bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic treatments for alopecia areata: A systematic review
Authors: Lai Vivien Wai Yun , Chen Gang , Gin Douglas , Sinclair Rodney
Published: September 2018

A range of systemic treatments are used for alopecia areata with variable evidence supporting efficacy. In this systematic review, we evaluated the evidence surrounding systemic treatments for alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. A systematic search was conducted of the peer‐reviewed literature published between 1946 and March 2018 via Medline, Embase, Amed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsychINFO and Lilacs. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of systemic treatments for individuals with alopecia areata, totalis or universalis were included. Sixteen studies were included with a total of 768 participants. We found eight placebo‐controlled RCTs, three RCTs comparing two systemic treatments and five RCTs comparing three treatments. A total of 15 different systemic therapies were investigated. The most frequently investigated therapy was oral prednisolone pulse therapy and oral inosiplex. There was significant variability in the definition of treatment success. No study evaluated the impact of pharmacotherapy on quality of life using complete quantitative quality of life instruments. Adverse events were reported in 13 studies and were corticosteroid related or otherwise well tolerated. Relapse rates were considerable in the four studies that reported this outcome. There is currently no specific systemic therapy that is supported by robust body of evidence from RCTs. The current evidence suggests efficacy of oral prednisolone pulse therapy and oral inosiplex. Evidence does not support the use of oral zinc sulphate, alefacept and efalizumab. Future RCTs should be adequately powered and employ clearly defined clinical response endpoints to allow future meta‐analyses.
When does procedural justice influence perceived legitimacy? The role of standing uncertainty and group identification
Authors: Liang Juan , Wu Liu , Ma Hongyu
Published: September 2018

Many empirical studies have shown that procedural justice is the key determinant of whether an individual perceives an authority figure as legitimate. However, based on relational models of procedural justice and the uncertainty management model, there is reason to believe that the association between procedural justice and perceived legitimacy may be stronger for individuals who are uncertain about their standing as group members (moderation); this interaction might predict group identification and, in turn, perceived legitimacy (mediation). We tested this mediated moderation model in two experiments (Studies 1a and 1b) and a field study (Study 2) using different operationalizations of standing uncertainty across studies. The results of Studies 1a and 1b demonstrated that the association between procedural justice and perceived legitimacy was stronger for participants with high (vs. low) standing uncertainty. Study 2 showed that group identification mediated the association between this interaction effect and perceived legitimacy. Together, the results of the mediated moderation analysis showed that procedural justice was positively associated with perceived legitimacy through high group identification when standing uncertainty was high. The theoretical contributions and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Comparison of the prognostic role of Q waves and inverted T waves in the presenting ECG of STEMI patients
Authors: Koivula Kimmo , Nikus Kjell , Viikilä Juho , Lilleberg Jyrki , Huhtala Heini , Birnbaum Yochai , Eskola Markku
Published: September 2018

Background

Both Q waves and T‐wave inversion (TWI) in the presenting ECG are associated with a progressed stage of myocardial infarction, possibly with less potential for myocardial salvage with reperfusion therapy. Combining the diagnostic information from the Q‐ and T‐wave analyses could improve the prognostic work‐up in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Methods

We sought to determine the prognostic impact of Q waves and TWI in the admission ECG on patient outcome in STEMI. We formed four groups according to the presence of Q waves and/or TWI (Q+TWI+; Q−TWI+; Q+TWI−; Q−TWI−). We studied 627 all‐comers with STEMI derived from two patient cohorts.

Results

The patients with Q+TWI+ had the highest and those with Q−TWI− the lowest 30‐day and one‐year mortality. One‐year mortality was similar between Q−TWI+ and Q+TWI−. The survival analysis showed higher early mortality in Q+TWI− but the higher late mortality in Q−TWI+ compensated for the difference at 1 year. The highest peak troponin level was found in the patients with Q+TWI−.

Conclusion

Q waves and TWI predict adverse outcome, especially if both ECG features are present. Q waves and TWI predict similar one‐year mortality. Extending the ECG analysis in STEMI patients to include both Q waves and TWI improves risk stratification.
Perinatal outcome in births after a previous cesarean section at high trial of labor rates
Authors: Lehmann Sjur , Baghestan Elham , Børdahl Per E. , Irgens Lorentz M. , Rasmussen Svein
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Trial of labor (TOLAC) is an option in most preganancies after a cesarean section The objective of the study was to compare perinatal outcome in TOLAC and non‐TOLAC deliveries in a population with high TOLAC rates.

