bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parthenolide in Danish biodynamic and organic milk: A new source of exposure to an allergenic sesquiterpene lactone
Authors: Paulsen Evy , El‐Houri Rime B. , Andersen Klaus E. , Christensen Lars P.
Published: June 2018

Background

The sunflower family of plants (Compositae = Asteraceae) is currently the most allergenic plant family worldwide, according to the number of sensitizing species. Secondary plant metabolites, including the allergenic sesquiterpene lactones present in Compositae plants, may occur in food items either through their presence in, or through contamination of, plant‐based raw materials, or through their occurrence in products of non‐plant origin.

Objective

To analyse biodynamic, organic and conventional milk for the presence of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide.

Methods

The content of parthenolide in the milk samples was investigated in dichloromethane extracts obtained by liquid‐liquid extraction, followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses.

Results

The concentration of parthenolide was 0.07 ±0.004 ppm in biodynamic milk, 0.05 ±0.002 ppm in organic milk, and not detectable (<0.002 ppm) in conventional milk.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a potent contact allergen in milk. There seems to be an association between the time that the dairy cattle spend grazing and the amount of parthenolide detected. Although the concentration is low, it is estimated to be high enough to elicit dermatitis in the most sensitive persons by direct contact with the milk.
Age alone is not a contraindication to kidney donation: Outcomes of donor nephrectomy in the elderly
Authors: Serrano Oscar K. , Yadav Kunal , Bangdiwala Ananta , Vock David M. , Dunn Ty B. , Finger Erik B. , Pruett Timothy L. , Matas Arthur J. , Kandaswamy Raja
Published: June 2018

With increasing organ demand, living kidney donation from older donors (>60‐years‐old) has become more common. Between 1975 and 2014, 3752 donor nephrectomies (DN) were performed at University of Minnesota; 167 (4.5%) were >60‐years‐old Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were compared between contemporaneous >60‐years‐old and <60‐years‐old donors. On univariate analysis, >60‐years‐old were more likely to have had prior abdominal surgery and hypertension; and less likely to smoke. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in >60‐years‐old (80 ± 16 vs 101 ± 26 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < .001). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were similar, except a higher prevalence of <30 day ileus (3% vs 7%; P = .021) and longer postoperative length of stay (LOS) (4.2 vs 4.6 days; P = .005). On multivariate analysis, <30 day ileus and LOS continued to be significantly greater for >60‐years‐old After >20 years post‐DN, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher among >60‐years‐old (142 vs 125 mm Hg; P < .001) and HTN was diagnosed earlier (9 vs 14 years). After donation, eGFR was significantly lower for >60‐years‐old but slope of eGFR and rates of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) were not significantly different >20 years post‐DN. Thus, kidney donation among carefully selected >60‐years‐old poses minimal perioperative risks and no added risk of long‐term ESRD.
Vocational integrity
Authors: Cummings Orin W.
Published: June 2018

Luther's doctrine of vocation is about faithfully living the baptismal life. This article argues that for the Christian a theology of work—vocation—is not to be constricted to the spiritual sphere only. The Christian is called from the temporal sphere, but not out of it. As such, the Christian embraces the spiritual and temporal spheres in response to God's grace and for the good of the neighbor.
Self‐management of diabetes in hospital: a guideline from the Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care group
Authors: Flanagan D. , Dhatariya K. , Kilvert A. ,   the Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care group and Guidelines writing group
Published: June 2018

The aims of these guidelines are to improve the inpatient experience and safety for people with diabetes through effective self‐management. The guidelines are aimed primarily at healthcare professionals working in hospitals, although some aspects are relevant to staff involved in pre‐admission preparation. The guidelines suggest an approach to providing patient information, the circumstances in which self‐management is appropriate, the development of care plans and the elements needed for effective self‐management. This document is an abridged and modified version of ‘Self‐management of diabetes in hospital’ adapted specifically for Diabetic Medicine. The full version can be found online at: www.diabetes.org.uk/joint-british-diabetes-society or https://abcd.care/joint-british-diabetes-societies-jbds-inpatient-care-group.
Efficacy of iGlarLixi, a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide, in patients with type 2 diabetes stratified as at high or low risk according to HEDIS measurements
Authors: Sugimoto Danny H. , Dex Terry , Stager William , Aroda Vanita R.
Published: June 2018

The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measurements assess glycaemic goal attainment in patients with type 2 diabetes, incorporating factors including age and health status. Healthier patients are assigned a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) goal of <7% (low‐risk [LR]) and individuals aged >65 years or with comorbidities are assigned a goal of <8% (high‐risk [HR]). This post‐hoc analysis assessed the safety and efficacy of iGlarLixi, a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL (iGlar) and lixisenatide, in 1898 patients from the phase 3 LixiLan‐L and LixiLan‐O clinical trials, retrospectively classified as LR (n = 1181) or HR (n = 717). iGlarLixi was more effective in reducing HbA1c than comparators in both LR and HR patients across the LixiLan‐L trial (change from baseline, 1.1% vs −0.6% for iGlar in both groups; P < 0.001) and the LixiLan‐O trial (change from baseline, LR/HR −1.6%/−1.4% vs −1.3%/−1.2% for iGlar and −0.8%/−0.9% for lixisenatide; P < 0.01). iGlarLixi treatment significantly reduced postprandial glucose in both LR and HR patients (P < 0.001). The incidence of hypoglycaemia did not differ between risk categories in any treatment group.
Dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, slows the progression of renal complications through the suppression of renal inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in prediabetic rats
Authors: Jaikumkao Krit , Pongchaidecha Anchalee , Chueakula Nuttawud , Thongnak La‐ongdao , Wanchai Keerati , Chatsudthipong Varanuj , Chattipakorn Nipon , Lungkaphin Anusorn
Published: June 2018

