bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The shifting context of academic geography in Canada
Authors: Garvin Theresa
Published: June 2019

Academic geographers are working in a system in flux. A series of interconnecting and overlapping social, political, and economic processes have resulted in a shifting academic climate for geographers and geography departments. This viewpoint brings forward evidence from multiple areas of study to provide a synthesis of this changing context. Challenges to geography include the role of “facts” and “truth” in society, neoliberal university contexts as workplaces, and generational change, among many others. This paper asks more questions than it answers, with an aim to promote an engaged and informed debate among geographers about our “place” in Canada's shifting academic context.
Immunohistochemistry for identification of CCND1, NSD2, and MAF gene rearrangements in plasma cell myeloma
Authors: Murase Takayuki , Ri Masaki , Narita Tomoko , Fujii Keiichiro , Masaki Ayako , Iida Shinsuke , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

The t(11;14)/CCND1‐IGH, t(4;14)/NSD2(MMSET)‐IGH, and t(14;16)/IGH‐MAF gene rearrangements detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are used for risk stratification in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Compared with conventional FISH techniques using fresh cells, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is much more cost‐ and time‐efficient, and can be readily applied to routinely prepared formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) materials. In this study, we performed tissue FISH and IHC employing FFPE specimens, and examined the usefulness of IHC as a tool for detecting CCND1, NSD2, and MAF gene rearrangements. CD138 signals were used to identify plasma cells in tissue FISH and IHC analyses. With cohort 1 (n = 70), we performed tissue FISH and subsequently IHC, and determined IHC cut‐off points. In this cohort, the sensitivity and specificity for the 3 molecules were ≥.90 and ≥.96, respectively. With cohort 2, using MM cases with an unknown gene status (n = 120), we performed IHC, and the gene status was estimated using the cut‐off points determined with cohort 1. The subsequent FISH analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity for the 3 molecules were ≥.92 and ≥.98, respectively. CCND1, NSD2, and MAF gene rearrangements were estimated accurately by IHC, suggesting that conventional FISH assays can be replaced by IHC.
Identifying and addressing osteoporosis knowledge gaps in women with premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Goh Maylyn , Nguyen Hanh H. , Khan Nadia N. , Milat Frances , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Vincent Amanda J.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Osteoporosis associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (EM) is a major concern for women. We aimed to (a) identify information and knowledge gaps and behaviours regarding bone health in women with POI/EM and (b) co‐design an osteoporosis fact sheet.

Design

Mixed‐methods study: survey of women and online resource appraisals to develop and refine, using semi‐structured interviews, an osteoporosis fact sheet.

Patients

Women with POI/EM (menopause before ages 40 and 45 years respectively).

Measurements

Demographics, comorbidities, information needs, calcium intake, exercise, osteoporosis knowledge (OKAT), beliefs and self‐efficacy, DISCERN appraisal (validated scales). Analysis: descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of interviews.

Results

Median age of survey respondents (n = 316) was 54(IQR47‐63) years, median age of menopause was 40(IQR38‐43) years, and osteoporosis diagnosis was reported in 19%. Most reported inadequate dietary calcium intake (99%) and exercise (65%). Median OKAT score 8 [IQR6‐10]/19 indicated knowledge gaps regarding risk factors and treatment options. Adjusting for age and education, OKAT predicted calcium intake (OR 1.126 [CI 1.035‐1.225]; P = 0.006) and screening (OR 1.186 [CI 1.077‐1.305]; P = 0.001); beliefs predicted screening (OR 1.027 [CI 1.004‐1.050]; P = 0.019); and self‐efficacy predicted calcium intake (OR1.040 (CI 1.013‐1.069); P = 0.003] and exercise (OR 1.117 [CI 1.077‐1.160]; P < 0.001). Current online resources have deficiencies. Five themes identified from two interview rounds (n = 10/ round) were as follows: content, emotional response, design, perceived usefulness and clinical considerations. The final fact sheet was considered acceptable and useful in addressing knowledge gaps, promoting information‐seeking, impacting behaviours and facilitating healthcare discussions.

Conclusion

A co‐designed fact sheet is acceptable and addresses identified osteoporosis knowledge gaps in women with POI/EM.
Front Cover
Authors: Cai Xue‐Bi , Wu Kun‐Chao , Zhang Xiao , Lv Ji‐Neng , Jin Guang‐Hui , Xiang Lue , Chen Jie , Huang Xiu‐Feng , Pan Deng , Lu Bin , Lu Fan , Qu Jia , Jin Zi‐Bing
Published: June 2019

The cover image is based on the Original Article Whole‐exome sequencing identifi ed ARL2 as a novel candidate gene for MRCS (microcornea, rod‐cone dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome, by Xue‐Bi Cai et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13541.

image
Molecular and phenotypic spectrum of Noonan syndrome in Chinese patients
Authors: Li Xin , Yao Ruen , Tan Xin , Li Niu , Ding Yu , Li Juan , Chang Guoying , Chen Yao , Ma Lizhuang , Wang Jian , Fu Lijun , Wang Xiumin
Published: June 2019

