bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Physician Interpretation of Point‐of‐care Ultrasound for Identifying and Grading of Hydronephrosis in Renal Colic Compared With Consensus Interpretation by Emergency Radiologists
Authors: Pathan Sameer A. , Mitra Biswadev , Mirza Salman , Momin Umais , Ahmed Zahoor , Andraous Lubna G. , Shukla Dharmesh , Shariff Mohammed Y. , Makki Magid M. , George Tinsy T. , Khan Saad S. , Thomas Stephen H. , Cameron Peter A.
Published: April 2018

Objective

The ability of emergency physicians (EPs) to identify hydronephrosis using point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) has been assessed in the past using computed tomography (CT) scans as the reference standard. We aimed to determine the ability of EPs to identify and grade hydronephrosis on POCUS using the consensus interpretation of POCUS by emergency radiologists as the reference standard.

Methods

The study was conducted at an urban academic emergency department (ED) as a secondary analysis of previously collected ultrasound data from the EP‐performed POCUS databank. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had both POCUS and CT scanning performed during the index ED visit. Two board‐certified emergency radiologists and six EPs interpreted each POCUS study independently. The interpretations were compared with the consensus interpretation by emergency radiologists. Additionally, the POCUS interpretations were also compared with the corresponding CT findings. Institutional approval was obtained for conducting this study. All the analyses were performed using Stata MP 14.0 (StataCorp).

Results

A total of 651 patient image‐data sets were eligible for inclusion in this study. Hydronephrosis was reported in 69.6% of POCUS examinations by radiologists and 72.7% of CT scans (p = 0.22). Using the consensus radiology interpretation of POCUS as the reference standard, EPs had an overall sensitivity of 85.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84.3%–87.0%), specificity of 65.9% (95% CI = 63.1%–68.7%), positive likelihood ratio of 2.5 (95% CI = 2.3–2.7), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.22 (95% CI = 0.19–0.24) for hydronephrosis. When using CT scan as the reference standard, the EPs had an overall sensitivity of 81.1% (95% CI = 79.6% to 82.5%), specificity of 59.4% (95% CI = 56.4%–62.5%), positive likelihood ratio of 2.0 (95% CI = 1.8–2.2), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.32 (95% CI = 0.29–0.35) for hydronephrosis. The specificity of EPs was improved to 94.6% (95% CI = 93.7%–95.4%) for categorizing the degree of hydronephrosis as “moderate or severe” versus “none or mild,” with positive likelihood ratio of 6.33 (95% CI = 5.3–7.5) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.69 (95% CI = 0.66–0.73).

Conclusions

Emergency physicians were found to have moderate to high sensitivity for identifying hydronephrosis on POCUS when compared with the consensus interpretation of the same studies by emergency radiologists. These POCUS findings by EPs produced more definitive results when at least moderate degree of hydronephrosis was present.
Revision of the Hermetiinae of Australia (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Lessard Bryan D , Yeates David K , Woodley Norman E
Published: April 2018

A taxonomic treatment is provided for the Australian fauna of the soldier fly subfamily Hermetiinae, including a diagnosis of the subfamily based on the Australian fauna, a key to the two genera found in Australia, and a key to Australian species of Hermetia Latreille, 1804. The Australian fauna is illustrated and revised, including the redescription and selection of a lectotype for Hermetia pallidipes Hill, 1919, and description of the new species Hermetia hauseri Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. and Hermetia olympiae Lessard & Woodley, sp. nov. A new monotypic genus, ApisomyIa Woodley & Lessard, gen. nov., is described, based on ApisomyIa bathae Woodley & Lessard, sp. nov. Six genera are now recognised in the Hermetiinae, with two genera and five species known from Australia. [Correction added on 31 January 2019: Genus “Apisomya” and type species “Apisomya bathae” have been corrected to “Apisomyla” and “Apisomyla bathae” respectively in the abstract.]
Genome‐wide association study of lncRNA polymorphisms with bone mineral density
Authors: Zeng Qin , Wu Ke‐Hao , Liu Kun , Hu Yuan , Chen Xiang‐Ding , Zhang Lei , Shen Hui , Tian Qin , Zhao Lan‐Juan , Deng Hong‐Wen , Tan Li‐Jun
Published: April 2018

Recent studies suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were widely transcribed in the genome, but their potential roles in the genetic complexity of human disorders required further exploration. The purpose of the present study was to explore genetic polymorphisms of lncRNAs associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and its potential value. Based on the lncRNASNP database, 55,906 lncSNPs were selected to conduct a genome‐wide association study meta‐analysis among 11,140 individuals of seven independent studies for BMDs at femoral neck (FN), lumbar spine, and total hip (HIP). Promising results were replicated in Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS Sequencing, n = 32,965).