Aim

To evaluate the renoprotective roles of dapagliflozin in prediabetic rats in order to elucidate the effects of this sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor on the renal complications associated with metabolic dysfunction in diet‐induced obesity.

Methods

Obesity was induced by feeding a high‐fat diet (HFD) to male Wistar rats for 16 weeks. HFD‐fed rats were treated with dapagliflozin (1 mg/kg/d) or metformin (30 mg/kg/d) by oral gavage for 4 weeks after insulin resistance had been established. The metabolic characteristics and renal function associated with lipid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in the renal tissue were examined.

Results

The results showed that HFD‐fed rats developed both obesity and impaired renal function, along with increased renal triglyceride accumulation. Importantly, dapagliflozin had greater efficacy in improving renal function and reducing both body weight and visceral fat accumulation than metformin treatment. Dapagliflozin and metformin were found to have similar effects regarding the suppression of renal triglycerides, superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, subsequently leading to a decrease in renal inflammation and fibrosis. Renal ER stress and apoptosis were increased in HFD‐fed rats and were effectively reduced after administration of dapagliflozin. The expression of renal SGLT2 was not affected by administration of dapagliflozin or metformin.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings indicate that dapagliflozin exerts renoprotective effects by alleviating obesity‐induced renal inflammation, fibrosis, ER stress, apoptosis and lipid accumulation in the prediabetic condition.
Ultra‐rapid BioChaperone Lispro improves postprandial blood glucose excursions vs insulin lispro in a 14‐day crossover treatment study in people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Andersen Grit , Meiffren Grégory , Lamers Daniela , DeVries J. Hans , Ranson Aymeric , Seroussi Cyril , Alluis Bertrand , Gaudier Martin , Soula Olivier , Heise Tim
Published: June 2018

Aim

To investigate the safety and efficacy of BioChaperone Lispo (BCLIS), an ultra‐rapid formulation of insulin lispro (LIS) in people with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind study, participants self‐administered individualized bolus doses of BCLIS or LIS during two 14‐day periods in a crossover fashion. Postprandial blood glucose (BG) was assessed after individualized solid mixed meal tests (MMTs) (50% carbohydrate, 29% fat, 21% protein), with additional randomization for the sequence of timing of insulin administration, immediately (t0), 15 minutes before (t − 15) and 15 minutes after (t + 15) meal start on days 1, 2 and 3, and with t0 administration on day 14. Pharmacokinetic (PK) variables were assessed for t0 MMTs. Participants also used individualized BCLIS or LIS doses immediately before meals during two 10‐day outpatient periods with an unchanged basal insulin regimen.

Results

Overall, 35 participants completed both treatment periods. In MMTs with t0 administration, the higher early postprandial PK exposure of BCLIS led to significant reductions in 1‐ to 2‐hour postprandial BG excursions by 30% to 40% vs LIS and the accelerated absorption and action of BCLIS persisted over 14 days. There was no difference in glucose excursion over the full 360‐minute postprandial period. Postprandial BG control was similar between BCLIS injected at t + 15 and LIS injected at t0. BCLIS was shown to have safety and tolerability similar to LIS. No injection site reactions occurred with BCLIS.

Conclusions

BCLIS was well tolerated and safe over 14 days of treatment and significantly improved postprandial BG vs LIS when administered at mealtime.
Low incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events over time with a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide versus lixisenatide alone
Authors: Trujillo Jennifer M. , Roberts Michelle , Dex Terry , Chao Jason , White John , LaSalle James
Published: June 2018

This post hoc analysis of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) from the phase 3 LixiLan‐L (NCT02058160) and LixiLan‐O (NCT02058147) trials aimed to determine the frequency and timing of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea for iGlarLixi, a titratable, fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 units/mL (iGlar) and lixisenatide, versus iGlar alone or iGlar and lixisenatide alone, in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled with oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) or basal insulin ± OADs. In iGlarLixi‐treated patients, the rate of GI AEs during the initial weeks of treatment was lower versus patients treated with lixisenatide alone (9.6% and 11.7% of iGlarLixi‐treated patients in LixiLan‐L and LixiLan‐O, respectively, vs. 27.5% of lixisenatide‐treated patients in LixiLan‐O). Beyond day 60, these rates were generally low and similar to those of lixisenatide. These lower rates are likely due to the gradual titration of lixisenatide in iGlarLixi. Median durations of intermittent GI AEs in the iGlarLixi arms were 6.0, 2.0 and 2.5 days (LixiLan‐L), and 5.0, 1.0 and 3.5 days (LixiLan‐O), respectively. iGlarLixi‐associated GI AEs were transient, mostly mild or moderate in severity, and occurred mainly during initial titration.
WILLIAM HUSKISSON AND THE RHETORIC OF FREE TRADE
Authors: Rowe Christopher
Published: June 2018