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a common autosomal dominant/recessive disorder. No large‐scale study has been conducted on NS in China, which is the most populous country in the world. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify pathogenic variants in patients that exhibited NS‐related phenotypes. We assessed the facial features and clinical manifestations of patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the RAS‐MAPK signaling pathway. Gene‐related Chinese NS facial features were described using artificial intelligence (AI).NGS identified pathogenic variants in 103 Chinese patients in eight NS‐related genes:PTPN11(48.5%),SOS1(12.6%),SHOC2(11.7%),KRAS(9.71%),RAF1(7.77%),RIT1(6.8%),CBL(0.97%),NRAS(0.97%), andLZTR1(0.97%). Gene‐related facial representations showed that each gene was associated with different facial details. Eight novel pathogenic variants were detected and clinical features because of specific genetic variants were reported, including hearing loss, cancer risk due to aPTPN11pathogenic variant, and ubiquitous abnormal intracranial structure due toSHOC2pathogenic variants. NGS facilitates the diagnosis of NS, especially for patients with mild/moderate and atypical symptoms. Our study describes the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of NS in China, providing new insights into distinctive clinical features due to specific pathogenic variants.
Cancer‐testis antigens as biomarkers for Merkel cell carcinoma: Pitfalls and opportunities
Authors: Dasgeb Bahar , Mehregan Darius , Ring Christina , Nartker Nathan , Brownell Isaac
Published: June 2019

Background

The prognosis and treatment options for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are poor. The immune‐privileged status of cancer‐testis (CT) antigens imparts tumor specificity, making them ideal candidates for targeted immunotherapy. We investigate the usefulness of the CT antigens SPA17 (sperm protein‐17 [SP‐17]), IGF2BP3 (insulin‐like growth factor‐II mRNA‐binding protein 3 [IMP‐3]), and transmembrane protein with epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like and two follistatin‐like domains 1 (TMEFF1) as potential MCC biomarkers and evaluate their possible utility in immunotherapy and molecularly targeted image‐guided treatment.

Methods

The CT antigens SP‐17, IMP‐3, and TMEFF1 were selected using transcriptome profiling to identify CT antigens expressed in MCC tumors. Antibodies directed against these CT antigens were stained. Twelve normal skin tissue samples were used as a control. The average percentage of positive cells in each tumor was computed.

Results

Twelve of 14 (86%) MCC cases showed crisp nuclear staining for SP‐17, with 2.06% of cells staining positive. IMP‐3 showed crisp, perinuclear staining in all 14 MCC cases, with 52.93% MCC cells staining positive. TMEFF1 showed perinuclear staining in all 14 MCC cases, with 96.51% of tumor cells staining positive.

Conclusions

CT antigens were found to be expressed in both MCC and some control tissues. SP‐17 was the most specific yet the least sensitive. IMP‐3 and TMEFF1 were both sensitive but not specific. CT antigens may represent valuable treatment targets in MCC.
Tailoring Transportation Planning Decisions to Diverse Urban Environments
Authors: Rose William J. , Mollenkopf Diane A. , Autry Chad W. , Williams Brent D.
Published: June 2019

As the world's population continues to urbanize, providing efficient and effective logistics service to customers in urban areas has become an increasingly important, but difficult task. Recent vehicle routing studies suggest that logistics planners face numerous difficulties during decision‐making due to certain complexities associated with the urban environment, but to date, specific challenges have remained unidentified. Using a multiple case study methodology, this research examines several environmental characteristics that influence vehicle routing decisions across eight U.S. urban centers, and contrasts decisions firms make when creating solutions to address these factors. Cross‐case synthesis uncovered patterns connecting specific environmental characteristics with variations on traditional vehicle routing decisions. Results allow us to construct a theoretical framework and propositions to guide managers when tailoring urban logistics strategies to urban environments having different combinations of structural characteristics.
Superiority of endoscopic interventions over minimally invasive surgery for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Bang Ji Young , Wilcox Charles Melbern , Arnoletti Juan Pablo , Varadarajulu Shyam
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis is a highly morbid disease managed by minimally invasive surgical (MIS) or endoscopy‐based interventions. This meta‐analysis compared the clinical outcomes of patients treated using either approach.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to identify all randomized trials that compared MIS and endoscopy‐based interventions for treatment of infected necrotizing pancreatitis. Main outcome measure was to compare rates of complications or death during 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

Three studies involving 184 patients met inclusion criteria. While there was no significant difference in mortality (14.5% vs. 16.1%, risk ratio [RR] = 1.02, P = 0.963), new onset multiple organ failure (5.2% vs. 19.7%, RR = 0.34, P = 0.045), enterocutaneous fistula/perforation (3.6% vs. 17.9%, RR = 0.34, P = 0.034) and pancreatic fistula (4.2% vs. 38.2%, RR = 0.13, P < 0.001) were significantly lower for endoscopic interventions compared to MIS. There was no significant difference in intraabdominal bleeding, endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency between cohorts. Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter for endoscopy (standardized mean difference, −0.41, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