Material and methods

This was a cohort study based on population data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We included term, cephalic, single, second deliveries, 1989‐2009, after a first cesarean section (n = 43 422). TOLAC, TOLAC failure, non‐TOLAC deliveries, and after high‐risk and low‐risk pregnancies (no risk/any risk), were compared with respect to offspring mortality, 5‐minute Apgar score Apgar < 7 and < 4, transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed (P <0.05). In the low‐risk group the offspring mortality was 2.3/1000 in TOLAC compared with 0.9/1000 in non‐TOLAC. In the high‐risk group, the offspring mortality was 3.7/1000 in TOLAC compared with 0.9/1000 in non‐TOLAC, and the 5‐minute Apgar score < 4 was 3.1/1000 in TOLAC compared with 0.9/1000 in non‐TOLAC. In both risk groups, TOLAC delivery had a higher rate of 5‐minute Apgar score < 7. In the low‐risk group, non‐TOLAC deliveries had a higher rate of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome than TOLAC deliveries.

Conclusions

We observed higher risk of offspring mortality and lower 5‐minute Apgar score in TOLAC than in non‐TOLAC. Possible causes and preventive measures should be explored.
Patient, parent and professional perception of the use of maintenance enteral nutrition in Paediatric Crohn's Disease
Authors: Gavin J , Marino L V , Ashton J J , Beattie R M
Published: September 2018

Aim

Maintenance enteral nutrition (MEN) is routinely used in Paediatric Crohn's Disease (CD) to prolong remission although there is limited evidence for efficacy and a lack of formal guidelines. This study surveyed patients’, parents’ and professional experience with MEN.

Methods

Two questionnaires were developed to survey the experience of MEN; (i) Patients/Parents (children >10 years of age aimed to complete independently) and (ii) Dietitians. Questionnaires were sent to families prescribed MEN after exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) between 2015‐17 (n = 77) and dietitians working in paediatric regional centres in UK (n = 23).

Results

Response rate to the questionnaires was 53% patients, 62% parents and 83% dietitians. Patients/parents reported medical/dietetic advice to be the primary factor affecting compliance, 30% patients reported side effects. Fifty‐six per cent of patients/58% parents stated a preference for dietary advice rather than MEN. Dietetic responses indicated 79% used MEN after EEN as standard procedure and 79% did not have exit criteria for MEN. Sixty‐eight per cent perceived the taste was the primary factor affecting patient compliance.

Conclusion

Patients’ perception of the usefulness of MEN differs to professionals. This study highlights the extensive practice of MEN after EEN in clinical remission, which may not be nutritionally indicated. Patient preference is for dietary advice rather than MEN.
The use of fluorescent staining techniques for microscopic investigation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bacteria
Authors: Alhede Maria , Stavnsbjerg Camilla , Bjarnsholt Thomas
Published: September 2018

The use of fluorescent stains to visually investigate eukaryotic and/or prokaryotic cells is increasing quickly and manuscripts within all areas of research publish results using fluorescent staining techniques. However, in contrast to literature on traditional histological staining techniques, the literature on fluorescent stains and staining techniques does not offer as good an illustration of cellular morphology. The aim of this guideline is to illustrate different fluorescent stains and staining techniques for imaging immune cells, in particular the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), in combination with infecting bacteria as seen in chronic bacterial infections. Thereby providing the first guideline for the morphology and identification of fluorescently stained PMNs, bacteria and biofilm.
Variations in fatty acid composition of Laoshan goat milk from partum to 135 days postpartum
Authors: Lou Xinman , Li Jing , Zhang Xuexi , Wang Jianmin , Wang Cunfang
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to characterize the variations in fatty acid (FA) profile during 7 days of colostrum production and 5 months of mature milk production in Laoshan goats. The individual FA profiles of each sample were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Significant differences in FAs were found between colostrum and mature milk. The contents of saturated fatty acids (SFA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and sum of C6, C8, and C10 (SC6+C8+C10) were all significantly affected by lactation period. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the ratio of UFA/SFA or C18:2 (cis9, cis12‐octadecadienoic acid)/C18:3 (all cis‐9,12,15‐octadecatrienoic acid) during the lactation period. The highest concentrations of SC6+C8+C10, UFA, MUFA, and PUFA appeared in colostrum, but the highest SFA content was in mature milk. The highest proportions of SC6+C8+C10 and SFA were 11.32% and 79.55% on 5th day and 135th day respectively. By contrast, the lowest proportion of UFA was 20.45% on the 135th day. C14:0 (10.93%–12.87%), C16:0 (27.54%–36.65%), C18:0 (10.47%–14.59%), and C18:1 (18.80%–30.61%) were the most predominant FAs in goat milk with significant differences during the 135 days lactation period except C18:0. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the lactation time has a pronounced effect on the FA compositions of goat milk.
Rivaroxaban and macitentan can be coadministered without dose adjustment but the combination of rivaroxaban and St John's wort should be avoided
Authors: Huppertz Andrea , Werntz Lars , Meid Andreas D. , Foerster Kathrin I. , Burhenne Jürgen , Czock David , Mikus Gerd , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: September 2018

Aims

We assessed the potential mutual interaction of oral macitentan (cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 substrate) at steady‐state with single‐dose oral rivaroxaban (CYP3A4 and P‐glycoprotein substrate) and evaluated the effect of the CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein inducer St John's wort (SJW) on the pharmacokinetics of these drugs in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Twelve healthy volunteers completed this open‐label, monocentre, two‐period, one‐sequence phase I clinical trial. The pharmacokinetics of macitentan (10 mg) was assessed on study days 3 (single dose), 15 (steady‐state), 16 (impact of rivaroxaban) and 29 (after induction by oral SJW), and of rivaroxaban on days 2 (single dose), 16 (impact of macitentan at steady‐state) and 29 (after induction by SJW). Concurrently, we quantified changes of CYP3A activity using oral microdoses of midazolam (30 μg).