The British economy was wedded to protectionism at the turn of the nineteenth century, and the disruptive impact of the Napoleonic Wars served to bolster the case for duties on foreign imports. Notwithstanding this unpropitious climate, major strides were taken in the march towards freer trade in the 1820s. This article underlines William Huskisson's significance in this transition, ascribing particular importance to the manner in which he presented his economic reforms and, relatedly, his intellectual legacy in the decades after his death.
Influence of lung function and sleep‐disordered breathing on stroke: a community‐based study
Authors: Zhang J. , Gong Z. , Li R. , Gao Y. , Li Y. , Li J. , Yan B. , Wang G.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

Impaired lung function is regarded as a risk factor for stroke in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the association between reduced lung function and incident stroke in a community‐based population with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) remains unknown.

Methods

A prospective study was performed within the Sleep Heart Health Study cohort. Full montage home sleep testing and spirometry data on 2082 and 2072 individuals with and without SDB, respectively, were analysed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between lung function and incident stroke.

Results

Over 11.7 years, 183 cases of stroke were identified in participants without pre‐existing cardiovascular diseases, including 71 and 112 with an apnoea–hypopnoea index <5 events/h and ≥5 events/h, respectively. In the entire population, lung function was inversely associated with incident stroke [hazard ratio (HR) 0.913 (95% confidence interval 0.839–0.994) for every 10% increase in percentage of predicted forced vital capacity]. When the population was divided according to the presence/absence of SDB, the association of lung function with incident stroke became stronger in individuals with SDB [HR 0.899 (0.822–0.984) for every 10% increase in percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s; HR 0.881 (0.787–0.987) for every 10% increase in percentage of predicted forced vital capacity] but not in individuals without SDB.

Conclusions

Lung function may serve as a risk factor for incident stroke in a community‐based population, especially in those with SDB. Spirometry may help improve the risk management for primary care in community‐based populations.
Mental versus physical fatigue after subarachnoid hemorrhage: differential associations with outcome
Authors: Buunk A. M. , Groen R. J. M. , Wijbenga R. A. , Ziengs A. L. , Metzemaekers J. D. M. , van Dijk J. M. C. , Spikman J. M.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

Fatigue is a major consequence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but the specific characteristics are unclear. Our objective was to investigate the nature of post‐SAH fatigue (mental or physical) and to determine the relationship with functional outcome in the chronic stage. Also, the possible influence of mood disorders and acute SAH‐related factors [SAH type and external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage] on the presence of fatigue was investigated.

Methods

Patients with an aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) or angiographically negative SAH (anSAH) were assessed 3–10 years post‐SAH (N = 221). Questionnaires were used to investigate mental and physical fatigue and mood. Functional outcome was examined with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended. Between‐group comparisons and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Frequencies of mental and physical fatigue were 48.4% and 38.5%, respectively, with prevalence of mental fatigue being significantly higher. A two‐way anova with SAH type and external CSF drainage as independent variables and mental fatigue as dependent variable showed a significant main effect of CSF drainage only (P < 0.001). Only mental fatigue explained a significant part of the variance in long‐term functional outcome (model χ2 = 52.99, P < 0.001; Nagelkerke R² = 0.32).

Conclusions

Mental fatigue after SAH is a serious burden to the patient and is associated with impaired long‐term functional outcome. Distinguishing different aspects of fatigue is relevant as mental post‐SAH fatigue might be a target for treatment aimed to improve long‐term outcome.
Short‐term external counterpulsation augments cerebral blood flow and tissue oxygenation in chronic cerebrovascular occlusive disease
Authors: Buschmann E. E. , Hillmeister P. , Bondke Persson A. , Liebeskind D. S. , Schlich L. , Kamenzky R. , Busjahn A. , Buschmann I. R. , Bramlage P. , Hetzel A. , Reinhard M.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

External counterpulsation improves cerebral perfusion velocity in acute stroke and may stimulate collateral artery growth. However, whether (non‐acute) at‐risk patients with high‐grade carotid artery disease may benefit from counterpulsation needs to be validated.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients (71 ± 6.5 years, five women) with asymptomatic unilateral chronic severe internal carotid artery stenosis (>70%) or occlusion were randomized to receive 20 min active counterpulsation followed by sham treatment or vice versa. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) (measured bilaterally by transcranial middle cerebral artery Doppler), tissue oxygenation index (TOI) (measured over the bilateral prefrontal cortex by near‐infrared spectroscopy) and cerebral hemodynamic parameters, such as relative pulse slope index (RPSI), were monitored.