An endoscopy‐based treatment approach, as compared to minimally invasive surgery, significantly reduces complications in patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis.
ANALYZING INDUSTRY‐LEVEL VULNERABILITY BY PREDICTING FINANCIAL BANKRUPTCY
Authors: Tanaka Katsuyuki , Higashide Takuo , Kinkyo Takuji , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: June 2019

This study introduces a novel framework for building company bankruptcy models and a methodology for assessing the vulnerability of industrial economic activities. We consider the identification of bankruptcy as a classification problem and assume that bankruptcy criteria differ across industries. We build highly accurate industry bankruptcy models by constructing separate models for each industry. We also propose a method of analyzing the vulnerability of industrial economic activities in various countries and industries using new indicators we call “expected potential loss,” which we obtain using the predicted likelihood of bankruptcy and company information. (JEL G0, C0)
The influence of habitat and adults on the spatial distribution of juvenile corals
Authors: Pedersen Nicole E. , Edwards Clinton B. , Eynaud Yoan , Gleason Arthur C. R. , Smith Jennifer E. , Sandin Stuart A.
Published: June 2019

Population distributions are affected by a variety of spatial processes, including dispersal, intraspecific dynamics and habitat selection. Within reef‐building coral communities, these processes are especially important during the earliest life stages when reproduction provides mobility among sessile organisms and populations experience the greatest mortality bottlenecks both before and immediately after settlement. Here, we used large‐area imaging to create photomosaics that allowed us to identify and map the location of 4681 juvenile (1–5 cm diameter) and 25 902 adult (>5 cm diameter) coral colonies from eight 100‐m2 plots across the forereef of Palmyra Atoll. Using metrics of density, percent cover and the relative location of each colony within each plot, we examined abundance and spatial relationships between juvenile and adult coral taxa. Within coral taxa, juvenile density was generally positively related to the numerical density and percent cover of adults. Nearest neighbor analyses showed aggregation of juveniles near adults of the same taxon for two of the focal taxa (Pocillopora and Fungiids), while all other taxa showed random spatial patterning relative to adults. Three taxa had clustered distributions of juveniles overall. Additionally, we found that on a colony level, juveniles for five of nine focal taxa (accounting for >98% of all identified juveniles) associated with a specific habitat type, with four of those five taxa favoring unconsolidated (e.g. rubble) over consolidated substrata. The general lack of clustering in juvenile corals contrasts with consistent clustering patterns seen in adult corals, suggesting that adult spatial patterns are largely driven by processes occurring after maturity such as partial colony mortality, including fission and fragmentation. The association of many taxa with unconsolidated habitat also suggests that corals may play an important role in colonizing natural rubble patches that could contribute to reef stabilization over time.
A comprehensive formula for decomposing change in community similarity into introduction and extinction events
Authors: Li Xianping , Bellard Céline , Hu Feng , Li Huixin
Published: June 2019

Biological invasion, climate change and urbanization are presently altering species compositions worldwide (McKinney and Lockwood 1999, McKinney 2006, Qian and Ricklefs 2006, Magurran et al. 2015, Gossner et al. 2016, Newbold et al. 2018), while changes in community composition are generally associated with higher community similarities and losses of community distinctiveness (McKinney and Lockwood 1999, Olden et al. 2004). The underlying processes of homogenization are still unclear and especially lack theoretical underpinnings (Olden and Poff 2003, Rosenblad and Sax 2017). It was theoretically and empirically proposed that similarity changes are determined by different events (Olden and Poff 2003, Villéger and Brosse 2012, Rosenblad and Sax 2017). For example, the introduction of the same species to two sites would result in an increase in similarity, while the extinction of same native species from two sites would lead to a decrease in similarity. In complement to earlier works on the mathematical description of homogenization (Olden and Poff 2003, Villéger and Brosse 2012). Rosenblad and Sax (2017) provided a concise framework of six types of introduction and extinction events with formula derivations to qualify the relative importance of these events on changes in community similarity. They found that the effects of these events vary according to event type and initial similarity. However, their conclusions mainly derive from simplified assumptions of species richness and number of events, which prevent us from understanding the precise relationships among initial similarity, different event types and total number of species. Through mathematical derivation and simulations (Fig. 1), we thus aim to: 1) combine previously identified determinants of change in similarity into a single comprehensive formula; 2) illustrate how these determinants interact with each other; and 3) highlight the important role of gradient in species richness in affecting the magnitude of similarity changes.
Movement of model position just before vacuum forming to ensure mouthguard thickness: Part 2 Effect of model moving distance
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Bando Yogetsu
Published: June 2019

Background/Aim

Wearing a mouthguard during sports reduces the risk of dental injury via absorbing impact forces, and the effectiveness and safety of the mouthguard are closely linked to the mouthguard material and thickness. The aim of this study was to clarify the suppression effect of the thickness reduction of the mouthguard when changing the moving distance of the model forward in a stepwise manner.

