bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of intravenous magnesium sulfate on postoperative analgesia in orthopedic surgery
Authors: Peng Yu-Ning , Sung Fung-Chang , Huang Mei-Li , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of perioperative intravenous administration of MgSO4 on postoperative pain, analgesic consumption and adverse effects in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

Methods:

Two investigators independently searched for articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1998 to 2016 in Pubmed, Web of science and Google scholar. We evaluated clinical outcomes, comparing postoperative pain scores, cumulative analgesic consumption, time to first analgesia, and adverse effects between orthopedic surgery patients with and without the administration of MgSO4.

Results:

After screening 2350 articles, 11 RCTs (with a total sample size of 535 subjects) were included in this systematic review. Perioperative intravenous administered MgSO4 could reduce postoperative pain intensity compared with control in 6 trials (55%), but without significant difference in 5 trials (45%). With MgSO4 treatments, postoperative analgesic consumption was significantly reduced in 8 trials (73%), and without significant difference in 2 trials (18%). Two trials evaluated the time to first request of analgesic after surgery and showed prolong of 2.3 hours and 93 minutes respectively. MgSO4 group had less postoperative nausea (relative risk [RR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12–0.82, number needed to harm [NNH] = 8.8), vomiting (RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15–0.92, NNH = 9.7), and shivering (RR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11–0.88, NNH = 5.2).

Conclusion:

Perioperative intravenous administration of MgSO4 in orthopedic surgery could reduce postoperative analgesic consumption and adverse effects such as vomiting, nausea, and shivering. These trials do not provide convincing evidence of beneficial effects on postoperative pain intensity and the time to first analgesic request. More trials should be conducted for the roles of MgSO4 in pain management for orthopedic surgery. However, intravenous MgSO4 administration should be considered as a strategy to relieve postoperative pain in orthopedic surgery patients.
Clinical outcomes of FOLFIRINOX in locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Jongchan , Lee Jong-chan , Gromski Mark A. , Kim Hyoung Woo , Kim Jinwon , Kim Jaihwan , Hwang Jin-Hyeok
Published: December 2018

Systemic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is the initial primary option for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). This study analyzed the effect of FOLFIRINOX and assessed the factors influencing conversion to surgical resectability for LAPC.

Sixty-four patients with LAPC who received FOLFIRINOX as initial chemotherapy were enrolled retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, tumor status, interval/dosage/cumulative relative dose intensity (cRDI) of FOLFIRINOX, conversion to resection, and clinical outcomes were reviewed and factors associated with conversion to resectability after FOLFIRINOX were analyzed.

After administration of FOLFIRINOX (median 9 cycles, 70% of cRDI), the median patient overall survival (OS) was 17.0 months. Fifteen of 64 patients underwent surgery and R0 resection was achieved in 11 patients. During a median follow-up time of 9.4 months after resection, cumulative recurrence rate was 28.5% at 18 months after resection. The estimated median OS was significantly longer for the resected group (>40 months vs 13 months). There were no statistical differences between the resected and non-resected groups in terms of baseline characteristics, tumor status and hematologic adverse effects. The patients who received standard dose of FOLFIRINOX had higher probability of subsequent resection compared with patients who received reduced dose, although cRDIs did not differ between groups.

FOLFIRINOX is an active regimen in patients with LAPC, given acceptable resection rates and promising R0 resection rates. Additionally, our data demonstrate it is advantageous for obtaining resectability to administer FOLFIRINOX without dose reduction.
Case report: an intriguing sign in a patient with an inferior rectus muscle granular cell tumor
Authors: Che Lin , He Pei , Fan Bin , Li Guang-Yu
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Occurrence of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) in the eye are rare and may be diagnosed by imaging examination and immune-histochemical studies. Two common signs of a rectus muscle tumor are the proptosis of the eye ball and the complaint of bi-ocular diploma.

Patient concerns:

A 45-year-old man visited our ophthalmology department with an about a 3-year history of vertical diplopia. His visual acuity when looking forward was normal but was severely low when gazing upward.

Diagnosis:

Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the encapsulated tumor contained large nested or cord-like cells with small nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasmic particles. Immunohistochemistry showed that tumor cells strongly expressed CD68, S100 and vimentin, were weakly positive for Ki67, and negative for CK. The tumor was diagnosed as a GCT.

Interventions:

The tumor was surgically removed via a transconjunctival approach along inferior rectus muscle.

Outcomes:

The severe loss of acuity when gazing upward was ameliorated after surgery, but global mobility did not improve. Long-term follow-up was still needed.

Lessons:

Ophthalmologists should be aware that when a patient's visual acuity is normal when looking forward but severely low when gazing upward, it may be a sign of a GCT of the inferior rectus muscle.
Pacemaker implantation for treating migraine-like headache secondary to cardiac arrhythmia
Authors: Man Yu-Hong , Meng Xiao-Li , Yu Ting-Min , Yao Gang
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Co-occurrence of headache and arrhythmia is not rare. However, their causal relationship remains unclear. Here, we described a case of migraine-like headache relieving with pacemaker implantation. Our case study indicates that arrhythmia is causal for migraine-like headache, which, to our knowledge, has never been reported.