We found two lncRNA loci that were significantly associated with BMD. MEF2C antisense RNA 1 (MEF2C‐AS1) located at 5q14.3 was significantly associated with FN‐BMD after Bonferroni correction, and the strongest association signal was detected at rs6894139 (P = 3.03 × 10−9). LOC100506136 rs6465531 located at 7q21.3 showed significant association with HIP‐BMD (P = 7.43 × 10−7). MEF2C‐AS1 rs6894139 was replicated in GEFOS Sequencing with P‐value of 1.43 × 10−23. Our results illustrated the important role of polymorphisms in lncRNAs in determining variations of BMD and provided justification and evidence for subsequent functional studies.
Preliminary efficacy and tolerability of chemohormonal therapy in metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer: The first real‐life experience in Asia
Authors: Poon Darren M. C. , Chan Tim , Chan Kuen , Chan Michelle , Lee Eric K. C. , Law Kitty , Lam Daisy
Published: April 2018

Introduction

A substantial survival benefit with chemohormonal therapy has been proven by the CHAARTED and STAMPEDE studies, and this clinical approach has emerged as the standard of care for patients with metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer (mHSPC). However, because its clinical efficacy and tolerability in Asian patients remains uncertain, this study aims to evaluate preliminary results of its use in Hong Kong.

Methods

The clinical records of mHSPC patients treated with chemohormonal therapy from all six public oncology centers in Hong Kong between January 2015 and July 2016 were reviewed. Time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), treatment‐related complications, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response and the time to PSA nadir were assessed.

Results

A total of 32 patients (median age, 66 years) were treated with chemohormonal therapy in the review period. After median follow‐up time of 11.4 months, the median time to CRPC and time to PSA nadir were 19.5 months and 7 months, respectively. PSA response (>50% drop in PSA level from baseline) was achieved in all patients and the median maximal PSA response was 99.6%. The rates of grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia, neutropenia and anemia were 12.5%, 40.6% and 3.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Early efficacy with chemohormonal therapy in Asian mHSPC patients was comparable to the pivotal study and biochemical response is promising. The high frequency of hematologic toxicities in Asian patients highlights the importance of proper patient selection and pre‐emptive use of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor.
Trace Elements in Ancient Gold Products with PGE Microinclusions from Archaeological Sites of the Urals and North Black Sea Region: LA–ICP–MS Data
Authors: Zaykov V. V. , Melekestseva I. Y. , Zaykova E. V. , Fellenger D. , Motz D.
Published: April 2018

Many archaeological gold products of the Urals and North Black Sea region contain microinclusions of platinum group minerals (PGMs). The trace element composition of these products was studied using LA–ICP–MS to reveal their microgeochemical features, the differences in the trace element composition of PGM‐bearing and PGM‐free products, and the source of gold. Owing to the presence of microinclusions of ruthenium, osmium and iridium, the gold products from the Filippovka I grave field and the Phanagoria site are enriched in Os, Ru, Ir and Rh. Among the platinum group elements (PGEs), Pt exhibits the highest contents in the gold products. The gold products are characterized by individual assemblages of Ag and base metals. The gold products with both PGEs and base metals were manufactered from two types of gold: placer‐derived and gold from oxidation zones of polymetallic volcanic‐hosted massive sulphide deposits. It is suggested that cupellation was most common technique of gold refinement.
A micropalaeontologically based provenance analysis of masonry and floor tiles from the medieval cathedral of Paderborn (northern Germany)
Authors: Lübke N. , Mutterlose J. , Börste N. , Kaplan U.
Published: April 2018

The medieval Paderborn Cathedral in Germany underwent five main construction phases in its 1200‐year‐long history. The uniform lithology of the masonry does not allow a precise reconstruction of the source of the material. Unique shale floor tiles of the 11th‐century building, excavated recently, are of unknown origin. Micropalaeontology is here used for an analysis of the provenance of the masonry and tiles. The data indicate that in the course of its building history, geographically and geologically different areas supplied the limestones of the cathedral. Microfossils from the dark tiles suggest the material was mined south‐east of Paderborn.
Network centrality and performance of social enterprises: Government certified social enterprises in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Bae Junghee , Cho Heung Seek , Caplan Mary Ager
Published: April 2018

Social enterprises, which have been dramatically increasing all over the world for several decades, are facing the challenge of how best to develop strategies to improve performance and achieve sustainable growth. In South Korea, the government has supported active networking among social enterprises as a tactic for overcoming insufficient material and human resources. However, it is unclear whether active networking activities among social enterprises are associated with higher performance. In this study, a network survey of certified social enterprises (n = 78) in Seoul, South Korea was conducted. Multivariate regression models examined whether degree centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality were associated with the economic and social performance of social enterprises after controlling for organizational factors. The results revealed that a social enterprise with higher degree centrality in the network of regular meetings achieved higher social and economic performance.
A role for astrocyte‐derived amyloid β peptides in the degeneration of neurons in an animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kodam A. , Ourdev D. , Maulik M. , Hariharakrishnan J. , Banerjee M. , Wang Y. , Kar S.
Published: April 2018