Materials and Methods

Ethylene‐vinyl acetate sheets of 4.0 mm thick and a vacuum forming machine were used. The working model was placed at a position 40 mm from the front of the forming unit. The sheet was softened until it sagged 15 mm, and the sheet frame was lowered and covered the model. The model was then pushed from the back to move it forward, and the vacuum was switched on. The model was moved 10 (MP‐10), 20 (MP‐20), or 30 mm (MP‐30). The control model was not moved. The thickness after formation was measured with a specialized caliper. Differences in the mouthguard thickness caused by the forming conditions were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni's multiple comparison tests.

Results

Significant differences were observed between the control and each MP condition (P < 0.01). Reduction rate of the thickness decreased as the moving distance of the model increased. In particular, the thickness difference depending on the forming conditions was greater at the labial site. The reduction rate of MP‐30 was 33.8 ± 0.8% smaller than that of the control.

Conclusion

The thickness reduction in mouthguards was mitigated by moving the model forward just before vacuum forming. The reduction was smaller as the moving distance of the model increased. This study suggested that moving the model 20 mm or more forward just before vacuum forming could secure the labial thickness of 3 mm or more.
Effects of trait fear of pain on event‐related potentials during word cue presentations that signal potential pain
Authors: Zheng Panpan , Lyu Zhenyong , Jackson Todd
Published: June 2019

People who are especially afraid of pain may display attention biases that increase their risk for developing chronic pain following an injury. However, specific neurophysiological mechanisms underlying associations between elevated trait fear of pain levels and environmental cues that signal potential pain experiences are not well understood. To address this gap, event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded among 39 high pain‐fearful (H‐FOP) and 36 low pain‐fearful (L‐FOP) adults exposed to potentially painful somatosensory stimulation cued by sensory pain words versus non‐painful stimulation cued by neutral words. H‐FOP group members displayed slower reaction times in judging somatosensory stimulation and rated stimulation to be more intense than L‐FOP group members did. H‐FOP group members also exhibited comparatively earlier peak latencies of P2 and N2 components during word cue presentations as well as weaker P3 amplitudes in processing non‐painful stimulation cued by sensory pain words. These findings suggested that, among the high trait pain‐fearful, exposure to word cues signaling potential pain results in the allocation of fewer cognitive resources toward processing somatosensory stimuli that are not actually painful.
Diagnostic value of additional histopathological fascia examination in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Lim J. , Eftimov F. , Raaphorst J. , Aronica E. , van der Kooi A. J.
Published: June 2019

Background and purpose

Correct diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) may prevent harm from both lack of treatment in IIM patients and unnecessary treatment in non‐IIM patients. However, it is unknown whether additional histopathological fascia examination may contribute to diagnosing IIM.

Methods

Thirty‐two magnetic resonance imaging guided en bloc biopsies from patients diagnosed with IIM (except inclusion body myositis) from 2010 to 2017 were reviewed: dermatomyositis (DM) (n = 6), non‐specific/overlap myositis (NM/OM) (n = 11), immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (n = 12) and anti‐synthetase syndrome (n = 3). Muscle biopsy specimens were examined according to the 2004 European Neuromuscular Centre (ENMC) criteria. Fascia was subsequently examined for the presence of lymphocytic infiltrates. Isolated fascia involvement was defined as the presence of lymphocytic infiltrates in the fascia/epimysium on histopathology in the absence of any ENMC muscle histopathology/immunohistochemistry criteria.

Results

One patient with DM (17%) and one patient with NM/OM (9%) had isolated fascia involvement. One patient with immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (8%) and one patient with anti‐synthetase syndrome (33%) had fascia involvement, albeit in combination with muscle involvement.

Conclusion

Histopathological fascia examination may contribute to early diagnosis of DM and NM/OM in a small proportion of patients.
The ECB's performance under the ESM treaty on a sliding scale of delegation
Authors: Lettanie Ute
Published: June 2019

Two opposing theories explain the European Central Bank's (ECB) far‐reaching powers: principal‐agent and trusteeship. This article situates both theories on a sliding scale of delegation, with agents on one end of the spectrum, and trustees on the other. Applying this new perspective to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) allows us to understand how the ECB, positioned on the agent side of the scale by the ESM Treaty, slides towards the trustee side in practice. This way, the article identifies two problems. Firstly, the ECB assumes a ‘zone of discretion’ that is not captured by the control mechanisms, thereby disregarding an essential feature of delegation. Secondly, the rationale of the Meroni doctrine, judicial review, is disregarded given the insufficient protection against the ECB's actions. These findings become increasingly important with the long‐term aim to incorporate the ESM in the EU legal order.
The functional convergence of antibiotic resistance in β‐lactamases is not conferred by a simple convergent substitution of amino acid
Authors: Keshri Vivek , Arbuckle Kevin , Chabrol Olivier , Rolain Jean‐Marc , Raoult Didier , Pontarotti Pierre
Published: June 2019