Patient concerns:

A 63-year-old woman patient suffered from paroxysmal headache with a visual aura presenting like migraine for 2 years. No ophthalmic or neurological disorder was found, but cardiac examination detected bradycardia, which was confirmed by 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram (DCG) revealing sinus bradycardia mixed with ventricular premature beats and supraventricular tachycardia. Transcranial doppler (TCD) detected an equal echo flat plaque on the anterolateral wall of the common carotid artery (CA) bifurcation.

Diagnosis:

Migraine-like headaches secondary to arrhythmia.

Interventions:

The patient underwent pacemaker implantation.

Outcomes:

Both visual aura and headache were resolved following pacemaker implantation.

Lessons:

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, we are the first to report migraine-like headache as a secondary symptom of arrhythmia. Arrhythmia may aggravate insufficient blood supply to the brain due to CA lesion and induce a migraine-like headache. This case study indicated that pacemaker implantation could be a fundamental treatment for migraine-like headaches caused by cardiac arrhythmia.
A case report of hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade with rapid blood clot formation
Authors: Feng Yan-Mei , Wan Dong , Guo Rui
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) remains a life-threatening disease. We previously reported a case with ultrasound findings of a homogeneous hemopericardium and evidence highly indicative of hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade complicated by AAAD. Here, we report a similar case who presented with a more serious situation and for whom critical care ultrasound revealed fast blood clot formation within the hemopericardium.

Presenting concerns:

A 63-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department with a complaint of a tearing chest pain for 10 minutes. Asymmetric blood pressure was detected in the upper limbs and AAAD was highly suspected. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor was placed in a timely manner. However, during this procedure, he went into cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated.

Diagnoses:

Critical care ultrasound revealed hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade with blood clot formation surrounding the epicardium, strongly indicating the rupture of an ascending aortic root dissection.

Interventions:

Standard CPR continued for 30 minutes.

Outcomes:

Spontaneous cardiac rhythm was not restored and the patient died.

Lessons:

Critical care ultrasound is a useful tool for assessing emergency cardiac arrest. Ultrasound findings of fast clot formation within the hemopericardium may indicate faster bleeding due to the rupture of an AAAD and may predict poor clinical outcomes.
Antegrade approach for closure of distal and torturous congenital coronary artery fistula
Authors: Lee Wei-Chieh , Fang Hsiu-Yu , Huang Chien-Fu , Fang Chih-Yuan
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Coronary artery fistulae (CAF) are uncommon heart lesions, but they are the most frequent significant hemodynamic congenital coronary anomaly. Transcatheter closure is an alternative treatment and a variety of techniques and devices were reported to use for the closure of congenital coronary fistulae.

Patient concerns:

We reported a 5-year-10-month-old boy who was diagnosed as CAF at birth. Follow-up transthoracic echocardiography showed persistent CAF and progressed dilatation of the left coronary artery.

Diagnoses:

Coronary angiography showed torturous coronary vessel and CAF at the distal segment of the left circumflex artery (LCX).

Intervention:

Antegrade approach with Amplatzer Vascular Plug was used due to the retrograde approach failed and showed a good result.

Outcomes:

During a 3-year follow-up period, the patient showed no symptoms and demonstrated good exercise ability. Follow-up coronary angiography showed the Amplatzer vascular plug was located at an adequate position without a residual shunt from the CAF, and the diameter of the left coronary artery regressed when compared to previous angiography results.

Lessons:

The antegrade approach is a feasible method for closing CAF if torturous vessels are noted and fistulae occur at the distal portion of the coronary artery. A large randomized study or case series are needed to investigate the comparison of antegrade and retrograde method for the closure of CAF.
Relationship Between Work Environments, Nurse Outcomes, and Quality of Care in ICUs
Authors: Liu Jiali , Zheng Jing , Liu Ke , You Liming
Published: December 2018

Background:

The mechanism of how work environments affect nurse outcomes and quality of care has not been studied in intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

Purpose:

The purpose was to investigate the effects of work environment on nurse outcomes and quality of care in ICUs, through the mediating effects of nursing care left undone.

Methods:

This study used survey data from 459 nurses from 22 ICUs in 22 hospitals in China. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the relationships and the mediating effects.

Results:

Positive work environments were associated with lower nurse job dissatisfaction, less burnout, higher quality of care, and safer care. Adding nursing care left undone could reduce the effects of work environments, showing partial mediating effects of nursing care left undone.

