices and susceptibilities between 2004–2006 and 2007–2009 and tested for differences using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Antibiotic choice was compared with national therapeutic guideline recommendations for UTI in children (oral cotrimoxazole, cephalexin or amoxycillin‐clavulanate or intravenous gentamicin plus ampicillin).

Results

There were 539 (2.71%) confirmed UTI from 19 889 febrile illnesses in 2004–2006 and 654 (2.99%) confirmed UTI from 21 846 febrile illnesses in 2007–2009. There was no difference in the frequency of the isolated pathogens by period: Escherichia coli (69.2 vs. 69.7%, P = 0.85), Proteus mirabilis (7.9 vs. 7.2%, P = 0.66) and Klebsiella species (6.2 vs. 4.7%, P = 0.25). National therapeutic guideline recommendations were followed in 277 of 539 (51.4%) versus 318 of 654 (48.6%) (P = 0.34). Oral antibiotics were given in 20.6 versus 18.9%. There was no difference in extended spectrum beta lactamase (1.5 vs. 1.7%, P = 0.82) or other antibiotic susceptibilities (e.g. E. coli: cotrimoxazole = 75.9 vs. 75.2%, P = 0.8).

Conclusions

Overall, approximately 3% of febrile illnesses were due to UTI, but we found no change in the spectrum of pathogens or antibiotic susceptibility patterns, including extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase, with time. In both time periods, treatment followed therapeutic guidelines approximately half the time, and most pathogens were susceptible to oral antibiotics, but they were infrequently used.
Cytotoxic activity and molecular targets of atractylodin in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Mathema Vivek B , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of atractylodin and its potential effects on heme oxygenase (HO)-1 production, STAT1/3 phosporylation and major NF-κB protein expression in the cholangiocarcinoma-associated cell line CL-6.

Methods

Standard MTT assay was used for accessing antiproliferative activity on CL-6 cells. Normal human embryonic fibroblast (OUMS) cell was taken as control cell line. Colony formation and wound healing assay were conducted to access the effects of atractylodin on cell proliferation and directional migration activity of CL-6 cells. Western blot was used for evaluating levels of protein expression and phosphorylation.

Key findings

Atractylodin exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards CL-6 as compared with OUMS with IC50 of 216.8 (212.4-233.8) and 351.2 (345.7-359.5) μm [median (range)], respectively. Exposure to the compound dose-dependently inhibited colony formation ability and decreased wound closure potential of CL-6 cells. Atractylodin treatment suppressed HO-1 production in CL-6 cells. It dose-dependently inhibited STAT1/3 protein phosphorylation and moderately inhibited NF-κB (p50), NF-κB (p52), and NF-κB (p65) protein expression in both dose- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Atractylodin exerts significant cytotoxic activity against CL-6 cells which may be linked to its suppressive effect on HO-1 production, STAT1/3 phosphorylation and expression of key NF-κB proteins.