Results

Rivaroxaban and macitentan did not significantly change the pharmacokinetics of each other. After induction with SJW, CYP3A activity increased by 272% and geometric mean ratios of macitentan AUC decreased by 48% and of Cmax by 45%. Concurrently, also geometric mean ratios of rivaroxaban AUC and Cmax decreased by 25%.

Conclusions

There is no evidence for a relevant pharmacokinetic interaction between macitentan and rivaroxaban suggesting that these two drugs can be combined without dose adjustment. SJW strongly increased CYP3A activity and substantially reduced rivaroxaban and macitentan exposure while estimated net endothelin antagonism only decreased by 20%, which is considered clinically irrelevant. The combination of SJW with rivaroxaban should be avoided.
Side effects of drugs for osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease
Authors: Skjødt Michael Kriegbaum , Frost Morten , Abrahamsen Bo
Published: September 2018

Osteoporosis is a common condition that leads to substantial morbidity and mortality and affects an increasing number of persons worldwide. Several pharmacological therapies that inhibit bone resorption, promote bone formation, or both, are available for the treatment of osteoporosis. The osteoanabolic treatment spectrum was recently expanded by the introduction of a novel bone‐forming agent in the United States, and clinical trials indicate that a new class of bone anabolic therapy may become available. Both antiresorptive and bone anabolic therapies are associated with common and rare adverse effects, which are particularly important to address as these drugs are used for long‐term treatment in numerous patients with a large proportion being elderly and/or having multimorbidity. In addition, antiresorptive drugs are used to inhibit bone resorption in patients with malignant hypercalcaemia or to prevent skeletal events in cancer patients, and bisphosphonates have been repurposed as a cancer preventive therapy. However, therapeutic doses are generally higher when antiresorptive drugs are used in the oncological setting, which influence the prevalence of adverse effects significantly. This review highlights key issues and controversies regarding adverse effects of currently available and emerging drugs used for osteoporosis and metastatic bone diseases.
Evaluation of Ready, Set, BABY: A prenatal breastfeeding education and counseling approach
Authors: Parry Kathleen C. , Tully Kristin P. , Hopper Lorenzo N. , Schildkamp Paige E. , Labbok Miriam H.
Published: September 2018

Background

Comprehensive prenatal education on infant feeding is recommended by many United States health organizations because of the need to maximize maternal preparedness for managing lactation physiology. Ready, Set, BABY (RSB) is a curriculum developed for counseling women about breastfeeding benefits and management including education on optimal maternity care practices. We hypothesized that RSB would be acceptable to mothers and that mothers’ strength of breastfeeding intentions would increase, and their comfort with the idea of formula feeding would decrease after educational counseling using the materials. We also hypothesized that mothers’ knowledge of optimal maternity care practices would increase after participation.

Methods

Materials were sent to a total of seven sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Local health care practitioners completed training before counseling mothers with the curriculum. A pre‐ and postintervention questionnaire was administered to participants. Statistical analysis of results included paired t tests, Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, and McNemar’s tests.

Results

Four hundred and sixteen expectant women participated. In the pre‐ and postintervention comparison, maternal participation in RSB significantly improved Infant Feeding Intentions Scale scores (P < 0.001) and knowledge of Baby‐Friendly recommended maternity care practices (P < 0.001), while significantly decreasing comfort with the idea of formula feeding (P < 0.001). The education materials were positively rated by participants.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the approach of using RSB in prenatal counseling group classes or individual sessions improves breastfeeding intentions. Future testing is needed to determine the effectiveness of the materials for impacting breastfeeding outcomes.
Phase 3 randomised study of avatrombopag, a novel thrombopoietin receptor agonist for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Jurczak Wojciech , Chojnowski Krzysztof , Mayer Jiří , Krawczyk Katarzyna , Jamieson Brian D. , Tian Wei , Allen Lee F.
Published: September 2018