Conclusions:

Cultivating supportive work environments serves as a strategy to reduce nursing care left undone, and to improve nurse outcomes and quality of care in ICUs.
Physical Activity for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Matthewman Gemma , Lee Alexandra , Kaur Jaidev G. , Daley Amanda J.
Published: December 2018

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018;219(3):255.e1–255.e20)

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological condition of adolescence affecting 60% to 76% of adult menstruating women. The pain occurring with menses has no underlying pathology.
Endometrial Carcinoma Diagnosis: Use of FIGO Grading and Genomic Subcategories in Clinical Practice: Recommendations of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists
Authors: Soslow Robert A. , Tornos Carmen , Park Kay J. , Malpica Anais , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Oliva Esther , Parkash Vinita , Carlson Joseph , McCluggage W. Glenn , Gilks C. Blake
Published: December 2018

In this review, we sought to address 2 important issues in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma: how to grade endometrial endometrioid carcinomas and how to incorporate the 4 genomic subcategories of endometrial carcinoma, as identified through The Cancer Genome Atlas, into clinical practice. The current International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grading scheme provides prognostic information that can be used to guide the extent of surgery and use of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We recommend moving toward a binary scheme to grade endometrial endometrioid carcinomas by considering International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics defined grades 1 and 2 tumors as “low grade” and grade 3 tumors as “high grade.” The current evidence base does not support the use of a 3-tiered grading system, although this is considered standard by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the College of American Pathologists. As for the 4 genomic subtypes of endometrial carcinoma (copy number low/p53 wild-type, copy number high/p53 abnormal, polymerase E mutant, and mismatch repair deficient), which only recently have been identified, there is accumulating evidence showing these categories can be reproducibly diagnosed and accurately assessed based on biopsy/curettage specimens as well as hysterectomy specimens. Furthermore, this subclassification system can be adapted for current clinical practice and is of prognostic significance independent of conventional variables used for risk assessment in patients with endometrial carcinoma (eg, stage). It is too soon to recommend the routine use of genomic classification in this setting; however, with further evidence, this system may become the basis for the subclassification of all endometrial carcinomas, supplanting (partially or completely) histotype, and grade. These recommendations were developed from the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists Endometrial Carcinoma project.
Pathologic Prognostic Factors in Endometrial Carcinoma (Other Than Tumor Type and Grade)
Authors: Singh Naveena , Hirschowitz Lynn , Zaino Richard , Alvarado-Cabrero Isabel , Duggan Maire A. , Ali-Fehmi Rouba , Euscher Elizabeth , Hecht Jonathan L. , Horn Lars-Christian , Ioffe Olga , Matias-Guiu Xavier , McCluggage W. Glenn , Mikami Yoshiki , Ordi Jaume , Parkash Vinita , Quddus M. Ruhul , Quick Charles M. , Staebler Annette , Zaloudek Charles , Nucci Marisa , Malpica Anais , Oliva Esther
Published: December 2018

Although endometrial carcinoma (EC) is generally considered to have a good prognosis, over 20% of women with EC die of their disease, with a projected increase in both incidence and mortality over the next few decades. The aim of accurate prognostication is to ensure that patients receive optimal treatment and are neither overtreated nor undertreated, thereby improving patient outcomes overall. Patients with EC can be categorized into prognostic risk groups based on clinicopathologic findings. Other than tumor type and grade, groupings and recommended management algorithms may take into account age, body mass index, stage, and presence of lymphovascular space invasion. The molecular classification of EC that has emerged from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study provides additional, potentially superior, prognostic information to traditional histologic typing and grading. This classifier does not, however, replace clinicopathologic risk assessment based on parameters other than histotype and grade. It is envisaged that molecular and clinicopathologic prognostic grouping systems will work better together than either alone. Thus, while tumor typing and grading may be superseded by a classification based on underlying genomic abnormalities, accurate assessment of other pathologic parameters will continue to be key to patient management. These include those factors related to staging, such as depth of myometrial invasion, cervical, vaginal, serosal surface, adnexal and parametrial invasion, and those independent of stage such as lymphovascular space invasion. Other prognostic parameters will also be discussed. These recommendations were developed from the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists Endometrial Carcinoma project.
Physiological and transcriptome analysis of indica rice 'MH86' overexpressing OsSPL14
Authors: Lian Ling , He Wei , Cai Qiu hua , Zhang Hui , Ren Cheng rong , Ding Jun , Xu Hui bin , Lin Yue long , Pan Li yan , Wei Yi dong , Zhu Yong sheng , Zheng Yan mei , Wei Lin yan , Xie Hong guang , Wang Zong hua , Xie Hua an , Zhang Jian fu
Published: December 2018

OsSPL14, identified as IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE1 (IPA1) or WEALTHY FARMER'S PANICLE (WFP) gene, plays a critical role in regulating rice plant architecture. Here, the study showed that OsSPL14-overexpression transgenic rice plants had shorter growth period, short-narrow flag leaves, and thick-green leaves. Compared with wild type plant 'MH86', transgenic plants had higher chlorophyll a (Ca), chlorophyll b (Cb) and carotenoid (Cx) content at both seedling and maturity stage. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis identified 473 up-regulated and 103 down-regulated genes in transgenic plant. The expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism and lignin biosynthesis increased significantly. Most of DEGs participated in 'plant hormone signal transduction' and 'starch and sucrose metabolism' are also up-regulated in transgenic plant. In addition, there were higher levels of ABA and gibberellin acid (GA3) in OsSPL14-overexpression transgenic plants. Moreover, the content of culm lignin, cellulose, silicon and potassium all increased dramatically. Thus, these results demonstrate that overexpression of OsSPL14 has influence on leaf development, hormone level and culm composition in rice, which provide more insight into understanding the function of OsSPL14.
Enhancer priming enables fast and sustained transcriptional responses to Notch signaling
Authors: Falo-Sanjuan Julia , Lammers Nicholas C , Garcia Hernan G , Bray Sarah
Published: December 2018