Kainic acid, an analogue of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, can trigger seizures and neurotoxicity in the hippocampus and other limbic structures in a manner that mirrors the neuropathology of human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, the underlying mechanisms associated with the neurotoxicity remain unclear. Since amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides, which are critical in the development of Alzheimer's disease, can mediate toxicity by activating glutamatergic NMDA receptors, it is likely that the enhanced glutamatergic transmission that renders hippocampal neurons vulnerable to kainic acid treatment may involve Aβ peptides. Thus, we seek to establish what role Aβ plays in kainic acid‐induced toxicity using in vivo and in vitro paradigms. Our results show that systemic injection of kainic acid to adult rats triggers seizures, gliosis and loss of hippocampal neurons, along with increased levels/processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), resulting in the enhanced production of Aβ‐related peptides. The changes in APP levels/processing were evident primarily in activated astrocytes, implying a role for astrocytic Aβ in kainic acid‐induced toxicity. Accordingly, we showed that treating rat primary cultured astrocytes with kainic acid can lead to increased Aβ production/secretion without any compromise in cell viability. Additionally, we revealed that kainic acid reduces neuronal viability more in neuronal/astrocyte co‐cultures than in pure neuronal culture, and this is attenuated by precluding Aβ production. Collectively, these results indicate that increased production/secretion of Aβ‐related peptides from activated astrocytes can contribute to neurotoxicity in kainic acid‐treated rats. Since kainic acid administration can lead to neuropathological changes resembling TLE, it is likely that APP/Aβ peptides derived from astrocytes may have a role in TLE pathogenesis.
Increased killer B cells in chronic HCV infection may lead to autoimmunity and increased viral load
Authors: Eiza N , Zuckerman E , Carlebach M , Rainis T , Goldberg Y , Vadasz Z
Published: April 2018

Regulatory B (Breg) cells are characterized by various membrane markers and the secretion of different inhibitory cytokines. A new subset of Breg cells was identified as CD5hi Fas-ligand (FasL)hi. Their main reported role is to suppress anti-viral and anti-tumour immune responses, and, hence they have been dubbed ‘killer’ B cells. In this study, we aim to assess the role of these cells in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and determine if they contribute to the increased viral load and persistence of HCV and its related autoimmunity. (i) FasL expression on CD5hi B cells is increased significantly in HCV-infected patients compared to healthy individuals [28·06 ± 6·71 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ± standard error of the mean (s.e.m.), median = 27·9 versus 10·87 ± 3·97 MFI ± s.e.m., median = 10·3, respectively, P <  0·0001]. (ii) Killer B cells from HCV patients increased autologous CD4+ T cell apoptosis compared to the apoptosis in healthy individuals [39·17% ± 7·18% mean ± standard deviation (s.d.), median = 39·6 versus 25·92 ± 8·65%, mean ± s.d., median = 24·1%, P <  0·0001, respectively]. A similar increase was observed in CD8+ T cell apoptosis (54·67 ± 15·49% mean ± s.d., median = 57·3 versus 21·07% ± 7·4%, mean ± s.d., median = 20%, P = 0·0006, respectively). (iii) By neutralizing FasL with monoclonal anti-FasL antibodies, we have shown that the induction of apoptosis by killer B cells is FasL-dependent. (iv) Increased expression of FasL on CD5hi B cells is correlated positively with an increased viral load and the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor in HCV. This is the first study in which killer B cells have been suggested to play a pathogenic role in HCV. They seem to be involved in HCV's ability to escape efficient immune responses.
Negotiating the Space between Avant–Garde and “Hip Enough”: Businesses and Commercial Gentrification in Wicker Park
Authors: Parker Jeffrey Nathaniel
Published: April 2018

Gentrification literature focuses mostly on growth machines pursuing profits or residents pursuing taste preferences, to the exclusion of cultural intermediaries that connect these processes, particularly businesses. Recent research addresses this gap, but even those focusing on commercial gentrification tell a partial story, neglecting the subjectivities of merchants and ignoring the diversity of businesses involved. This paper contributes to this growing literature by exploring merchants’ attitudes, and moving beyond boutiques and independent businesses. Examining Chicago's Wicker Park, it asks “Under what circumstances do merchants come to embrace or repudiate gentrification in their neighborhood?” Merchants support gentrification when they understand it primarily as an alternative to financial instability and repudiate gentrification when they understand it primarily as a disruptor of aesthetic stability. This paper identifies two specific neighborhood mechanisms that determine how merchants might arrive at such understandings: geographical location and perceived customer base. Additionally, while there is heterogeneity in terms of these two characteristics, there is remarkable homogeneity in terms of understanding of neighborhood reputation. Specifically, there is a common understanding of the neighborhood's reputational hipness across respondents. Those who support gentrification value this reputation instrumentally while those who oppose it value it intrinsically, but either way, everyone orients themselves to this reputation in forming attitudes and making consequential decisions.
Suicidal ideation in lung transplant recipients: A case series
Authors: Rynar Lauren Z. , Merchant Mekhala S. , Dilling Daniel F.
Published: April 2018

Background

Suicidality, a term referring to suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts, has been understudied in lung transplant recipients, despite the well‐documented period of high stress following transplantation. Understanding the full clinical picture of psychiatric morbidity before and after lung transplant is vital to supporting survival.