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious medical and public health concern worldwide. Such resistance is conferred by a variety of mechanisms, but the extensive variability in levels of resistance across bacteria is a common finding. Understanding the underlying evolutionary processes governing this functional variation in antibiotic resistance is important as it may allow the development of appropriate strategies to improve treatment options for bacterial infections. The main objective of this study was to examine the functional evolution of β‐lactamases, a common mechanism of enzymatic resistance that inactivates a widely used class of antibiotics. We first obtained β‐lactamase protein sequences and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), a measure of antibiotic function, from previously published literature. We then used a molecular phylogenetic framework to examine the evolution of β‐lactamase functional activity. We found that the functional activity of antibiotic resistance mediated by β‐lactamase has evolved in a convergent manner within molecular classes, but is not associated with any single amino acid substitution. This suggests that the dynamics of convergent evolution in this system can vary between the functional and molecular (sequence) levels. Such disassociation may hamper bioinformatic approaches to antibiotic resistance determination and underscore the need for (less efficient but more effective) activity assays as an essential step in evaluating resistance in a given case.
Chronic lameness caused by vascular compression of the iliac artery and vein by a malignant melanoma in the pelvis of a grey Spanish gelding
Authors: Van Ongeval A. , van de Velde N. , Raes E. , Oosterlinck M.
Published: June 2019

An 11‐year‐old grey Spanish gelding was presented with chronic lameness of the right hindlimb, with abduction of the limb during the swing phase. Based on a comprehensive lameness examination, the problem was localised to the pelvic region. Rectal and ultrasonographic examinations revealed a mass in the pelvic region in close association with the iliac artery and vein, and ultrasonographic indications of vascular compression. Considering the clinical presentation of a grey middle‐aged horse with multifocal melanoma‐like nodules at the level of the perineum, tail base, preputium and penis, a malignant melanoma with secondary vascular or neurological compression was suspected. Post‐mortem and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma with vascular compression of the iliac artery and vein and infiltrative growth in the iliac vein.
Assessing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by combining liver stiffness and the controlled attenuation parameter
Authors: Izumi Takaaki , Sho Takuya , Morikawa Kenichi , Shigesawa Taku , Suzuki Kazuharu , Nakamura Akihisa , Ohara Masatsugu , Kawagishi Naoki , Umemura Machiko , Shimazaki Tomoe , Kimura Megumi , Nakai Masato , Suda Goki , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Ogawa Koji , Kudo Yusuke , Nishida Mutsumi , Ono Kota , Baba Masaru , Furuya Ken , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: June 2019

Aim

Ultrasound technology can now be used for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and for evaluating the amount of hepatic fat quantitatively known as the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). This study aimed to determine the applicable cut‐off values of LSM and the CAP for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to investigate their clinical usefulness for assessing HCC risk in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods

A total of 1054 patients (88 with primary HCC and 966 without HCC) whose LSM and the CAP were measured by transient elastography with clinically evident hepatitis C virus (419 patients), hepatitis B virus (377 patients), and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (258 patients) were enrolled in this study. Subsequently, a total of 966 patients who did not have HCC initially were followed, and the usefulness of the cut‐off values of LSM and CAP for HCC development were evaluated.

Results

In hepatitis C virus patients, the incidence of HCC development was significantly higher among those with a combination of LSM ≥8.0 kPa and CAP ≤221 dB/m than among those with other values (log–rank test 0.0239, hazard ratio 2.66, 95%CI 1.07–6.47, P = 0.0362). In non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, the incidence of HCC development was significantly higher among those with a combination of LSM ≥5.4 kPa and CAP ≤265 dB/m than among others (log–rank test 0.0040, hazard ratio 8.91, 95% CI 1.47–67.97, P = 0.0192).

Conclusion

In the hepatitis C virus and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease groups, a combination of LSM and the CAP cut‐off values would be useful for screening to identify the high‐risk group for primary HCC development.
Broker imposed precarity of Indian technical immigrants
Authors: Sohani Shrihari S. , Varkkey Biju
Published: June 2019

The primary purpose of this article is to investigate the labour supply chain of Indian technical immigrants in the United States. The two important findings that emerge are as follows: First, the study unearths a latent phenomenon of broker‐induced precarity that results from the labour supply chain and explores how aspirational jobs are becoming precarious ones. Second, the study provides a foundation for devising policies and interventions to make the process of the labour supply chain less detrimental to the Indian technical immigrants. This article draws on a seven‐month‐long field‐based qualitative study and ensures a meticulous triangulation of the findings through an analysis of archival data and actual artefacts related to manpower movement across the labour supply chain.
Researches on the pyrolyzing strength of gelcasting Al2O3‐based ceramic molds for double‐wall blade
Authors: Chen Yi , Lu Zhongliang , Miao Kai , Shang Suiyan , Liu Guangyue , Li Dichen
Published: June 2019