Information from developmental signaling pathways must be accurately decoded to generate transcriptional outcomes. In the case of Notch, the intracellular domain (NICD) transduces the signal directly to the nucleus. How enhancers decipher NICD in the real time of developmental decisions is not known. Using the MS2/MCP system to visualize nascent transcripts in single cells inDrosophilaembryos we reveal how two target enhancers read Notch activity to produce synchronized and sustained profiles of transcription. By manipulating the levels of NICD and altering specific motifs within the enhancers we uncover two key principles. First, increased NICD levels alter transcription by increasing duration rather than frequency of transcriptional bursts. Second, priming of enhancers by tissue-specific transcription factors is required for NICD to confer synchronized and sustained activity; in their absence, transcription is stochastic and bursty. The dynamic response of an individual enhancer to NICD thus differs depending on the cellular context.
Marine protected areas enhance structural complexity but do not buffer the consequences of ocean warming for an overexploited precious coral
Authors: Montero‐Serra Ignasi , Garrabou Joaquim , Doak Daniel F. , Ledoux Jean‐Baptiste , Linares Cristina
Published: December 2018

Global warming and overexploitation both threaten the integrity and resilience of marine ecosystems. Many calls have been made to at least partially offset climate change impacts through local conservation management. However, a mechanistic understanding of the interactions of multiple stressors is generally lacking for habitat‐forming species; preventing the development of sound conservation strategies.

We examined the effectiveness of no‐take marine protected areas (MPAs) at enhancing structural complexity and resilience to climate change on populations of an overexploited and long‐lived octocoral. We used long‐term data over eight populations, subjected to varying levels of disturbances, and Integral Projection Models to understand how the overfishing and mass‐mortality events shape the stochastic dynamics of the Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum.

Marine protected areas largely reduced colony partial mortality (i.e. shrinkage), enhancing the structural complexity of coral populations. However, there were no significant differences in individual mortality or population growth rates between protected and exploited populations. In contrast, warming had detrimental consequences for the long‐term viability of red coral populations, driving steady declines and potential local extinctions due to sharp effects in survival rates. Stochastic demographic models revealed only a weak compensatory effect of MPAs on the impacts of warming.

Policy implications. Our results suggest that marine protected areas (MPAs) are an effective local conservation tool for enhancing the structural complexity of red coral populations. However, MPAs may not be enough to ensure red coral's persistence under future increases in thermal stress. Accordingly, conservation strategies aiming to ensure the persistence and functional role of red coral populations should include management actions at both local (well‐enforced MPAs) and global scales (reductions in greenhouse gas emissions). Finally, this study unravels the divergent demographic consequences that can arise from multiple stressors and highlights the key role of demography in better understanding and predicting the consequences of combined impacts for vulnerable ecosystems.
Young cohorts of Russians drink less: age–period–cohort modelling of alcohol use prevalence 1994–2016
Authors: Radaev Vadim , Roshchina Yana
Published: December 2018

Background and aims

Young Russians have been drinking less alcohol, and fewer strong spirits in particular, in recent years. This study aimed to disentangle age, period and birth cohort effects for the first time in Russia to improve our understanding of these trends.

Design

Age, period and cohort analysis of annual nationally representative repeated cross‐sectional surveys [Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey– Higher School of Economics (RLMS‐HSE)] using separate logistic models for each gender.

Setting

Russia 1994–2016.

Participants

A total of 195 234 respondents aged 14–85 years.

Measurements

Age (14 groups: 14‐17 to 76+ years), period (21 years: 1994–2016) and birth cohorts (17 groups: 1920–24 to 2000–02). Outcome measures were 30‐day overall and beverage‐specific alcohol use prevalence accounting for vodka, moonshine, beer and wine. Controls were per capita income, education, marital status, ethnicity, residence type and regional climate.

Findings

Controlling for age and period effects, the most recent cohorts had lower rates of participation than older cohorts. Findings were valid for females born in 1995–2002 (P = 0.000) and males born in 1990–94 (P = 0.002) and 1995–2002 (P = 0.000). The period effects were strong in 1994–2003 due to intensive substitution of beer in place of vodka. Period effects were also important in determining a decline of prevalence in 2008–15 due to restrictive alcohol policy. Age effects showed an inverse U‐shaped trend in both genders, except for moonshine and wine. Overall, drinking profiles were beverage‐specific. Models indicated diverse beverage‐specific effects of income, ethnicity, education, marital status and residence on the prevalence of alcohol use.