Methods

Suicidality among lung transplant recipients was examined through case studies of 5 lung transplant recipients at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and psychosocial variables during the pre‐ and post‐transplant periods to identify common factors.

Results

Patients presented with suicidal ideation within the first 2 years of receiving lung transplantation; 4 of 5 endorsed a plan and/or intent to act and 2 made suicide attempts. Pretransplant prescription medication mismanagement, pretransplant depression or anxiety, and post‐transplant depression and anxiety were each present in at least 3 of 5 cases and appeared related to the development of suicidality. Social support issues were also prominent, including changes in available supports, interpersonal distress, and social isolation or lack of support.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with psychiatric comorbidities or limited social support at any phase of the lung transplant process should be monitored closely. This case report draws into focus the need for systematic and ongoing psychological evaluation following lung transplantation.
Digital cytology: A short review of technical and methodological approaches and applications
Authors: Capitanio A. , Dina R. E. , Treanor D.
Published: April 2018

The recent years have been characterised by a rapid development of whole slide imaging (WSI) especially in its applications to histology. The application of WSI technology to cytology is less common because of technological problems related to the three‐dimensional nature of cytology preparations (which requires capturing of z‐stack information, with an increase in file size and usability issues in viewing cytological preparations). The aim of this study is to provide a review of the literature on the use of digital cytology and provide an overview of cytological applications of WSI in current practice as well as identifying areas for future development.
Continuous glucose monitoring results in lower HbA1c in Malaysian women with insulin‐treated gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paramasivam S. S. , Chinna K. , Singh A. K. K. , Ratnasingam J. , Ibrahim L. , Lim L. L. , Tan A. T. B. , Chan S. P. , Tan P. C. , Omar S. Z. , Bilous R. W. , Vethakkan S. R.
Published: April 2018

Aims

To determine if therapeutic, retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves HbA1c with less hypoglycaemia in women with insulin‐treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

This prospective, randomized controlled, open‐label trial evaluated 50 women with insulin‐treated GDM randomized to either retrospective CGM (6‐day sensor) at 28, 32 and 36 weeks’ gestation (Group 1, CGM, n = 25) or usual antenatal care without CGM (Group 2, control, n = 25). All women performed seven‐point capillary blood glucose (CBG) profiles at least 3 days per week and recorded hypoglycaemic events (symptomatic and asymptomatic CBG < 3.5 mmol/l; non‐fasting < 4.0 mmol/l). HbA1c was measured at 28, 33 and 37 weeks. In Group 1, both CGM and CBG data were used to manage diabetes, whereas mothers in Group 2 were managed based on CBG data alone.

Results

Baseline characteristics (age, pre‐pregnancy BMI, HbA1c, total insulin dose) were similar between groups. There was a lower increase in HbA1c from 28 to 37 weeks’ gestation in the CGM group [∆HbA1c: CGM + 1 mmol/mol (0.09%), control + 3mmol/mol (0.30%); P = 0.024]. Mean HbA1c remained unchanged throughout the trial in the CGM group, but increased significantly in controls as pregnancy advanced. Mean HbA1c in the CGM group was lower at 37 weeks compared with controls [33 ± 4 mmol/mol (5.2 ± 0.4%) vs. 38 ± 7 mmol/mol (5.6 ± 0.6%), P < 0.006]. Some 92% of the CGM group achieved an HbA1c ≤ 39 mmol/mol (≤ 5.8%) at 37 weeks compared with 68% of the control group (P = 0.012). Neither group experienced severe hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

CGM use may be beneficial in insulin‐treated GDM because it improves HbA1c compared with usual antenatal care without increasing severe hypoglycaemia. (Clinical Trials Registry No.: NCT02204657).
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AND COLLEGE ENROLLMENT DECISIONS
Authors: Jung Juergen , Shrestha Vinish
Published: April 2018

We investigate the effect of the expansion of the federal dependent coverage mandate for young adults under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on college enrollment decisions of young Americans. The expansion removes the requirement that young individuals need to be enrolled as full‐time students in order to remain on their parents' health insurance past the age of 18 and expands the coverage mandate to age 26 irrespective of student status. This changes the incentives for the full‐time college enrollment decisions of young individuals. We use panel data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) for the years 2003–2013 and estimate that the dependent coverage expansion under the ACA decreases the probability to enroll as full‐time student by 3 percentage points using a difference‐in‐differences framework. Furthermore, we find that part‐time college enrollment is unaffected by the new policy. The results are robust to changes in the model specification and become stronger when we increase the sample overlap between treatment and control groups using trimming based on propensity scores. (JEL C35, I23, I10, I18)
MSH homeobox 1 polymorphisms and the risk of non‐syndromic orofacial clefts: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Gu Min , Zhang Yan , Liu Hualian , Liu Jue , Zhu Danxia , Yang Xu
Published: April 2018