Avatrombopag, an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist, was compared with placebo in a 6‐month, multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group Phase 3 study, with an open‐label extension phase, to assess the efficacy and safety of avatrombopag (20 mg/day) in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and a platelet count <30 × 109/l (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01438840). The primary endpoint was the cumulative number of weeks of platelet response (platelet count ≥50 × 109/l) without rescue therapy for bleeding; secondary endpoints included platelet response rate at day 8 and reductions in the use of concomitant medications. Amongst the 49 patients randomised, avatrombopag (N = 32) was superior to placebo (N = 17) in the median cumulative number of weeks of platelet response (12·4 vs. 0·0 weeks, respectively; P < 0·0001). At day 8, a greater platelet response rate was also observed for patients treated with avatrombopag compared with placebo (65·63% vs. 0·0%; P < 0·0001), and use of concomitant ITP medications was also reduced amongst patients receiving avatrombopag. The safety profile of avatrombopag was consistent with Phase 2 studies; the most common adverse events were headache and contusion. Overall, avatrombopag was well tolerated and efficacious for the treatment of chronic ITP.
Family, Place and the Intergenerational Transmission of Union Membership
Authors: Bryson Alex , Davies Rhys
Published: September 2018

This article examines the importance of family, gender and place to the intergenerational transmission of trade union membership. Using data from the British Household Panel Survey, we show that union membership among parents influences the union joining behaviour of young workers. These effects are particularly apparent among daughters and where both parents are members of unions. The effects of parental membership are also stronger among those born in areas characterized by relatively high levels of union density. Parental effects are therefore important to our understanding of the persistence of regional variations in levels of trade union membership.
Endoscopic purse‐string suture technique: An effective remedy for a large iatrogenic rectal perforation
Authors: Li Baiwen , Chen Dafan , Wan Xinjian
Published: September 2018

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The prenatal diagnosis of aortopulmonary window by fetal echocardiography
Authors: Yu Shaomei , Han Jiancheng , Gao Shuang , Liu Xiaowei , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ye , Sun Lin , He Yihua
Published: September 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the fetal echocardiographic features and the associated anomalies of prenatal aortopulmonary window (APW).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the fetal echocardiographic database (n = 24 000) in our hospital between May 2012 and December 2017. The general clinical information, fetal echocardiographic features, and the associated anomalies in patients with APW were analyzed. Four patients had undergone whole genome sequencing using fetal tissues.

Results

Six cases of APW confirmed by autopsy were identified in our fetal echocardiographic database. On the three‐vessel view, a communication between the pulmonary artery trunk and ascending aorta was noted above the two semilunar valves in all cases. The most frequent type of APW among the cases was type II, and all cases were associated with other cardiac anomalies. No pathogenic or suspected pathogenic copy number variation or insertion‐deletions were detected in this series.

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis of APW is feasible, which is helpful during prenatal consultations, so that parents can make better decisions regarding postpartum treatment options and pregnancy outcomes.
Lambari fish Deuterodon iguape as an alternative to live bait for estuarine recreational fishing
Authors: Henriques Marcelo Barbosa , Fagundes Lúcio , Petesse Maria Letizia , da Silva Newton José Rodrigues , Rezende Karina Fernandes Oliveira , Barbieri Edison
Published: September 2018

Fishing tourism is growing steadily in Brazil. Artisanal fishers meeting the demand for recreational fishing are capturing live juvenile shrimp in the estuaries and selling them for live bait, preventing the recruitment of a larger contingent into the ocean. This study compares the efficiency of using lambari, Deuterodon iguape Eigenmann, as live bait with the shrimp, Penaeus schmitti Burkenroad, while fishing for common snook (Centropomus spp.), as well as to evaluate the swimming behaviour of D. iguape in different salinities. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the live baits used (P. schmitti vs D. iguape). The month, the period of the day and salinity presented differences. The size of the species did not depend on the type of bait used. There was no statistical difference in swimming behaviour, but there was a trend of increased speed and displacement in the group exposed to a salinity of 10 g/L. In conclusion, D. iguape appears as effective as P. schmitti and can be successfully used as live bait; and from an ecological point of view, it reduces the impact of fishing on juvenile shrimp.
Cell size and acid tolerance constrain pond diatom distributions in the subarctic
Authors: Teittinen Anette , Weckström Jan , Soininen Janne
Published: September 2018

Niche characteristics and traits affect species distributions. However, their effects on the distribution of microorganisms remain understudied, especially in subarctic regions. Our aim was to determine the effects of species niche characteristics and traits on benthic diatom (Bacillariophyceae) elevational distributions, and to identify the key drivers of trait diversity across climate‐sensitive subarctic ponds.

We sampled 102 ponds along an elevational gradient of 10 to 1,038 m a.s.l. in subarctic Finland and Norway. We calculated the niche characteristics by Outlying Mean Index analysis using an independent data set collected from 141 lakes in northern Fennoscandia. We ran generalised linear models to identify traits most strongly affecting the distribution of individual species, and used a functional dispersion metric to explore trait diversity at community level.

Benthic diatom distributions correlated positively with niche breadth, implying that generalists were more widely distributed than specialists, but negatively with niche position, suggesting that marginal species had narrow distributions. Cell size and acid tolerance were the key traits affecting diatom distributions: small size and strong acid tolerance were associated with a wider distribution.

Local abiotic variables were more important than elevation in shaping trait diversity, which increased withpHand decreased with conductivity. Several acidic wetland ponds located at low elevations exhibited functionally clustered communities, reflecting stressful conditions that comprised a filter that selected acid‐tolerant species.