Conclusion

The recent downward trend in alcohol use in Russia appears to be attributable to reduced participation rates among younger cohorts born after 1990.
NRAS Q61R and BRAF G466A mutations in atypical melanocytic lesions newly arising in advanced melanoma patients treated with vemurafenib
Authors: Parekh Vishwas , Sobanko Joseph , Miller Christopher J. , Karakousis Giorgos , Xu Wei , Letrero Richard , Elenitsas Rosalie , Xu Xiaowei , Elder David E. , Amaravadi Ravi , Schuchter Lynn M. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Wilson Melissa A. , Chu Emily Y.
Published: December 2018

Background

BRAF inhibition has improved overall survival in patients with BRAF mutant melanoma, but this is associated with a range of known and predictable cutaneous side effects, including squamous cell carcinomas associated with RAS mutations.

Methods

We identified three severely dysplastic nevi, one atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation, and four melanoma in situ lesions, newly arising in four patients undergoing treatment with vemurafenib. To characterize mutations in these atypical melanocytic lesions, we used a custom iPlex panel detecting 74 mutations in 13 genes known to play a role in melanoma pathogenesis.

Results

We identified an NRAS mutation at codon 61 (Q61R) and a rare BRAF exon 11 mutation (G466A) in atypical melanocytic lesions that arose in patients treated with vemurafenib.

Conclusion

There appears to be development or accelerated growth of atypical melanocytic lesions in the setting of BRAF inhibition. Our results underscore the need for careful surveillance for melanocytic lesions in patients on BRAF inhibitor therapy and shed light on potential mechanisms for melanoma pathogenesis in the context of BRAF pathway blockade. Further studies are warranted to show a causal relationship.
A comparative effectiveness study of degludec and insulin glargine 300 U/mL in insulin‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tibaldi Joseph , Hadley‐Brown Martin , Liebl Andreas , Haldrup Steffen , Sandberg Viktor , Wolden Michael L. , Rodbard Helena W.
Published: December 2018

Aims

To compare the real‐world effectiveness of insulin degludec (degludec) and glargine 300 units/mL (glargine U300) in insulin‐naïve adult patients with type 2 diabetes in routine US clinical practice.

Materials and methods

CONFIRM is a non‐interventional comparative effectiveness study following US patients across the continuum of care, through electronic medical records from multiple health systems and integrated delivery networks. Propensity‐score matching controlled for confounding. The primary endpoint, change in HbA1c from baseline to 180 days of follow‐up, was estimated using a repeated‐measure of covariance analysis with subject as random effect. Change in the rate of hypoglycaemic episodes (defined using International Classification of Diseases codes 9/10) and change in proportion of patients with hypoglycaemia were estimated using negative binomial and logistic regression, respectively. Time‐to‐discontinuation of the initial basal insulin/initiation with another prescribed basal insulin was analysed using a Cox Proportional Hazard model.

Results

Data concerning 4056 patients were analysed. After matching, baseline characteristics were comparable (n = 2028 in each group). After 180 days of follow‐up, degludec was associated with a larger reduction in HbA1c (estimated treatment difference, −0.27%; P = 0.03), greater reductions in change in rate (rate ratio, 0.70; P < 0.05) and greater reductions in change in the likelihood of hypoglycaemia (odds ratio, 0.64; P < 0.01]) compared with glargine U300. In addition, patients treated with degludec were 27% less likely to discontinue treatment at follow‐up compared with those treated with glargine U300 (hazard ratio, 0.73; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Significantly improved HbA1c, larger reductions in rates and likelihood of hypoglycaemia and lower risk of treatment discontinuation were demonstrated with degludec vs glargine U300.
A versatile method for assessing pathogenicity of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus to ash foliage
Authors: Orton Elizabeth S. , Clarke Martha , Brasier Clive M. , Webber Joan F. , Brown James K. M.
Published: December 2018

We describe a method for inoculating rachises of Fraxinus excelsior (European or common ash) with Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which is faster than previous methods and allows associated foliar symptoms to be assessed on replicate leaves. A total of ten ash seedlings were inoculated with five isolates of H. fraxineus and lesion development assessed over four weeks. A five‐point disease progress scale of symptom development was developed from no lesion (0), lesion on rachis (1), “pre‐top dead,” with curling of distal leaflets and bending of the rachis (2), top dead, with wilting and death of distal leaflets (3) to leaf abscission (4). The method revealed variation in aggressiveness of H. fraxinus isolates and may be suitable for assessing the resistance of F. excelsior and other Fraxinus species to dieback. The in vitro growth rate of H. fraxineus isolates was highly correlated with both disease progress and the length of rachis lesions on susceptible plants, indicating that it can be used as a preliminary step in selecting isolates with high aggressiveness for use in resistance screening.
Role of host genetics and heat‐tolerant algal symbionts in sustaining populations of the endangered coral Orbicella faveolata in the Florida Keys with ocean warming
Authors: Manzello Derek P. , Matz Mikhail V. , Enochs Ian C. , Valentino Lauren , Carlton Renee D. , Kolodziej Graham , Serrano Xaymara , Towle Erica K. , Jankulak Mike
Published: December 2018