Results

Ipsilateral mean CBFV (ΔVmean +3.5 ± 1.2 cm/s) and tissue oxygenation (ΔTOI +2.86 ± 0.8) increased significantly during active counterpulsation compared to baseline, whilst the sham had little effect (ΔVmean +1.13 ± 1.1 cm/s; ΔTOI +1.25 ± 0.65). On contralateral sides, neither counterpulsation nor sham control had any effect on either parameter. During counterpulsation, early dynamic changes in ΔRPSI of the ipsilateral CBFV signal predicted improved tissue oxygenation during counterpulsation (odds ratio 1.179, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.51), whilst baseline cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia failed to show an association.

Conclusions

In patients with high‐grade carotid disease, ipsilateral cerebral oxygenation and blood flow velocity are increased by counterpulsation. This is a necessary condition for the stimulation of regenerative collateral artery growth and thus a therapeutic concept for the prevention of cerebral ischaemia. This study provides a rationale for further clinical investigations on the long‐term effects of counterpulsation on cerebral hemodynamics and collateral growth.
Limited flexibility in female Pacific field cricket (Teleogryllus oceanicus) exploratory behaviors in response to perceived social environment
Authors: Heinen‐Kay Justa L. , Strub Daina B. , Zuk Marlene
Published: June 2018

How populations adapt, or not, to rapid evolution of sexual signals has important implications for population viability, but is difficult to assess due to the paucity of examples of sexual signals evolving in real time. In Hawaiian populations of the Pacific field cricket (Teleogryllus oceanicus), selection from a deadly parasitoid fly has driven the rapid loss of a male acoustic signal, calling song, that females use to locate and evaluate potential mates. In this newly quiet environment where many males are obligately silent, how do phonotactic females find mates? Previous work has shown that the acoustic rearing environment (presence or absence of male calling song) during late juvenile stages and early adulthood exposes adaptive flexibility in locomotor behaviors of males, as well as mating behaviors in both sexes that helps facilitate the spread of silent (flatwing) males. Here, we tested whether females also show acoustically induced plasticity in walking behaviors using laboratory‐reared populations of T. oceanicus from Kauai (HI; >90% flatwings), Oahu (HI; ~50% flatwings), and Mangaia (Cook Islands; no flatwings or parasitoid fly). Though we predicted that females reared without song exposure would increase walking behaviors to facilitate mate localization when song is rare, we discovered that, unlike males, female T. oceanicus showed relatively little plasticity in exploratory behaviors in response to an acoustic rearing environment. Across all three populations, exposure to male calling song during development did not affect latency to begin walking, distance walked, or general activity of female crickets. However, females reared in the absence of song walked slower and showed a marginally non‐significant tendency to walk for longer durations of time in a novel environment than those reared in the presence of song. Overall, plasticity in female walking behaviors appears unlikely to have facilitated sexual signal loss in this species.
Fuzzy adaptive cat swarm algorithm and Borda method for solving dynamic multi‐objective problems
Authors: Orouskhani Maysam , Shi Daming
Published: June 2018

The main goal of this paper is to introduce a novel dynamic multi‐objective optimization algorithm. First, after detecting the environmental changes, Borda count ranking method is applied to population in order to assign the Borda score to each individual, and then the lowest score individuals are removed from population and replaced with new created solutions. Furthermore, fuzzy adaptive multi‐objective cat swarm optimization algorithm is used to estimate the Pareto‐optimal front in which its parameters are tuned to new environment by Mamdani fuzzy rules when a change occurs. Performance of the proposed algorithm is tested on dynamic multi‐objective benchmarks and is compared with recent achievements. The simulations show the quite satisfactory results and higher performance of the proposed method in comparison with traditional approaches.
Guidelines from the Japan Geriatrics Society for the decision‐making processes in medical and long‐term care for the elderly: Focusing on the use of artificial hydration and nutrition
Authors: Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Toba Kenji , Ohta Kikuko , Kai Ichiro , Shimizu Tetsuro , Higuchi Norio , Shimazono Susumu , Iijima Setsu , Suwa Sayuri , Nishimura Michiyo , Ninomiya Hideharu , Aita Kaoruko
Published: June 2018

Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 823–827.
HIV incidence is rapidly increasing with age among young men who have sex with men in China: a multicentre cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Mao X , Wang Z , Hu Q , Huang C , Yan H , Wang Z , Lu L , Zhuang M , Chen X , Fu J , Geng W , Jiang Y , Shang H , Xu J
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The HIV epidemic is worsening among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, especially among those who are younger than 25 years old [younger MSM (YMSM)]. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalences of HIV incidence and recent HIV infection as well as factors associated with recent HIV infection in YMSM and older MSM (OMSM).

Methods

A multicentre cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 4496 MSM recruited from seven Chinese cities. YMSM were defined as those aged < 25 years. Data on demographics and sexual behaviours were collected using structural questionnaires. Blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

Results

Among the participants, 1313 were YMSM and 3183 were OMSM. Compared with OMSM, YMSM had a higher prevalence of recent HIV infection [5.4% (71 of 1313) for YMSM vs. 3.6% (115 of 3175) for OMSM; P = 0.006] and a higher HIV incidence [11.8 per 100 person‐years (PY) (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.0–14.5) for YMSM vs. 7.6 per 100 PY (95% CI 6.3–9.0) for OMSM]. The incidence increased with age among YMSM, especially between the ages of 16 and 21 years. In contrast, the incidence declined with age among OMSM. Anal bleeding, recreational drug use, syphilis and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV‐2) infection were independent risk factors for recent HIV infection among YMSM. The prevalence of all these risk factors increased with age between the ages of 16 and 21 years. Anal bleeding (19.8%) and recreational drug use (19.5%) had the highest adjusted population attributable fractions (aPAFs) among YMSM. The highest aPAFs of anal bleeding (27.4%) and syphilis infection (25.5%) were found between the ages of 19 and 21 years.