MSH homebox 1 (MSX1) is a susceptibility gene for non‐syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOCs). Here, a meta‐analysis was conducted to assess their associations. A systematic search of PubMed to 1 September 2017, was performed to retrieve all eligible studies. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to calculate the associations. The stability of the results was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed using Begg's funnel plots and the Egger test. In silico Msx1 expression during early mouse craniofacial development was evaluated by the Gene Expression Omnibus. In the overall analysis, MSX1 rs12532 (G>A) contributed to a decreased risk of NSOC. In an analysis stratified according to disease type, rs12532 was associated with the risk of cleft palate only (CPO) but not with the risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P). The association of rs12532 with the occurrence of NSOC in Asian and Caucasian populations but not South American populations was observed in an analysis stratified according to ethnicity. However, no significant associations were detected between any of the other MSX1 SNPs and the risk of NSOC in either the overall or subgroup analysis. The Msx1 gene was widely expressed in mouse craniofacial structures from embryonic day (E)8.5‐E10.5. Taken together, the study indicates that MSX1 rs12532 is associated with the risk of NSOC.
Identification of new pests likely to be introduced into Europe with the fruit trade
Authors: Suffert M. , Wilstermann A. , Petter F. , Schrader G. , Grousset F.
Published: April 2018

Global trade of plants and plant products facilitates the international movement of pests. The introduction of new pests in an area may have huge economic consequences for local plant production, and should be avoided. The European Union (EU) imports large quantities of fresh fruit from all over the world, which could be a pathway for exotic pests. This review aimed to identify pests not yet present or regulated in the EU that may enter the territory with the fruit trade and damage fruit production in Europe. Pests of Vaccinium (blueberry), apple, grape, orange and mandarin were screened to assess the likelihood of their being associated with these fruit, their impact, their geographical distribution, whether they are intercepted in trade and whether they are spreading or emerging. They were further ranked to produce alert lists of 30 to 36 pests for each fruit species. These lists are presented as well as other findings on contaminants and newly introduced pests. Datasheets on those pests were prepared and are available as supporting information to this article as well as in the EPPO Global Database (https://gd.eppo.int/). This work within the EU project DROPSA aimed to raise the awareness of importers and regulatory authorities to the potential risk of introducing pests with the fruit trade.
Prophylactic therapy with omeprazole for prevention of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in horses in active training: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mason L. V. , Moroney J. R. , Mason R. J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Guidelines regarding the impact and value of prophylaxis or maintenance therapy in equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) are not well‐established or defined. The merits and the magnitude of effects of prophylaxis for spontaneous or recurrent squamous gastric ulceration in horses in training are uncertain.

Objectives

To pool data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to eliminate reporting bias and evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic omeprazole in the prevention ofEGUSin training horses, and secondarily to compare prophylactic dosages of omeprazole.

Study design

Meta‐analysis.

Methods

This meta‐analysis was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic literature search identifiedRCTs comparing omeprazole prophylaxis with sham in prevention ofEGUS. Data were analysed using the Mantel–Haenszel test method to calculate risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcome was efficacy of prophylaxis. Secondary outcome was endoscopic severity of ulceration. The influence of study characteristics on the outcomes was examined by subgroup analyses.

Results

In preventing gastric ulcer occurrence, omeprazole prophylaxis was superior to sham in training horses (7 trials, 566 horses,RR0.28, 95%CI0.18–0.43; 23.4% in omeprazole prophylaxis vs. 77.2% in sham; high quality evidence). Prevalence of ulceration was 75.3 and 87.2% in the sham arms of the 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg omeprazole groups, respectively. Severity scores were significantly lower for omeprazole vs. sham (mean difference [MD] −1.05; 95%CI−1.35 to −0.69). Subgroup analyses comparing prophylactic omeprazole dosages resulted in a mean difference of −0.94 and −1.60 for the 1 and 2 mg/kg groups, respectively.

Main limitations

Studies showed heterogeneity with regard to prophylactic dose.

Conclusions

Omeprazole prophylaxis in active training horses significantly reduces gastric ulceration compared with no prophylaxis (sham) with the absolute effect of 566 fewer ulcers per 1000 horses treated.
Non‐proportional size scaling of strength of concrete in uniaxial and biaxial loading conditions
Authors: Qian G. , Zhai J. , Yu Z. , Lei W.‐S. , Wu W.
Published: April 2018

A procedure for non‐proportional size scaling of the strength of concrete based on the weakest‐link statistics is proposed to synchronize strength data from specimens of different geometries and different loading modes. The procedure relies on proportional size scaling of strength to determine the parameters of the statistical model and often on finite element analysis to calculate the coefficient of the equivalent strength. The approach for non‐proportional size scaling is capable to synchronize the uniaxial strength data of concrete from uniaxial tensile specimens and 3‐point bending specimens, or the biaxial tensile strength data of circular plates in different loading mode. The non‐transference of the uniaxial strength data to the biaxial strength data is unclear in its mechanism but possibly due to the variation of statistical distribution of microcracks with stress states in different specimens.
Novel method for the fatigue strength assessment of heavy sections made by ductile cast iron in presence of solidification defects
Authors: Borsato T. , Ferro P. , Berto F.
Published: April 2018