Identifying which factors lead to coral bleaching resistance is a priority given the global decline of coral reefs with ocean warming. During the second year of back‐to‐back bleaching events in the Florida Keys in 2014 and 2015, we characterized key environmental and biological factors associated with bleaching resilience in the threatened reef‐building coral Orbicella faveolata. Ten reefs (five inshore, five offshore, 179 corals total) were sampled during bleaching (September 2015) and recovery (May 2016). Corals were genotyped with 2bRAD and profiled for algal symbiont abundance and type. O. faveolata at the inshore sites, despite higher temperatures, demonstrated significantly higher bleaching resistance and better recovery compared to offshore. The thermotolerant Durusdinium trenchii (formerly Symbiondinium trenchii) was the dominant endosymbiont type region‐wide during initial (78.0% of corals sampled) and final (77.2%) sampling; >90% of the nonbleached corals were dominated by D. trenchii. 2bRAD host genotyping found no genetic structure among reefs, but inshore sites showed a high level of clonality. While none of the measured environmental parameters were correlated with bleaching, 71% of variation in bleaching resistance and 73% of variation in the proportion of D. trenchii was attributable to differences between genets, highlighting the leading role of genetics in shaping natural bleaching patterns. Notably, D. trenchii was rarely dominant in O. faveolata from the Florida Keys in previous studies, even during bleaching. The region‐wide high abundance of D. trenchii was likely driven by repeated bleaching associated with the two warmest years on record for the Florida Keys (2014 and 2015). On inshore reefs in the Upper Florida Keys, O. faveolata was most abundant, had the highest bleaching resistance, and contained the most corals dominated by D. trenchii, illustrating a causal link between heat tolerance and ecosystem resilience with global change.
A generalized parametric divisor method for political apportionment
Authors: Oyama Tatsuo , Hall Nicholas G. , Kobayashi Kazuhiro
Published: December 2018

The political apportionment problem has been studied for more than 200 years. In this paper, we introduce a generalized parametric divisor method (GPDM), which generalizes most of the classical and widely used apportionment methods from the literature as special cases. Moreover, it allows for very flexible interpolation between previous methods by appropriately setting two parameters in the GPDM. We identify an inequity measure that the GPDM globally optimizes. We also identify two natural inequity measures for which an apportionment given by the GPDM is locally optimal. These results generalize similar results for classical apportionment methods, and justify the use of a large class of new apportionment methods given by the GPDM. From this class, we identify and recommend specific new methods. Our numerical experiments compare the apportionments given by the new methods with those given by existing methods using real data for the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, England, and Japan. Explicit definition of the GPDM has enabled us to perform computational experiments for evaluating the unbiasedness of the GPDM using two standard measures while comparing with other traditional methods. Based upon our generalization technique and numerical experiments, we show that the GPDM outperforms all the traditional apportionment methods by selecting appropriate parameter values. Thus, we can conclude that the GPDM is the most “unbiased” and fairer if parameters can be agreed ex ante, and the GPDM is applicable to actual electoral voting systems.
Predictors of mucosal healing during induction therapy in patients with acute moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Motobayashi Maiko , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Takenaka Kento , Fujii Toshimitsu , Nagahori Masakazu , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Iwamoto Fumihiko , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Negi Mariko , Eishi Yoshinobu , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

The treat‐to‐target strategy has emerged in ulcerative colitis management. Mucosal healing is the best target, albeit not in induction therapy of acute diseases as clinical conditions vary over a short duration. To determine the targets during induction therapy for acute ulcerative colitis, we identified markers to predict mucosal healing at 3 and 12 months of initiating the induction therapy.

Methods

This single‐center prospective observational study enrolling 61 adult patients hospitalized for disease exacerbation collected the partial Mayo scores, ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity, fecal markers, and laboratory data (0 day, 2 weeks, and 3 and 12 months) of initiating induction therapy.

Results

At 2 weeks, patients with mucosal healing at 3 months had had lower partial Mayo and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity scores and higher white blood cell count and total cholesterol than those without mucosal healing. At 3 months, patients with mucosal healing at 12 months had had lower partial Mayo and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity scores than those without mucosal healing. A kinetic analysis demonstrated a difference in the partial Mayo scores and total cholesterol and albumin levels at 2 weeks and in the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity, fecal calprotectin, and fecal immunochemical tests at 3 months between patients who achieved mucosal healing at 12 months and those who did not.