Conclusions

The HIV incidence in Chinese YMSM was significantly higher than that in OMSM. YMSM aged 16–21 years had an extremely high risk of recent HIV infection.
Microstructure and electrical conductivity of La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85‐Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 composite electrolytes for SOFCs
Authors: Xu Shun , Lin Xuping , Ge Ben , Ai Desheng , Ma Jingtao , Peng Zhijian
Published: June 2018

(100‐x) wt.% La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 ‐ x wt.% Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (x = 0, 5, 10, 20) electrolytes were prepared by solid‐state reaction. The composition, microstructure, and electrical conductivity of the samples were investigated. At 300 ~ 600°C, the pure La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 electrolyte has a higher conductivity compared to the composite electrolytes, but at 650 ~ 800°C the 95 wt.% La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 ‐ 5 wt.% Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 composite electrolyte presents the highest conductivity, reaching 0.035 S cm−1 at 800°C. The cell performances based on La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85‐Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 electrolytes were measured using Sr2CoMoO6‐La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 as anode and Sr2Co0.9Mn0.1NbO6 ‐La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 as cathode, respectively. At 800°C, the measured open‐circuit voltages are higher than 1.08 V, and the maximum power density and current density of the fuel cell prepared with 95 wt.% La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 ‐ 5 wt.% Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 electrolyte reach 192 mW cm−2 and 720 mA cm−2, respectively.
Inseparable interaction of the prostate and inguinal hernia
Authors: Miyajima Akira
Published: June 2018

With an increase in their prevalence, it has become apparent that both benign prostatic hyperplasia and radical prostatectomy for cancer can induce inguinal hernia development. An inguinal hernia is a common late complication following radical prostatectomy, with an occurrence rate of 12–25%. Following radical prostatectomy, the space of Retzius can develop adhesions to surrounding tissue, often causing difficulty during inguinal hernia repair. Conversely, inguinal hernia repair before radical prostatectomy also induces severe adhesions around the space of Retzius and causes difficulty during radical prostatectomy. The association between radical prostatectomy and inguinal hernia development is complex and unclear. Both urologists and surgeons are challenged by this interaction. The surgical approaches for prostate cancer have undergone a major transition from open surgery to robotic surgery, and the treatment of inguinal hernia is also changing. Based on historical trends, several preventive and treatment measures have been proposed, although there is no direct evidence for risk factors that lead to inguinal hernia development. This article focuses on the complex interaction between the prostate and inguinal hernia, and considers preventive measures against inguinal hernia development.
Invisible Development? Remittances for Housing and Transnational Reproduction Strategies among Migrant Households in Colombia
Authors: Zapata Gisela P.
Published: June 2018

In recent years, the Colombian government has embraced the migration‐development agenda by designing programmes to channel remittances to key sectors such as housing and finance,in an attempt to institutionalise migrant households’ transnational economic practices. However, little is known about migrant households’ multifaceted transnational practices, their broader impact on households’ and localities’ socioeconomic development and migrants’ engagement with these migration‐for‐development programmes. Drawing on qualitative data collected along the Colombia‐UK migration network, this paper contrasts the narrow interpretation of development that underpins the migration‐development agenda, as exemplified by the remittances‐for‐housing programmes implemented in Colombia, with the more nuanced social and economic contributions that remittance‐financed housing investments have for migrant households’ and communities’ socioeconomic development. Thus, it provides a more nuanced interpretation of development to account for the often invisible, socioeconomic spinoffs that occur in the process of migrant households’ attempts to produce and reproduce their livelihoods transnationally.
Lung transplant: the Western Australian experience
Authors: Dhillon Sarbroop , McKinnon Elizabeth , Wrobel Jeremy , Lavender Melanie , Lawrence Sharon , Gabbay Eli , Musk Michael
Published: June 2018

Background

The Western Australian lung transplant programme commenced in 2004 to serve the growing demand of patients with end‐stage lung disease.

Aim

This report summarises our 11‐year experience in lung transplantation.

Methods

Data on 115 consecutive patients and their respective donors transplanted between 2004 and 2015 were collected. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival. Cox regression was used to analyse the impact of donor and recipient characteristics on survival.

Results

A total of 88 bilateral, 22 single‐lung and 5 heart‐lung transplants were performed in Western Australia during the first 11 years of the lung transplant programme. The most common indications for transplantation were interstitial lung disease (30.4%), cystic fibrosis (27.8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (excluding alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency) (22.6%). Median recipient age was 50 years. Overall survival rates were 96% at 3 months, 93% at 1 year, 84% at 3 years and 70% at 5 years. Older age and higher BMI negatively impacted survival. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction was the leading cause of late mortality.