An approach using AM‐MBAM and Na‐alginate double‐gel was proposed to avoid the cracking of ceramic impingement holes cores (CIHCs) during pyrolysis processing. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to calculate the thermal stress that caused CIHCs cracking. For ceramic slurry with a double‐gel containing various proportions of alginate, the addition of 15.0 wt.% alginate was the most beneficial for the rheological and mechanical properties of Al2O3‐based ceramic obtained by aqueous gelcasting based on the double‐gel network had a dramatically pyrolyzing strength of 14.1 MPa, which was 72.0 % higher than that of the ceramics based on the single AM‐MBAM system. The double‐gel network was responsible for the improved strength. By comparing the thermal stress with pyrolyzing strength, it was predicted that the available diameter of CIHCs was greater than 0.7 mm. Finally, CIHCs with a minimum diameter of 0.7 mm were successfully fabricated, consistent with the FEA prediction.
“Reasonable adjustments” under the UK's Equality Act 2010: An enquiry into the care and treatment to patients with intellectual disabilities in acute hospital settings
Authors: Redley Marcus , Lancaster Isabella , Pitt Adam , Holland Anthony , Thompson Angela , Bradley John R. , Glover Gyles , Thomson Karen , Jones Sara , Herbert Bernadette , Holme Anita , Clare Isabel C. H.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To understand the views of qualified medical practitioners regarding “reasonable adjustments” and the quality of the care and treatment provided to adults with intellectual disabilities when admitted to acute hospitals as inpatients.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews took place with 14 medical practitioners, seven from each of two acute hospitals, with a thematic analysis of the resulting data.

Results

All 14 medical practitioners reported problems in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with intellectual disabilities. Most participants attributed these difficulties to communication problems and/or behaviours that, in the context of a hospital ward, were non‐conforming. However, a minority reported that, because they were likely to have multiple comorbid health conditions, patients with intellectual disabilities were more complex. In addition, half of all these respondents reported making little use of “reasonable adjustments” introduced to improve the quality of the care received by this group of patients.

Conclusions

Medical practitioners should make better use of the “reasonable adjustments” introduced in the UK to address inequities in care and treatment received by patients with intellectual disabilities. However, training should also focus on the biomedical complexities often presented by these men and women.
Acute esophageal necrosis after cellulitis in an obese patient with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tanaka Sho , Fujishiro Midori , Ichijima Ryoji , Kohno Genta , Abe Masanori , Ishihara Hisamitsu
Published: June 2019

A 59‐year‐old obese Japanese man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with severe heartburn for 3 days after inguinal cellulitis and exacerbated glycemic control, without any signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient had a high plasma glucose level (34.0 mmol/L) and was dehydrated. Emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed black discoloration predominantly affecting the lower esophagus; thus, acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) was diagnosed. This black discoloration was not present on esophagogastroduodenoscopy 20 days prior to presentation, and disappeared 6 days after conservative treatment. To conclude, acute esophageal necrosis should be considered if a patient in marked hyperglycemic status presents with unendurable heartburn, even when upper gastrointestinal bleeding is not observed or recent esophagogastroduodenoscopy was unremarkable.
Automatic‐renewal contracts with heterogeneous consumer inertia
Authors: Johnen Johannes
Published: June 2019

Automatic contract renewals are a common feature in consumer markets. Since these contracts renew automatically unless a consumer actively cancels, firms can use them to exploit consumer inertia. As a source of inertia I study limited attention and investigate how firms use contract renewal to sell to consumers with different degrees of inattention. In monopolistic markets, adverse selection of more‐attentive consumers limits the exploitation of naively inattentive consumers. When signing a contract, naively inattentive consumers overestimate their future probability to make an active cancellation decision. To exploit this mistake, the monopolist wants to target these consumers with large prices after contracts renew. These back‐loaded contracts, however, adversely attract more‐attentive consumers who cancel more often when choosing these exploitative contracts. To mitigate adverse selection, monopolists focus less on exploiting naively inattentive consumers. Adverse selection induces fewer consumer mistakes and can increase efficiency. I show that competition mitigates adverse selection, which induces firms to focus more on exploitation with more back‐loaded pricing. I discuss implications for recently implemented policies on automatic‐renewal contracts.
Incidence of Dementia and Alzheimer Disease Over Time: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gao Sujuan , Burney Heather N. , Callahan Chris M. , Purnell Christianna E. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Population‐based incidence estimates of dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD) provide important information for public health policy and resource allocation. We conducted a meta‐analysis of published studies that reported age‐specific incidence rates of dementia and AD to determine whether dementia and AD incidence rates are changing over time.

DESIGN

PubMed and MEDLINE were searched for publications through June 30, 2017, using key words “dementia”, “Alzheimer”, and “incidence.” Inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis are: (1) population‐based studies using personal interviews and direct examinations of the study subjects, (2) standardized clinical diagnosis criteria, (3) reporting age‐specific incidence rates, (4) published in English, and (5) sample size of 500 or greater and length of follow‐up of 2 years or greater. Mixed‐effects models were used to determine the association between birth year and incidence rates.

MEASUREMENTS

Age‐specific dementia/AD incidence rates and their standard errors reported in each study.

RESULTS

Thirty‐eight articles with 53 cohorts on dementia incidence and 31 articles with 35 cohorts on AD incidence met the inclusion criteria. There were significant associations between later birth years and decreased dementia incidence rates in all three age groups (65‐74, 75‐84, and 85 years and older). There were no significant associations between birth year and AD incident rates in any of the three age groups. In particular, AD incidence rates reported from Western countries stayed steady in all age groups, while studies in non‐Western countries showed significantly increased AD incidence rates for the 65 to 74 years age group (odds ratio = 2.78; P = .04), but a nonsignificant association for the 75 to 84 or 85 years and older groups.