Conclusions

Partial Mayo scores and total cholesterol levels act as short‐term therapeutic targets during induction therapy in patients with acute ulcerative colitis. Mucosal healing at 3 months correlates to longer time mucosal healing.
The potential of antagonistic moroccan Streptomyces isolates for the biological control of damping‐off disease of pea (Pisum sativum L.) caused by Aphanomyces euteiches
Authors: Oubaha Brahim , Nafis Ahmed , Baz Mohamed , Mauch Felix , Barakate Mustapha
Published: December 2018

Three hundred and fifty‐nine isolates of actinobacteria collected from different Moroccan soils were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against the oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches, the causal agent of damping‐off of pea and other legumes. Eighty‐seven isolates (24%) had an inhibitory in vitro effect against A. euteiches. Fourteen bioactive isolates with the greatest inhibitory effect against A. euteiches and no inhibitory effect on plant beneficial rhizobia were tested for their ability to protect pea seeds and seedlings against the damping‐off disease using culture supernatants or spore suspensions as treatments. The two most protective isolates, OB21 and BA15, significantly reduced, compared to untreated control plants, damping‐off by 33% and 47%, respectively. The two bioactive isolates were classified as species of the genus Streptomyces based on 16S rDNA analysis and morphological and chemical characteristics.
The effect of inulin supply to high‐fat diet rich in saturated fatty acids on pork quality and profile of sarcoplasmic protein in meat exudate
Authors: Przybylski Wiesław , Jaworska Danuta , Sałek Piotr , Sobol Monika , Branicki Maciej , Skiba Grzegorz , Raj Stanisława , Jankiewicz Urszula
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of inulin supply to high‐fat diet rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) on pork quality and profile of sarcoplasmic protein in drip loss. At 50 days of age, twenty cross‐bred pigs (gilts) were randomly allotted to four groups: the control (C) group fed a standard diet, and three experimental (D1, D2 and D3) groups fed a high‐fat diet rich in SFA. Moreover, pigs from the groups D2 and D3 consumed an extra inulin supply (7% of daily feed intake) from 85 to 120 days of age (for 5 weeks) and from 50 to 120 days of age (for 10 weeks) respectively. The addition of inulin to the diet reduced meaty odour and flavour significantly, improved tenderness and overall sensory quality of pork and additionally influenced ultimate pH, L* colour parameter, lactate level and protein content in meat. The diets also affected the profile of sarcoplasmic proteins. Significant effects were observed for the following enzymes—PK/PGI (pyruvate kinase/phosphoglucose isomerase) and ALD (aldolase), which are related to the intensity of post‐mortem glycolysis. Presented data indicate that long‐term inulin supply to high‐fat diet has a positive effect on technological and sensory quality as well as protein profile of pork.
Further Evidence that Social Interaction Reduces Conditioned Taste Aversions in Mice
Authors: Hishimura Yutaka
Published: December 2018

Social interactions with other conspecifics affect food selection in mammals. A previous study suggested that male mice attenuate conditioned taste aversion (CTA) by lithium chloride after interacting with an unfamiliar male conspecific. The present study was designed to (a) examine whether interactions with a familiar conspecific would attenuate CTA and (b) investigate sex differences in the social attenuation of CTA in mice. Results indicated that interacting with a familiar conspecific of the same sex following poisoning attenuated conditioned taste aversions only in male mice. The results suggest that the familiarity of conspecifics was not a critical factor in the social attenuation of CTA. Discrepancies between present and previous findings are discussed.
Linking serial sexual offences: Moving towards an ecologically valid test of the principles of crime linkage
Authors: Woodhams Jessica , Tonkin Matthew , Burrell Amy , Imre Hanne , Winter Jan M. , Lam Eva K. M. , ten Brinke Gert Jan , Webb Mark , Labuschagne Gerard , Bennell Craig , Ashmore‐Hills Leah , van der Kemp Jasper , Lipponen Sami , Pakkanen Tom , Rainbow Lee , Salfati C. Gabrielle , Santtila Pekka
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To conduct a test of the principles underpinning crime linkage (behavioural consistency and distinctiveness) with a sample more closely reflecting the volume and nature of sexual crimes with which practitioners work, and to assess whether solved series are characterized by greater behavioural similarity than unsolved series.

Method

A sample of 3,364 sexual crimes (including 668 series) was collated from five countries. For the first time, the sample included solved and unsolved but linked‐by‐DNA sexual offence series, as well as solved one‐off offences. All possible crime pairings in the data set were created, and the degree of similarity in crime scene behaviour shared by the crimes in each pair was quantified using Jaccard's coefficient. The ability to distinguish same‐offender and different‐offender pairs using similarity in crime scene behaviour was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. The relative amount of behavioural similarity and distinctiveness seen in solved and unsolved crime pairs was assessed.

Results

An Area Under the Curve of .86 was found, which represents an excellent level of discrimination accuracy. This decreased to .85 when using a data set that contained one‐off offences, and both one‐off offences and unsolved crime series. Discrimination accuracy also decreased when using a sample composed solely of unsolved but linked‐by‐DNA series (AUC = .79).