Conclusion

Lung transplantation is a treatment option in end‐stage lung disease, with annual transplant rates in Western Australia continuing to rise. Our patients enjoy survival rates that compare favourably against international standards.
Choice reaction time and grip strength as predictors of cardiovascular mortality in middle‐aged and elderly Japanese: from the Radiation Effects Research Foundation Adult Health study
Authors: Shimizu Masaki , Misumi Munechika , Yamada Michiko , Ohishi Waka , Yamamoto Hideya , Kihara Yasuki
Published: June 2018

Background

Cognitive function and physical function are important predictors of mortality.

Aim

To investigate whether or not reaction time (RT) as a cognitive function and grip strength (GS) as a physical function were associated, alone or in combination, with mortality from heart disease or stroke.

Methods

The subjects included 4901 Adult Health Study participants in Hiroshima who had undergone RT and GS measurements, were 35–74 years old at baseline (1970–1972) and were followed until the end of 2007.

Results

After adjustment for other potential risk factors, RT was positively and GS was negatively associated with mortality from both heart disease and stroke. These associations were persistent in the model when adjusting simultaneously for RT, GS and other factors, but hazard ratios were attenuated. When we evaluated the associations by baseline age and gender, we found the greater hazard ratios for RT in the younger cohort, but no clear modification by age for GS. The interaction between RT and GS was statistically significant (P = 0.012) for stroke mortality. In the stratified analyses divided using the age‐specific median value of RT or GS, the estimated hazard ratio of stroke mortality for RT was significant in participants with weak or strong GS but greater in the former, and for GS, it was only significant in participants with slow RT.

Conclusion

RT and GS, alone and in combination, predicted heart disease and stroke mortalities. Interventions for both cognitive function and physical function may be beneficial for the prevention of cardiovascular disease mortality.
CD93 regulates central nervous system inflammation in two mouse models of autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Griffiths Mark R. , Botto Marina , Morgan Bryan Paul , Neal James W. , Gasque Philippe
Published: June 2018

Microglia and non‐professional immune cells (endothelial cells, neurons) participate in the recognition and removal of pathogens and tissue debris in the injured central nervous system through major pro‐inflammatory processes. However, the mechanisms involved in regulating these responses remain ill‐characterized. We herein show that CD93, also known as complement C1qRp/AA4 stem cell marker, has an important role in the regulation of inflammatory processes. The role of CD93 was evaluated in two models of neuroinflammation. We used the MOG‐experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model and the antibody‐dependent EAE (ADEAE), which were induced in wild‐type and CD93 knockout mice. We found that CD93 was highly expressed by neurons, endothelial cells and microglia (ramified >> amoeboid). Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes did not to express CD93. We further observed that CD93‐deficient (CD93−/−) mice presented a more robust brain and spinal cord inflammation in EAE and ADEAE. Encephalitis in CD93−/− was characterized by increased numbers of infiltrating M1 macrophages (CD11c+ CD206−) and amoeboid microglia exhibiting a more activated phenotype (Tomato Lectinhigh Cox2high). Damage to and leakage through the blood–brain barrier was increased in CD93−/− animals and was associated with a more robust neuronal injury when compared with wild‐type EAE mice. We propose that CD93 is an important neuro‐immune regulator to control central nervous system inflammation.
Reversible upconversion switching for Ho/Yb codoped (K,Na)NbO3 ceramics with excellent luminescence readout capability
Authors: Sun Haiqin , Zhang Yao , Liu Jian , Peng Dengfeng , Zhang Qiwei , Hao Xihong
Published: June 2018

Luminescent readout capability for photochromic materials plays a critical role in 3D optical data storage applications, especially for inorganic photochromic materials in the solid‐state form. In our previous studies, we found that the luminescent readout capability can be improved using two or multiple‐photon excited luminescent mode (upconversion), which can effectively decrease the destruction degree of the excitation energies to the stored information during the luminescent “reading” process. However, the luminescent readout performance is unsatisfactory owing to the absence of nondestructive luminescence readout capability. Herein, we report a new solid‐state photochromic material with excellent upconversion readout capability: Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped (K,Na)NbO3. Upon 407 nm light irradiation, the luminescent switching contrast (ΔRt) is up to 78%. Particularly, the materials almost have no any re‐absorption to 980 nm light, exhibiting extremely low destruction to information recording points. The luminescent readout intensity retains 96% after constant 980 nm irradiation for 4 minutes at a high pumping power of 1W, which is superior to our previously reported results (Er/Yb codoped Bi2.5Na0.5Nb2O9 materials). This work would help to further develop new inorganic photochromic materials with high performance to satisfy the requirements for optical storage devices.
Influences of rare‐earth oxide additives on the formation and properties of porous Si2N2O ceramic
Authors: Wen Jiangbo , Wang Hongjie , Fan Lei , Wei Liting , Niu Min , Gao Hongfei , Cai Zhixin
Published: June 2018