Our results suggest that benthic diatom distributions across subarctic ponds are jointly driven by species cell size and tolerance towards water chemistry variables, especially acidity. Although elevation summarises the effects of several environmental factors, local abiotic variables were more strongly associated with trait diversity than were elevation effects. Our findings provide new insights into the key mechanisms associated with aquatic microbial distributions in highly sensitive climatic regions.
Expanding, shifting and shrinking: The impact of global warming on species’ elevational distributions
Authors: Freeman Benjamin G. , Lee‐Yaw Julie A. , Sunday Jennifer M. , Hargreaves Anna L.
Published: September 2018

Aim

Species are responding to climate warming by shifting their distributions toward historically cooler regions, but the degree to which expansions at cool range limits are balanced by contractions at warm limits is unknown. We synthesized published data documenting shifts at species’ warm versus cool range limits along elevational gradients to (a) test classic ecological theory that predicts temperature more directly influences species’ cool range limits than their warm range limits, and (b) determine how warming‐associated shifts have changed the extent and area of species’ elevational distributions.

Location

Global.

Time period

1802–2012.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants, endotherms, ectotherms.

Methods

We compiled a dataset of 975 species from 32 elevational gradients for which range shifts have been measured at both warm and cool range limits. We compared the magnitude and variance of shifts at species’ warm versus cool limits, and quantified how range shifts have impacted species’ elevational extents and areas.

Results

On average species have shifted upslope associated with temperature increases at both warm and cool limits (warm limit: 92 ± 455 m/C; cool limit: 131 ± 465 m/C; overall mean ± SD). There was no systematic difference in the magnitude or variance of shifts at warm versus cool limits and thus no indication that cool limits are more directly controlled by temperature. Species’ elevational extents and available area significantly decreased for mountaintop species.

Main conclusions

Our results do not support the long‐standing hypothesis that cool limits are more sensitive or responsive to temperature. We find that, across the globe, mountaintop species’ ranges are significantly shrinking as they shift upslope, supporting predictions that high elevation species are especially vulnerable to temperature increases. Our synthesis highlights the extreme variation in species’ distributional responses to warming, which may indicate that biotic interactions play a more prominent role in setting range limits than previously thought.
Blockchains, trust and action nets: extending the pathologies of financial globalization
Authors: CAMPBELL‐VERDUYN MALCOLM , GOGUEN MARCEL
Published: September 2018

Blockchains combine digital encryption and time stamping technologies to enable digital exchange to occur in manners celebrated by proponents as ‘trust‐free’. Yet, an increasing range of scholars argue that actual applications of the peer‐to‐peer technology shifts, rather than eliminates, trust. In this article, we draw on organizational theory to argue that efforts to remove trust reorganize the action nets that underpin payment systems in manners that extend rather than eliminate longstanding pathologies afflicting financial globalization. Our analysis supports and extends the critiques that blockchain applications are far from ‘trust‐free’. By tracing how efforts to reconfigure the socio‐technical composition of the humans and objects that underpin payment systems, we illustrate how blockchain applications shift the location and character of the technical vulnerabilities that create market instabilities and concentration, as well as elite‐led governance.
The daughter‐in‐law questions remittances: changes in the gender of remittances among Indian migrants to Australia
Authors: SINGH SUPRIYA
Published: September 2018

In this article, I present a cross‐generational analysis of the gendered meanings and politics surrounding monetary remittances. Indian female migrants to Australia, who contribute significantly to household incomes, have recently started to question the sources and directions of remittances. This happens when the woman's earnings are sent, without consultation, to the husband's parents for luxuries, while the family in Australia is struggling. Women in paid work also want to send their earnings to their own parents, particularly if there is financial need. Remittances have become a testing ground for the traditional belief that the husband and his family own the money in the patrilineal marital household. It is possible to interpret male control of remittances without consultation as a form of financial abuse of the wife in the sending household. The article draws on two qualitative studies on five decades of Indian migration to Australia covering 203 people from 112 families.
The effect of antioxidants on Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang‐Ou Yao‐Bin , Hu Yi , Zhu Yin , Lu Nong‐Hua
Published: September 2018

Background

The efficacy and safety of the addition of antioxidants to triple or quadruple therapy were unclear.

Materials and Methods

This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2009 guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify potentially relevant publications using the following keywords: ([Helicobacter pylori] or [H. pylori] or [Hp]) and ([antioxidant] or [vitamin] or [N‐acetylcysteine] or [curcumin] or [cranberry]). The primary end‐point of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the addition of antioxidants to triple or quadruple therapy according to ITT and PP analysis. The second end‐points were side effects and the comparative efficacy in terms of H. pylori eradication according to different antioxidant and antibiotic combinations.