Conclusions

Crime linkage is practised by police forces globally, and its use in legal proceedings requires demonstration that its underlying principles are reliable. Support was found for its two underpinning principles with a more ecologically valid sample.
Laparoscopic repositioning of a dislocated pacemaker into the rectovesical pouch
Authors: Haj Kheder Salma , Fehrendt Stephanie , Moeller Viviane , von Kirchbach Arndt , Neumann Klaus , Goetze Stephan , Butter Christian
Published: December 2018

Dislocation of the epicardial pacemaker into the peritoneal cavity is an uncommon but potentially life‐threatening complication. We report a case of a 74 year old with an abdominally implanted epicardial pacemaker that migrated through the peritoneum to the excavatio rectovesicalis. The laparoscopic approach was chosen because of the increased risks of perioperative morbidity and decreased survival. The generator was implanted into a pocket beneath the anterior rectus sheath and the lead was peritonalized with a running suture. In conclusion, a laparoscopic retrieval is feasible and safe in the treatment of a displaced pacemaker in the rectovesical pouch.
Reproducing Inequality in Sociology
Authors: Ray Victor E.
Published: December 2018

This essay discusses some mechanisms reproducing inequality in the discipline of sociology. I argue that credit for communally produced ideas accrues to individual and that the discipline is governed by a kind of “racial contract” partially governing which ideas and individuals are included. As a discipline centrally concerned with inequality and stratification, I argue sociologists should employ greater reflexivity when thinking about how disciplinary practices reproduce structures we typically critique in other contexts.
Probable reverse zoonosis of influenza A(H1N1)pdm 09 in a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
Authors: Britton Ann P. , Trapp Melissa , Sabaiduc Suzana , Hsiao William , Joseph Tomy , Schwantje Helen
Published: December 2018

Striped skunks (skunks) are susceptible to respiratory infection by influenza A viruses (IAV). As they are common synanthropes, maintenance of IAV in skunks could provide a source of infection for humans. We previously studied the nasal turbinates, lungs and faeces of 50 free‐ranging skunks for the presence of IAV and identified two individuals with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection during the 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 flu seasons. Subsequent to publication of that study, ferrets were shown to preferentially replicate and harbour A(H1N1)pdm09 in the soft palate, a site which had not been investigated in the skunks. From March 2015 to May 2016, we surveyed a convenience sample of 80 free‐ranging urban skunks for IAV in soft palate, nasal turbinates and lungs. The newly emergent influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 clade 6B.1 was detected at all three sites in one skunk with acute rhinitis in February 2016. Clade 6B.1 was the dominant clade in circulation during the 2015/2016 flu season. As the skunk was detected at the height of flu season, reverse zoonosis was considered the most probable source of infection.
Graphene catalyzes the reversible formation of a C–C bond between two molecules
Authors: Navarro J. J. , Pisarra M. , Nieto-Ortega B. , Villalva J. , Ayani C. G. , Díaz C. , Calleja F. , Miranda R. , Martín F. , Pérez E. M. , Vázquez de Parga A. L.
Published: December 2018

Graphene grown on a transition metal surface catalyzes a reversible C–C bond–forming reaction between two molecules.
Generation and molecular recognition of melanoma-associated antigen-specific human γδ T cells
Authors: Benveniste Patricia M. , Roy Sobhan , Nakatsugawa Munehide , Chen Edward L. Y. , Nguyen Linh , Millar Douglas G. , Ohashi Pamela S. , Hirano Naoto , Adams Erin J. , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos
Published: December 2018

Benveniste
et al.
have uncovered γδ T cells that recognize peptide antigens in an MHC-restricted manner.
Physical activity less than the recommended amount may prevent the onset of major biological risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a cohort study of 198 919 adults
Authors: Martinez-Gomez David , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Lopez-Garcia Esther , García-Esquinas Esther , Sadarangani Kabir P , Veiga Oscar L , Rodriguez-Artalejo Fernando
Published: December 2018

Objectives

We examined the dose–response relationship between physical activity (PA) and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adults in Taiwan.

Methods

This study included 1 98 919 participants, aged 18–97 years, free of CVD, cancer and diabetes at baseline (1997–2013), who were followed until 2016. At baseline, participants were classified into five PA levels: inactive’ (0 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week), ‘lower insufficiently active’ (0.1–3.75 MET-h/week), ‘upper insufficiently active’ (3.75–7.49 MET-h/week), ‘active’ (7.5–14.99 MET-h/week) and ‘highly active’ (≥15 MET-h/week]. CVD risk factors were assessed at baseline and at follow-up by physical examination and laboratory tests. Analyses were performed with Cox regression and adjusted for the main confounders.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 6.0±4.5 years (range 0.5–19 years), 20 447 individuals developed obesity, 19 619 hypertension, 21 592 hypercholesterolaemia, 14 164 atherogenic dyslipidaemia, 24 275 metabolic syndrome and 8548 type 2 diabetes. Compared with inactive participants, those in the upper insufficiently active (but not active) category had a lower risk of obesity (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.95), atherogenic dyslipidaemia (0.96; 0.90 to 0.99), metabolic syndrome (0.95; 0.92 to 0.99) and type 2 diabetes (0.91; 0.86 to 0.97). Only highly active individuals showed a lower incidence of CVD risk factors than their upper insufficiently active counterparts.

Conclusion

Compared with being inactive, doing half the recommended amount of PA is associated with a lower incidence of several common biological CVD risk factors. Given these benefits, half the recommended amount of PA is an evidence based target for inactive adults.