CONCLUSION

Dementia incidence declined over the past four decades, but AD incidence did not decline. Further research, especially from non‐Western countries, is needed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the trends in dementia and AD incidence over time.
The Importance of Birth Year for the Incidence of Dementia
Authors: Skoog Ingmar , Najar Jenna , Wetterberg Hanna
Published: June 2019

This editorial comments on the article by Gao et al.
Open‐label clinical trial of rectally administered levetiracetam as supplemental treatment in dogs with cluster seizures
Authors: Cagnotti Giulia , Odore Rosangela , Bertone Iride , Corona Cristiano , Dappiano Elena , Gardini Giulia , Iulini Barbara , Bellino Claudio , D'Angelo Antonio
Published: June 2019

Background

Treatment options for at‐home management of cluster seizures (CS) and status epilepticus (SE) are limited. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) after rectal administration in both healthy and epileptic dogs has been investigated recently.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate the clinical efficacy of rectally administered LEV in preventing additional seizures in dogs presented for CS and SE. We hypothesized that rectal administration of LEV in addition to a standard treatment protocol would provide better control of seizure activity as compared with the standard treatment protocol alone.

Animals

Fifty‐seven client‐owned dogs with CS or SE.

Methods

Prospective open‐label clinical trial. Patients included in the study were assigned to receive either a standard treatment protocol comprising IV/rectal diazepam and IV phenobarbital q8h (control group) or a standard treatment protocol in association with a single dose of 40 mg/kg LEV rectally (rectal LEV group). Dogs that experienced no additional seizures were defined as responders, whereas those that showed additional seizure activity were classified as nonresponders.

Results

Twenty‐one dogs were assigned to the rectal LEV group, and 36 to control group. Given the small number of cases of SE, statistical analysis was performed only on patients with CS. The response rate was 94% in the rectal LEV group and 48% in the control group (P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Rectally administered LEV combined with a standard treatment protocol provided good control of seizure activity in patients with CS. The validity of these results should be confirmed in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.
Increasing survival and growth in larval leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) using intensively cultured Parvocalanus crassirostris nauplii
Authors: Burgess Aurora I. , Callan Chatham K. , Touse Renee , Delos Santos Miguel
Published: June 2019

Leopard coral grouper, Plectropomus leopardus are a heavily exploited, high‐value fish commonly found in the Asian live reef food fish trade. In past decades, many attempts at the mass culture of various grouper species have been undertaken; however, their small mouth gape at first feed has resulted in very low survival when using traditional live feeds such as rotifers. The use of wild caught or extensively cultured copepods has yielded potentially promising increases in survival and growth, but overall survival to the juvenile stage remains low, making mass culture currently impractical. The current study sought to build on past developments in grouper culture and recent advancements in copepod culture technology by observing how growth and survival were influenced by the addition of intensively cultured copepods to the early diet of P. leopardus larvae. Six tanks of larvae, three replicates per treatment, were fed either eggs and nauplii of the calanoid copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris, at a starting density of 5 mL−1, and the rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis, at a starting density of 10 mL−1, or were fed only B. rotundiformis, at a density of 15 mL−1, starting on the evening of 2 days post‐hatch (dph) and continuing until 9 dph. After this initial period, all larvae were fed the same diet of rotifers, Artemia, and dry feed until the cessation of the trial at 21 dph. Larvae fed P. crassirostris in addition to rotifers had a significantly higher survival, 9.9 versus 0.5%, than those fed only rotifers. Growth was also significantly enhanced in larvae offered copepods. Larvae only fed rotifers were, on average, 1.5 mm shorter at 21 dph than those that had been fed copepods. More rapid development and the earlier onset of flexion were also noted in the larvae that were offered copepods. The use of intensively cultured copepods, in this study, increased survival tenfold over previous studies, with P. leopardus larvae fed wild‐caught copepods. The application of intensively cultured copepods to the early diet of P. leopardus, along with future research to evaluate late‐stage mortality issues, may facilitate commercial production of this species.
In situ U–Pb analysis of shocked zircon from the Charlevoix impact structure, Québec, Canada
Authors: Schmieder Martin , Shaulis Barry J. , Lapen Thomas J. , Buchner Elmar , Kring David A.
Published: June 2019