Here we prepared porous silicon oxynitride (Si2N2O) ceramics by reaction sintering of SiO2 and Si3N4 using five different rare‐earth oxides (RE2O3, RE = Lu, Yb, Y, Sm, and La) as sintering aids. The influences of RE2O3 on the formation, densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Si2N2O ceramics have been investigated in detail. The results have indicated that with the increase in RE ionic radius, the formation temperature of Si2N2O decreases, and the densification process could be promoted by RE2O3 with larger RE3+ ionic radius. In addition, microstructures and mechanical properties are highly dependent on the RE2O3 additives. With the increase in RE3+ ionic radius, Si2N2O changes from platelike crystals to elongated crystals. The samples doped with La2O3 and Sm2O3 with elongated crystals exhibit higher flexural strength and higher Vickers hardness.
Editorial: The rising prevalence of autism
Authors: Fombonne Eric
Published: June 2018

The first autism surveys were simple head counts of children already diagnosed with a severe autism phenotype and residing in small, circumscribed geographical areas. Prevalence was low, ranging from 0.4 to 2/1,000 in the 1960's and 1970's. Today, the methodology of surveys has become more complex; studies include large populations, multiple sites, stratified samples and rely on intricate sets of screening activities followed by some form of diagnostic confirmation procedures. Yet, and as surprising as it may be, there is no standardization of autism survey methodology. Each survey has unique design features that reflect the local educational and health services infrastructure and current social policies for children with disabilities, they include or not parents, teachers and subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and rely on variable screening and diagnostic instruments and methods. As such, prevalence differences between studies are hazardous to evaluate and whether observed discrepancies are due to method factors or true differences in population parameters, cannot be determined.
Experiences of Postpartum Women after Mindfulness Childbirth Classes: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kantrowitz‐Gordon Ira , Abbott Shannon , Hoehn Rachel
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The postpartum period can be a challenging experience for many women as they adjust to the physical and social changes after childbirth. Mindfulness‐based interventions have been developed for stress reduction in a variety of health contexts, including pregnancy. These interventions provide strategies that may help new mothers handle the physical, emotional, and relationship challenges of the postpartum period and increase acceptance of postpartum physical changes and body image. Limited research has explored whether women use skills learned in prenatal mindfulness classes for the postpartum experience and parenting. The purpose of this study was to explore women's experience with mindfulness in the year after childbirth.

Methods

Twelve women who participated in a Mindfulness for Childbirth and Parenting course during pregnancy were interviewed between 2 and 16 months postpartum. The semistructured interview guide included questions on how participants may have used mindfulness to approach a variety of positive and negative postpartum experiences. Qualitative description methodology guided the research team to code the transcripts independently. The team met to review and achieve consensus in the development of codes, categories, and themes from the data.

Results

Four themes were identified in women's postpartum experiences: 1) developing a new relationship with postpartum challenges, 2) formal practices of mindfulness to address postpartum challenges, 3) informal practices to address postpartum challenges, and 4) life‐changing and transformative experiences. These themes showed a pathway by which participants used mindfulness skills to address postpartum challenges and to transform these challenges with a positive perspective.

Discussion

Mindfulness skills helped class participants cope with physical and emotional challenges postpartum and fostered positive meaningful relationships with partners and newborns. Findings have implications for future research on mindfulness‐based interventions and the postpartum experience.
Inflammation of brown/beige adipose tissues in obesity and metabolic disease
Authors: Villarroya F. , Cereijo R. , Gavaldà‐Navarro A. , Villarroya J. , Giralt M.
Published: June 2018

Many of the comorbidities of obesity, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are related to the low‐grade chronic inflammation of white adipose tissue. Under white adipocyte stress, local infiltration of immune cells and enhanced production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines together reduce metabolic flexibility and lead to insulin resistance in obesity. Whereas white adipocytes act in energy storage, brown and beige adipocytes specialize in energy expenditure. Brown and beige activity protects against obesity and associated metabolic disorders, such as hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia. Compared to white fat, brown adipose tissue depots are less susceptible to developing local inflammation in response to obesity; however, strong obesogenic insults ultimately induce a locally pro‐inflammatory environment in brown fat. This condition directly alters the thermogenic activity of brown fat by impairing its energy expenditure mechanism and uptake of glucose for use as a fuel substrate. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines also impair beige adipogenesis, which occurs mainly in subcutaneous adipose tissue. There is evidence that inflammatory processes occurring in perivascular adipose tissues alter their brown‐versus‐white plasticity, impair the extent of browning in these depots and favour the local release of vasculature damaging signals. In summary, the targeting of brown and beige adipose tissues by pro‐inflammatory signals and the subsequent impairment of their thermogenic and metabolite draining activities appears to represent obesity‐driven disturbances that contribute to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular alterations in obesity.
Hepcidin in newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease in children
Authors: Karaskova Eva , Volejnikova Jana , Holub Dusan , Velganova‐Veghova Maria , Sulovska Lucie , Mihal Vladimír , Horvathova Monika , Pospisilova Dagmar
Published: June 2018

Aim

Hepcidin is a central regulator of iron homeostasis. Its production is also influenced by systemic inflammation. The aims of this study were to compare hepcidin levels in paediatric patients newly diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and to determine the association of hepcidin levels with laboratory and clinical parameters of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity.