Results

We included 9 studies with 1260 participants. The total eradication rate of H. pylori in the group combining eradication therapy with antioxidants was not superior to that without antioxidants according to the ITT (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.17 [0.99‐1.38]; P = 0.07) and PP analysis (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.15 [0.99‐1.34; P = 0.07]. There were no differences regarding side effects between the two groups (pooled RR [95% CI], 1.36 [0.81‐2.28]; P = 0.24). However, the eradication regimen with vitamin supplementation (1400 mg/day) showed a significant, superior efficacy in eradication relative to those without supplementation (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.57 [1.35, 1.84]; P < 0.01). In particular, in the amoxicillin‐clarithromycin‐based subgroup, the crude H. pylori eradication rate determined by ITT analysis was 81.3% and 68.6% for eradication therapy with and without antioxidant supplementation, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (pooled RR [95% CI] = 1.23 [1.02‐1.49]; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The addition of antioxidants (vitamin, N‐acetylcysteine, curcumin, cranberry) to amoxicillin‐clarithromycin‐based therapy could improve the eradication rate, and vitamin supplementation might be effective at a high dosage. However, antioxidant supplements have no impact on improving side effects.
Effect of perforation size and furcal lesion on stress distribution in mandibular molars: a finite element analysis
Authors: Askerbeyli Örs S. , Aksel H. , Küçükkaya Eren S. , Serper A.
Published: September 2018

Aim

To compare the effect of furcal perforations of various sizes on the biomechanical response of mandibular first molars with or without periodontal bone loss at the furcal region via three‐dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA).

Methodology

The 3D geometric basic model was reconstructed from the micro‐computed tomographic images of an extracted mandibular first molar. Five different models were constructed from this molar in group 1 as follows: intact molar model, root filled (RCF) model and three models with furcal perforations (1, 2 and 3 mm in diameter) repaired with a calcium silicate‐based cement (CSC). In group 2, a lesion simulating bone resorption at the furcal region was modelled on the models in group 1. A force of 200 N was applied to simulate normal occlusal loads. Static linear FEA was performed using the Abaqus software (Abaqus 6.14; ABAQUS Inc., Providence, RI, USA). The maximum principal stresses (Pmax) and maximum displacement magnitude were evaluated.

Results

The range of Pmax values of the models in group 1, from high to low, was as follows: RCF + 3 mm perforation > RCF + 2 mm perforation > RCF + 1 mm perforation > RCF > intact model, and the range of Pmax values of the models in group 2 was as follows: RCF + 3 mm perforation + furcal lesion > RCF + 2 mm perforation + furcal lesion > RCF + 1 mm perforation + furcal lesion > RCF + furcal lesion > intact model + furcal lesion. All of the models in group 2 exhibited lower Pmax values and higher maximum displacement magnitude than their counterparts without lesions in group 1.

Conclusions

The size of the furcal perforation affected the accumulation and distribution of stress within the models. Mandibular molar teeth with large furcal perforations treated with a calcium silicate‐based cement may be associated with an increased risk of fracture whether or not accompanied by bone resorption.
Activation of melanoblasts and melanocytes after treatment with monochromatic excimer light and narrowband‐ultraviolet B of skin of vitiligo patients
Authors: Hirobe Tomohisa , Enami Hisao
Published: September 2018

Background

Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disease characterized by achromatic or hypochromatic macules in several sites of human skin. Although monochromatic excimer light (MEL) and narrowband‐ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) have recently been used for efficacious treatment of vitiligo, the repigmentation process and role of melanocytes/melanoblasts are not well known.

Methods

White macules of 28 vitiligo patients were repeatedly exposed with MEL/NB‐UVB. After the exposures, punch biopsies of the center and edge of the lesional skin in addition to normal skin were fixed and processed to dopa and combined dopa‐premelanin reactions. Melanocytes positive to the dopa reaction and melanoblasts/melanocytes positive to the combined dopa‐premelanin reaction were surveyed.

Results

Two repigmentation patterns were observed; one was “marginal” and the other was “perifollicular.” Although the frequency of the former pattern was much lower than that of the latter pattern, no differences were observed in average percentage of repigmentation and the number of melanocytes and melanoblasts observed at the center and edge of the lesional epidermis.

Conclusions

These results suggest that exposures with MEL/NB‐UVB induce the marginal or perifollicular repigmentation pattern in the white macules, though the two patterns produce no differences in the distribution and density of melanoblasts/melanocytes in the lesional epidermis.
Nodular fasciitis, a forgotten entity
Authors: Luna Amalia , Molinari Leisa , Bollea Garlatti Luis A. , Ferrario Damian , Volonteri Victoria , Roitman Pablo , Galimberti Gaston , Mazzuoccolo Luis
Published: September 2018

Background

Nodular fasciitis is a benign pseudosarcomatous, self‐limited, and reactive process. Based on its clinical and histological features ‐ a fast‐growing, solitary tumor with high cellularity and mitotic count ‐ nodular fasciitis is considered to be a benign mimic of sarcoma.

Methods

We present four cases of nodular fasciitis and a review of the literature.