The fatigue strength of ferritic, pearlitic, and solution strengthened ferritic ductile irons taken from heavy sections and characterized by long solidification times has been assessed. Starting from the idea of Murakami and co‐workers, a new model for the prediction of the fatigue strength is proposed. It allows a sound fatigue assessment of the fatigue strength of as‐cast ductile irons containing solidification defects, such as low nodule count, exploded, chunky and spiky graphite, or microshrinkage porosities. The newly developed equation validated by means of an extensive benchmarking with data taken from the literature has shown a very high potential for applications to thick‐walled components.
Crack tip field in eccentric circumferentially cracked round bar (CCRB) under tensile loading
Authors: Toribio J. , González B. , Matos J.‐C.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the stress intensity factor (SIF) is computed in a circumferentially cracked round bar (CCRB) subjected to applied tensile load or to imposed axial displacement, considering that the resistant ligament is circular and exhibits certain eccentricity in relation to the cylinder axis. The computation was performed by means of the finite element method, using a 3‐dimensional model and the J‐integral, the analyzed variables being the diameter and the eccentricity of the circular ligament. Results show that the SIF value is higher at the deepest point of the crack. For a given ligament diameter, an increase of ligament eccentricity (in relation to the bar axis) raises the difference between the SIF values at those points of the crack associated with the maximum and minimum depth. Furthermore, the maximum SIF value is higher for applied tensile load than for imposed axial displacement, mainly for high eccentricities and small diameters of the ligament, as a consequence of a greater rotation of the bar.
Age‐related changes of proinsulin processing in diabetic and non‐diabetic Japanese individuals
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Kawakami Kyoko , Yoshino Gen , Hirose Takahisa
Published: April 2018

Aim

The present study was carried out to examine whether the insulin secretory mechanism deteriorates during the aging process using the new intact proinsulin assay system in non‐diabetic and diabetic individuals.

Methods

A total of 172 participants were separated into four groups according to their age (<64 years and >65 years) and an association of type 2 diabetes; that is, 46 older diabetics (mean age 74.5 ± 6.2 years, glycated hemoglobin [National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program] 7.5 ± 1.3%), 27 older non‐diabetics (mean age 76.9 ± 7.5 years), 48 middle‐aged diabetics (mean age 50.8 ± 10.4, glycated hemoglobin 7.8 ± 1.5%) and 51 middle aged non‐diabetics (mean age 46.6 ± 13.0 years) participants were enrolled.

Results

The proinsulin/insulin (PI/I) ratio of the diabetic group was higher than that of the non‐diabetic group in the older group (0.19 ± 0.12 vs 0.11 ± 0.06, P = 0.002). In the middle‐aged groups, the PI/I ratio of the diabetic group was higher than that of the non‐diabetic group (0.16 ± 0.15 vs 0.09 ± 0.09, P = 0.003). Simple regression analysis showed that male sex (95% CI 0.02–0.01, P = 0.004), age (95% CI 0.00–0.002, P = 0.03), lower body mass index (95% CI −0.06 to 0.00, P = 0.02) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (95% CI 0.04–0.012, P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with the increase in the PI/I ratio. Multivariate regression analysis showed that male sex and age were the independent factors determining the increase in the PI/I ratio in the non‐diabetic group. After adjusted for body mass index, the PI/I ratio correlated significantly with age only in the non‐diabetic group (r = 0.5, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The proinsulin processing system might deteriorate not only in diabetics, but also in non‐diabetic Japanese individuals with age. Also, sex‐related hormones can be protective for the proinsulin processing system. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1046–1050.
The history of the production of India‐related knowledge in post‐1950 China
Authors: Jiang Jingkui , Jia Yan
Published: April 2018

This essay surveys the ways in which India‐related knowledge has been produced and disseminated in China since 1950 when diplomatic ties were established between the two nascent nation‐states. The examination proceeds along two differing yet intertwined dimensions: academic knowledge and popular knowledge. At the academic level, both traditional and modern Indology in China have undergone remarkable development, which is mainly charasterised by institutional extension, growing multidisciplinarity, and diversification of languages taught and research subjects. However, confined mostly within the intelligentsia, scholarly knowledge has limited impact on shaping China's public views on India. This task, instead, has been well fulfilled by popular modes of knowledge production that target a wider audience, such as translated literary works, subtitled films, and travel writings. Thanks largely to the rise of Internet and social media in China, recent years have seen gradual convergence of the two modes of production of India‐related knowledge, with junior academics embracing digital mediums to popularise rational thinking about Indian issues, while non‐academics starting to generate well‐studied contents in their creative engagement with Indian culture and society. In light of India's economic growth and China's increasing emphasis on neighbouring countries and those located along the Belt and Road, China's demand and supply for unbiased and specialised knowledge about India are anticipated to grow in the future.
Multiangle discrimination of geographical origin of rice based on analysis of mineral elements and characteristic volatile components
Authors: Du Mengjia , Fang Yong , Shen Fei , Mao Bo , Zou Yanyu , Li Peng , Pei Fei , Hu Qiuhui
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to develop a multiangle discrimination method which combines mineral elements with volatile compounds to identify the geographical origin of rice. The levels of twenty‐four elements and characteristic volatile compositions of rice samples from different growing area (Panjin, Wuchang and Sheyang city of China) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS) and electronic nose (E‐nose), respectively. The obtained data were subject to the analysis of variance (anova), principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The twenty elements including B, Mg, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Ga, As, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Pb, Bi and Tl and eleven sensors including LY2/LG,LY2/G, LY2/AA, LY2/GH, LY2/gCTL, LY2/gCT, P10/1, T30/1,T70/2, P10/2 and PA/2 were mainly contributed to discriminate the origin of the rice, and the average classification accuracy was 93.5%. Compared with one‐dimensional discrimination method, the multiangle analytical method of combining mineral elements with volatile compounds significantly improved the discrimination accuracy of origin of rice.
Two novel HLA‐C alleles, HLA‐C*02:02:34 and HLA‐C*03:369, were identified in the same individual
Authors: Valatkaite‐Rakstiene B. , Cekauskiene R. , Griskevicius L. , Jakubauskas A.
Published: April 2018