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U–Pb geochronology of shocked zircon grains in a vesicular‐fluidal impact melt rock from the ≥54 km Charlevoix impact structure, Québec, Canada, suggests an Ordovician to Silurian age of 450 ± 20 Ma for the impact. This age is anchored by concordant U–Pb results of ~450 Ma for a U‐rich, cryptocrystalline zircon grain in the melt rock, interpreted as a recrystallized metamict zircon crystal; the U–Th–Pb system of the metamict grain was seemingly chronometrically reset by the Charlevoix impact, but withstood later tectonometamorphic events. The new zircon age for Charlevoix is in agreement with a stratigraphically constrained Late Ordovician maximum age of ~453 Ma and corroborates earlier suggestions that the impact occurred most likely in the Ordovician, and not ~100 Myr later, as indicated by previous K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic results. The latter may reflect postimpact thermal overprint of impactites during the Salinian (Late Silurian to Early Devonian) and/or Acadian (Late Devonian) orogenies. U–Pb geochronology of zircon crystals in anorthosite exposed in the central uplift of the impact structure yielded a Grenvillian crystallization age of 1062 ± 11 Ma. The preferred Ordovician age for the Charlevoix impact structure, which is partially overthrusted by the Appalachian front, suggests the impact occurred during a phase of Taconian tectonism and an episode of enhanced asteroid bombardment of the Earth. Our results, moreover, demonstrate that (recrystallized) metamict zircon grains may be of particular interest in impact geochronology.
Association between stroke knowledge, stroke awareness, and preventive behaviors among older people: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pothiban Linchong , Srirat Chomphoonut
Published: June 2019

In this cross‐sectional study, we compared preventive behaviors among Thai people aged >60 years of age, with and without stroke risk, in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, and examined the associations between stroke knowledge and stroke awareness with preventive behaviors in these two groups (n = 422). Participants completed researcher‐developed tools, including the Personal Demographic Questionnaire, the Stroke Knowledge Questionnaire, the Awareness of Stroke Risk and Severity Questionnaire, and the Stroke Preventive Behavior Questionnaire. The findings revealed a significantly higher mean score of preventive behaviors in older people with stroke risk than in those without risk. For people with stroke risk, stroke knowledge did not result in a significant association with stroke‐preventive behaviors, while stroke awareness did. For those without stroke risk, both stroke knowledge and stroke awareness were significantly associated with stroke‐preventive behaviors. Although the stroke‐preventive behaviors of both groups were performed appropriately, it is necessary for people with stroke risk to maintain preventive behaviors, and for health professionals to regularly assess them for stroke symptoms and encourage people to be proactive about stroke‐preventive behaviors.
Critical care outreach: A valuable resource?
Authors: Hyde‐Wyatt Jaime , Garside Joanne
Published: June 2019

Background

Critical Care Outreach Services (CCOS) were recommended by the Department of Health in the United Kingdom in 2000. Despite being an established service, research studies have not explicitly demonstrated its efficacy.

Aim and objectives

To explore the impact of CCOS from the perspective of hospital ward staff to inform service improvement potential.

Design

A pilot formative process evaluation was used to meet the study aims, including the development of a self‐completion questionnaire.

Methods

The exploratory questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample of clinical staff (health care assistants, nurses, therapists, and doctors) on two medical and two surgical wards to establish the value of CCOS from the perspective of ward staff.

Results

The questionnaire was distributed to 195 staff members, of who 58 replied (30%). A descriptive analysis of quantitative data and content analysis of free‐text responses demonstrated that staff knew how and when to use the service, that it was highly valued by all members of the multidisciplinary team, and that CCOS were perceived to have diverse responsibilities. Service improvement suggestions included increased staffing and longer hours of operation.

Conclusions

Despite the lack of quality research supporting the efficacy of CCOS in previous research studies, the results of this project support the findings of previous evaluations that the value of the service lies in the support offered to ward staff and in the quality of care provided to patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Because of the size of this evaluation, it was impossible to draw any generalizable conclusions. However, results clearly indicate that value is given to the support that the Critical Care Outreach Service provides to ward staff.
An ultra‐high‐density genetic map provides insights into genome synteny, recombination landscape and taproot skin colour in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Luo Xiaobo , Xu Liang , Wang Yan , Dong Junhui , Chen Yinglong , Tang Mingjia , Fan Lianxue , Zhu Yuelin , Liu Liwang
Published: June 2019

High‐density genetic map is a valuable tool for exploring novel genomic information, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and gene discovery of economically agronomic traits in plant species. However, high‐resolution genetic map applied to tag QTLs associated with important traits and to investigate genomic features underlying recombination landscape in radish (Raphanus sativus) remains largely unexplored. In this study, an ultra‐high‐density genetic map with 378 738 SNPs covering 1306.8 cM in nine radish linkage groups (LGs) was developed by a whole‐genome sequencing‐based approach. A total of 18 QTLs for 11 horticulture traits were detected. The map‐based cloning data indicated that the R2R3‐MYB transcription factor RsMYB90 was a crucial candidate gene determining the taproot skin colour. Comparative genomics analysis among radish, Brassica rapa and B. oleracea genome revealed several genomic rearrangements existed in the radish genome. The highly uneven distribution of recombination was observed across the nine radish chromosomes. Totally, 504 recombination hot regions (RHRs) were enriched near gene promoters and terminators. The recombination rate in RHRs was positively correlated with the density of SNPs and gene, and GC content, respectively. Functional annotation indicated that genes within RHRs were mainly involved in metabolic process and binding. Three QTLs for three traits were found in the RHRs. The results provide novel insights into the radish genome evolution and recombination landscape, and facilitate the development of effective strategies for molecular breeding by targeting and dissecting important traits in radish.