Results

The cases we present were initially misdiagnosed as sarcoma; two as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, one as atypical fibroxanthoma, and one as leiomyosarcoma.

Conclusion

Awareness of this entity among dermatologists is important as misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatments associated with increased morbidity.
Early‐life exposure to gut microbiota from disease‐protected mice does not impact disease outcome in type 1 diabetes susceptible NOD mice
Authors: Mullaney Jane A , Stephens Juliette E , Geeling Brooke E , Hamilton‐Williams Emma E
Published: September 2018

The microbial community making up the gut microbiota can profoundly influence intestinal homeostasis and immune system development, and is believed to influence the development of complex diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D susceptible nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice have been shown to harbor a distinct microbiota to disease‐protected mice. We hypothesized that the T1D susceptible genetic background of NOD mice would be resistant to the introduction of a C57BL/6‐derived microbiota. NOD and C57BL/6 mice were cohoused either continually from birth, from birth until weaning or from weaning onwards, allowing transfer of microbiota between the mice. Cohousing NOD with C57BL/6 mice from before birth, resulted in moderate changes to the gut microbiota, whereas initiating cohousing at weaning only led to minimal changes. Terminating cohousing at weaning reduced the changes in the microbiota composition. However, diabetes onset was not significantly delayed and there was no reduction in intestinal inflammation or the proportion of regulatory T cells in the cohoused NOD mice. However, insulin but not islet‐specific glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit‐related protein‐specific CD8+ T cells were reduced by cohousing suggesting an epitope‐specific modulation of the autoreactive response by the gut microbiota. These results suggest that the T1D susceptible genetic background of the NOD mouse was resistant to the introduction of a C57BL/6‐derived microbiota.
A Novel Method to Investigate How Dimensions Interact to Inform Perceptual Salience in Infancy
Authors: Rogers Marie , Franklin Anna , Knoblauch Kenneth
Published: September 2018

How physical dimensions govern children's perception, language acquisition, and cognition is an important question in developmental science. Here, we use the psychophysical technique of maximum likelihood conjoint measurement (MLCM) as a novel approach to investigate how infants combine information distributed along two or more dimensions. MLCM is based on a signal detection model of decision that allows testing of several models of how observers integrate information to make choices. We tested 6‐month‐old infants’ preferential looking to “green” stimuli that covaried in lightness and chroma and analyzed infant preferences using MLCM. The findings show that infant looking is driven primarily by lightness, with darker stimuli having a greater preference than lighter, plus a small but significant positive contribution of chroma. This study demonstrates that the technique of MLCM can be used in conjunction with preferential looking to investigate the salience of physical dimensions during development. The technique could now be applied to investigate the role of physical dimensions in key aspects of perceptual and cognitive development such as face recognition, language acquisition, and object recognition.
Family‐focused practice with EASE: A practice framework for strengthening recovery when mental health consumers are parents
Authors: Foster Kim , Goodyear Melinda , Grant Anne , Weimand Bente , Nicholson Joanne
Published: September 2018

This paper provides a framework for essential family‐focused practices (EASE: Engage, Assess, Support, Educate) for clinicians to support parents with mental illness in the context of their family. The framework is underpinned by relational recovery as the parent/consumer's recovery is considered within the context of their relationships, including the relationship between clinician and parent/consumer. The central aim is to strengthen nurses’ and other clinicians’ capacity to address key psychosocial needs of parents and to strengthen relational recovery in families where parents have mental illness. The EASE framework is a theory and evidence‐informed family practice approach to relational recovery within healthcare provision. The EASE practice components are defined and illustrated with practice exemplars that operationalize the framework within adult service settings. Potential applications and outcomes of using EASE are also described. The framework is intended as a practical guide for working with parents and families in inpatient and community mental health settings and may also be relevant for clinicians in a range of contexts including child welfare and primary health care.
Multimarker response to salinity stress in two estuarine bivalves of different genetic diversity: Mya arenaria and Limecola balthica from the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Lasota Rafal , Sokolowski Adam , Smolarz Katarzyna , Sromek Ludmila , Dublinowska Magdalena
Published: September 2018

The estuarine bivalves Limecola balthica and Mya arenaria are common inhabitants of marine soft bottom habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. Both species are able to live under a wide range of environmental conditions including variable salinity. However, in L. balthica there is high genetic variability, and populations are often genetically adapted to local conditions. By contrast, genetic diversity in M. arenaria is low across the species’ geographic range, which attests to acclimatization to different conditions. We hypothesized that individuals of M. arenaria should perform better under osmotic stress. We tested this hypothesis by performing a 5‐week experiment that exposed individuals of both clam species to hypo‐ and hyperosmotic conditions. A multiple biomarker approach that included physiological, biochemical, and histological markers was used to assess bivalve performance. Exposure to the different salinities induced biological responses that particularly affected respiratory activity in both species tested, but these responses were much more pronounced in individuals of L. balthica. The results confirmed the hypothesis that the phenotypic plasticity of M. arenaria was more pronounced and reflected a different strategy of adapting to heterogeneous habitats.
Swedish translation and validation of the international skin tear advisory panel skin tear classification system
Authors: Källman Ulrika , Kimberly Le Blanc , Bååth Carina
Published: September 2018