Two new HLA class I alleles, HLA‐C*02:02:34 and HLA‐C*03:369, were characterized in a single Polish bone marrow donor.
Health‐related quality of life and fall risk associated with age‐related body composition changes; sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity
Authors: Öztürk Zeynel Abidin , Türkbeyler İbrahim Halil , Abiyev Azer , Kul Seval , Edizer Bahadır , Yakaryılmaz Funda Datli , Soylu Gülçimen
Published: April 2018

Background

Sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity are various features of the ageing process that can cause important health issues. The present study was undertaken to investigate the interrelationship between those body composition changes, including their clinical components and the quality‐of‐life variables.

Methods

A total of 423 individuals aged 65 years or older was included in this cross‐sectional study. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Body composition parameters were measured with a bioelectrical impedance analyser, and Turkish population‐based cut‐off points were preferred for diagnosis of sarcopenia. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on all patients. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify important factors for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenic, obese and sarcopenic obese subjects was 14%, 35% and 11% respectively. The lowest mean gait speed and hand grip strength values were seen in the sarcopenic obese group (0.6 ± 0.3 m/s and 19.7 ± 9.8 kg respectively). Sarcopenic obese participants were associated with the highest rate for fall risk. The scores for domains of health‐related quality of life were worse in both obesity and sarcopenic obesity when compared to others. Body mass index (BMI), number of drugs used, total body fat ratio and geriatric depression scale‐short form scores were negatively correlated with all dimensions of SF‐36 quality‐of‐life scale.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity are associated with many negative health outcomes, such as high fall risk and low health‐related quality of life in geriatric population.
Examination of the relationship between disease activity and patient‐reported outcome measures in an inflammatory bowel disease cohort
Authors: Jackson Belinda D. , Con Danny , Gorelik Alexandra , Liew Danny , Knowles Simon , De Cruz Peter
Published: April 2018

Background

The extent to which disease activity impacts patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) is unclear.

Aims

To examine the relationship between disease activity and PRO.

Methods

Adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients attending a tertiary clinic from May to June 2015 were included. Assessment of disease activity (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI)), IBD knowledge (CCKNOW), medication adherence (MMAS8), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), work productivity (WPAI) and quality of life (IBDQ) was performed to investigate any correlations between disease activity and PRO.

Results

A total of 81 participants was included: 49% female, 57% Crohn disease (CD), 38% ulcerative colitis (UC) and 5% IBD‐unclassified, with a median age of 34 years. At least mild levels of depression were present in 21 of 81 (26%) of patients; 37 of 81 (46%) expressed some level of anxiety. A moderate‐to‐strong correlation was found between disease activity and depression in UC (r = 0.84, P = 0.002) but not in CD (r = 0.53, P = 0.29). Disease activity correlated with: overall work impairment due to health (r = 0.85, P = 0.001), health‐related impairment while working (r = 0.76, P = 0.02) and percentage of activity impaired due to health (r = 0.83, P = 0.002) in UC only.

Conclusions

Disease activity significantly affects mood and work productivity in patients with UC. Monitoring patients’ ability to function and work, rather than minimising disease activity alone, should become a routine part of IBD care.
Stromal cell networks coordinate immune response generation and maintenance
Authors: Alexandre Yannick O. , Mueller Scott N.
Published: April 2018

Secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), including the spleen and lymph nodes (LN) are a meeting place for immune cells to initiate adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes constantly circulate between SLO through the blood and lymph in search of their cognate antigen and are activated within the organized microarchitecture of SLO. Lymphoid stromal cells (LSC) of mesenchymal and endothelial origin construct and support the microarchitecture of SLO by defining distinct compartments and providing signals that can either promote or inhibit immune responses. Here, we discuss recent studies indicating that LSC, including fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC), contribute substantially to immune responses and may tune responses to secondary challenge.
What if protective immunity is antigen—driven and not due to so‐called “memory” B and T cells?
Authors: Zinkernagel Rolf M.
Published: April 2018