Methods

Children with newly diagnosed IBD between January 2012 and September 2016 were enrolled in this comparative cross‐sectional study. We analysed levels of serum hepcidin, C‐reactive protein, iron, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors, blood count and faecal calprotectin in all subjects. Serum hepcidin levels were measured by reverse‐phase liquid chromatography. The Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index was used to evaluate CD in children, and Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index was used for the assessment of UC disease activity.

Results

Subjects with CD (n = 53) had significantly higher serum hepcidin levels compared with subjects with UC (n = 23) – 22.6 ng/mL (range 8.5–65.0) versus 6.5 ng/mL (range 2.4–25.8) (P < 0.05). Hepcidin was independently associated with ferritin levels in all IBD patients (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between hepcidin and platelet count (P < 0.05) in children with CD and a negative correlation between hepcidin and faecal calprotectin (P < 0.05) in children with UC.

Conclusion

Different hepcidin levels between children with newly diagnosed CD and UC suggest the distinct contribution of iron deficiency and/or systemic inflammation to anaemia and may help clinicians choose the best anti‐anaemic treatment.
Temporal analysis of brown eye spot of coffee and its response to the interaction of irrigation with phosphorous levels
Authors: Chaves Eugênio , Pozza Edson Ampélio , Neto Helon Santos , Vasco Gabriel Brandão , Dornelas Gabriel Avelar , Pozza Adélia Aziz Alexandre , Scalco Myriane Stella
Published: June 2018

Brown eye spot (BES—Cercospora coffeicola) is a major disease of coffee, and its occurrence is affected by water supply and nutritional balance. Little is known about the effect of phosphorous (P) on coffee fields under irrigation. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of the interaction between different water application levels and phosphorus levels (5 irrigation levels × 4 phosphorus levels) on the intensity of this disease. The area under the incidence progress curve (AUIPC) was calculated and subjected to analysis of variance. The progress curve of the average incidence of BES varied in both evaluation years. In Year 1 (November 2011 to December 2012), the incidence peaked on August 12, 2012 (22.45%), while in Year 2 (January 2013 to January 2014), the incidence reached its highest level on September 12, 2013 (16.29%). The exponential nonlinear model was adjusted for the two years. There was an interaction between irrigation and phosphorus levels on October 07, 2012. The incidence interacted significantly with the harvest dates. On the first evaluation date, an increase in phosphorus levels at shallower irrigation depths and an absence of phosphate fertilizer at higher irrigation levels caused higher incidences.
Developments in mental health nursing: a critical voice
Authors: COLEMAN M. , JENKINS E.
Published: June 2018

This paper examines stances that are being adopted in relation to the current and future direction of mental health nursing practice. The argument is made that mental health nursing is being pushed into a direction that is essentially positivistic and narrow in its focus, stating that the current hegemony of thinking which dictates that our primary focus of concern should be with individuals suffering from severe or recurring mental illness, allied with the drive towards ‘evidence based practice’ is symptomatic of wider issues that should be of concern to all parties interested in the issue of mental health care. The authors examine the context and rationale for these developments from socio‐political, philosophical and ethical viewpoints, highlighting that their logical outcome is the exclusion of individuals from the right to health care and question the motives underpinning what could be considered a fundamental shift in the provision of mental health services. The argument is then advanced that caution should be adopted by mental health nursing services before abandoning what Gournay (1994) described as ‘redundant ideologies’ and that a broader view of mental health nursing action should be accommodated. The validity of trying to account for mental nursing action in quantifiable and biomechanistic terms is questioned and an alternative paradigm of accounting for such action is suggested.
Chronic pain in narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 – an underestimated reality
Authors: Cremaschi Renata C. , Hirotsu Camila , Tufik Sergio , Coelho Fernando M.
Published: June 2018

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder classified in types 1 and 2. The co‐morbidities of narcolepsy type 1, with hypocretin‐1 deficiency, are established. Hypocretin‐1 in the central and peripheral nervous systems regulates nociception and pain. However, the patients with narcolepsy type 2 have similar excessive daytime sleepiness and co‐morbidities without elucidation. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and the characteristic of chronic pain according to the type of narcolepsy. We also investigated the effect of the interaction between the nutritional status and the type of narcolepsy. It was a cross‐sectional study using self‐administered questionnaires. Patients with narcolepsy (33 type 1 and 33 type 2), from Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil, matched by age and gender to 33 control subjects were included. Both types of narcolepsy presented a high frequency of chronic pain (84.84% type 1 versus 75.75% type 2), with indistinct pain characteristics between them. The odds ratio was 20.8 in type 1 and 11.6 in type 2, compared with controls. Obese individuals with narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 did not present a significant difference in pain intensity, compared with obese controls. Patients with narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 were associated with a high frequency of chronic pain. Chronic pain emerged as a co‐morbidity never reported before in type 2. Depression possibly influences pain perception in these patients. Obesity might play a role in pain intensity in narcolepsy. The treatment of narcolepsy should take account of chronic pain, depression and obesity management.