The aims of this study were to translate the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) classification system for skin tears into Swedish and to validate the translated system. The research process consisted of two phases. Phase I involved the translation of the classification system, using the forward‐back translation method, and a consensus survey. The survey dictated that the best Swedish translation for “skin tear” was “hudfliksskada.” In Phase 2, the classification system was validated by health care professionals attending a wound care conference held in the spring of 2017 in Sweden. Thirty photographs representing three types of skin tear were presented to participants in random order. Participants were directed to classify the skin tear types in a data collection sheet. The results indicated a moderate level of agreement on classification of skin tears by type. Achieving moderate agreement for the ISTAP skin tear tool is an important milestone as it demonstrates the validity and reliability of the tool. Skin tear classification typing is a complex skill that requires training and time to develop. More education is required for all health care specialists on the classification of skin tears.
Cross‐European validation of the ItchyQoL in pruritic dermatoses
Authors: Zeidler C. , Steinke S. , Riepe C. , Bruland P. , Soto‐Rey I. , Storck M. , Garcovich S. , Blome C. , Bobko S. , Legat F.J. , Potekaev N. , Lvov A. , Misery L. , Weger W. , Reich A. , Şavk E. , Streit M. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Szepietowski J.C. , Yosipovitch G. , Chen S.C. , Dugas M. , Ständer S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a frequently occurring symptom in inflammatory dermatoses, causing a high burden and limitations to health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objective

The ItchyQoL was developed to assess the impairment to HRQoL in patients with CP. However, it has only been validated in English and German. Here, we report the validation in several languages across Europe.

Methods

After professional translation, the versions of ItchyQoL were digitized for use as a tablet application. Validation was performed in clinics for dermatology in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.

Results

Five hundred and thirty‐five patients with either contact dermatitis, chronic prurigo – nodular type, psoriasis vulgaris, lichen planus or mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome and with CP ≥ 3 on the numerical rating scale were included. ItchyQoL showed a high level of consistency (Cronbach's‐α, all: 0.95) and test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation: 0.91). It strongly correlated with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and moderately correlated with itch intensity scales in the study population (visual analogue scale r = 0.46; numerical rating scale r = 0.51; verbal rating scale r = 0.51, for all: P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ItchyQoL is now also validated in French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish and can be used in clinical trials in countries speaking these languages.
Nonmechanical and multiview 3D measurement microscope for workpiece with large slope and complex geometry
Authors: QU Y. , HU Y. , ZHANG P.
Published: September 2018

Due to the large slope and complex geometry, it is difficult to measure the three‐dimensional parameters of cutting tools and drill bits by using general optical measurement method. A method that combines the multiview rotation scanning and nonmechanical focus variation by using a liquid lens is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the workpiece is rotated by using a rotation unit, and in every rotation position, a sequence of images of the workpiece are captured in the axial direction. Secondly, the relative degree of focus is measured for all pixels by using focus measure operators to obtain the depth value corresponding to each pixel. Thirdly, a multiview registration algorithm is designed to combine all the individual data sets at each rotation position into a whole three‐dimensional point cloud. Finally, the three‐dimensional parameters of the rake angle and clearance angle of the gear, screw tap and drills are measured. The proposed method is lateral shift‐free and no light intensity variation, so it can obtain better accuracy. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the axial measurement reaches 2.4 μm (2σ, Nikon 5×/0.1).

Lay Description

This article is about a method that combines the multi‐view rotation scanning and non‐mechanical focus variation by using a liquid lens.
Transplanted enteric neural stem cells integrate within the developing chick spinal cord: implications for spinal cord repair
Authors: Jevans Benjamin , McCann Conor J. , Thapar Nikhil , Burns Alan J.
Published: September 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes paralysis, multisystem impairment and reduced life expectancy, as yet with no cure. Stem cell therapy can potentially replace lost neurons, promote axonal regeneration and limit scar formation, but an optimal stem cell source has yet to be found. Enteric neural stem cells (ENSC) isolated from the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are an attractive source. Here, we used the chick embryo to assess the potential of ENSC to integrate within the developing spinal cord. In vitro, isolated ENSC formed extensive cell connections when co‐cultured with spinal cord (SC)‐derived cells. Further, qRT‐PCR analysis revealed the presence of TuJ1+ neurons, S100+ glia and Sox10+ stem cells within ENSC neurospheres, as well as expression of key neuronal subtype genes, at levels comparable to SC tissue. Following ENSC transplantation to an ablated region of chick embryo SC, donor neurons were found up to 12 days later. These neurons formed bridging connections within the SC injury zone, aligned along the anterior/posterior axis, and were immunopositive for TuJ1. These data provide early proof of principle support for the use of ENSCs for SCI, and encourage further research into their potential for repair.