Vaccines or early childhood exposure to infection mediate immunity, that is, improved resistance against disease and death caused by a second infection with the same agent. This has been explained by and equaled to immunological memory, that is, an “altered immune system behavior” that is maintained in a presumably antigen‐independent fashion. This review summarizes epidemiological and experimental data, that largely falsify this idea and that show that periodic re‐exposure to antigen either, artificially as vaccines or naturally as low‐level persisting antigens or infections, or immune complexes on follicular dendritic cells or endemic re‐exposure is necessary for protection. Both, the huge success of vaccines in controlling childhood infections, the reduction in clinical disease and the chance of endemically re‐exposure, have gradually reduced periodical re‐exposure to infections and thereby endangered protective herd immunity. In parallel, vaccine deniers have created susceptibility islands even in an otherwise well vaccinated population, thereby creating a very new situation when compared to the later parts of the 20th century. If protective Immunity is—as emphasized here—antigen driven, then increasingly frequent revaccinations will be necessary (even more so with too much attenuated vaccines) to maintain both herd immunity and individual resistance to acute infections. Of course, this rule also applies to tumor vaccines.
Tissue‐resident memory T cells in tissue homeostasis, persistent infection, and cancer surveillance
Authors: Gebhardt Thomas , Palendira Umaimainthan , Tscharke David C. , Bedoui Sammy
Published: April 2018

A large proportion of memory T cells disseminated throughout the body are non‐recirculating cells whose maintenance and function is regulated by tissue‐specific environmental cues. These sessile cells are referred to as tissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells and similar populations of non‐recirculating cells also exist among unconventional T cells and innate lymphocyte cells. The pool of TRM cells is highly diverse with respect to anatomical positioning, phenotype, molecular regulation and effector function. Nevertheless, certain transcriptional programs are shared and appear as important unifying features for the overall population of TRM cells and tissue‐resident lymphocytes. It is now widely appreciated that TRM cells are a critical component of our immune defense by acting as peripheral sentinels capable of rapidly mobilizing protective tissue immunity upon pathogen recognition. This function is of particular importance in anatomical sites that are not effectively surveilled by blood‐borne memory T cells in absence of inflammation, such as neuronal tissues or epithelial compartments in skin and mucosae. Focusing on the well‐characterized subtype of CD8+ CD69+ CD103+ TRM cells, we will review current concepts on the generation, persistence and function of TRM cells and will summarize commonly used tools to study these cells. Furthermore, we will discuss accumulating data that emphasize localized TRM responses as an important determinant of tissue homeostasis and immune defense in the context of microbiota‐immune interactions, persistent infections and cancer surveillance.
Immunological memories of the bone marrow
Authors: Chang Hyun‐Dong , Tokoyoda Koji , Radbruch Andreas
Published: April 2018

Memory for antigens once encountered is a hallmark of the immune system of vertebrates, providing us with an immunity adapted to pathogens of our environment. Despite its fundamental relevance, the cells and genes representing immunological memory are still poorly understood. Here we discuss the concept of a circulating, proliferating, and ubiquitous population of effector lymphocytes vs concepts of resting and dormant populations of dedicated memory lymphocytes, distinct from effector lymphocytes and residing in defined tissues, particularly in barrier tissues and in the bone marrow. The lifestyle of memory plasma cells of the bone marrow may serve as a paradigm, showing that persistence of memory lymphocytes is not defined by intrinsic “half‐lives”, but rather conditional on distinct survival signals provided by dedicated niches. These niches are organized by individual mesenchymal stromal cells. They define the capacity of immunological memory and regulate its homeostasis.
Understanding consumers’ initial expectations of community‐based residential mental health rehabilitation in the context of past experiences of care: A mixed‐methods pragmatic grounded theory analysis
Authors: Parker Stephen , Meurk Carla , Newman Ellie , Fletcher Clayton , Swinson Isabella , Dark Frances
Published: April 2018

This study explores how consumers expect community‐based residential mental health rehabilitation to compare with previous experiences of care. Understanding what consumers hope to receive from mental health services, and listening to their perspectives about what has and has not worked in previous care settings, may illuminate pathways to improved service engagement and outcomes. A mixed‐methods research design taking a pragmatic approach to grounded theory guided the analysis of 24 semi‐structured interviews with consumers on commencement at three Community Care Units (CCUs) in Australia. Two of these CCUs were trialling a staffing model integrating peer support work with clinical care. All interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer within the first 6 weeks of the consumer's stay. All participants expected the CCU to offer an improvement on previous experiences of care. Comparisons were made to acute and subacute inpatient settings, supported accommodation, and outpatient care. Consumers expected differences in the people (staff and co‐residents), the focus of care, physical environ, and rules and regulations. Participants from the integrated staffing model sites articulated the expected value of a less clinical approach to care. Overall, consumers’ expectations aligned with the principles articulated in policy frameworks for recovery‐oriented practice. However, their reflections on past care suggest that these services continue to face significant challenges realizing these principles in practice. Paying attention to the kind of working relationship consumers want to have with mental health services, such as the provision of choice and maintaining a practical and therapeutic supportive focus, could improve their engagement and outcomes.