bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation is a potential risk factor of voriconazole overdose in hematological patients
Authors: Gautier‐Veyret Elodie , Truffot Aurélie , Bailly Sébastien , Fonrose Xavier , Thiebaut‐Bertrand Anne , Tonini Julia , Cahn Jean‐Yves , Stanke‐Labesque Françoise
Published: October 2018

Voriconazole (VRC) overdoses are frequent and expose patients at high risk of adverse effects. This case–control study performed in hematological patients who benefited from VRC therapeutic drug monitoring from January 2012 to December 2015 aimed to identify risk factors of VRC overdose. Pharmacogenetic, biological, and demographic parameters at the time of VRC trough concentration (Cmin) were retrospectively collected from medical records. Cases (VRC overdose: defined by a VRC Cmin ≥ 4 mg/L; n = 31) were compared to controls (no VRC overdose: defined by VRC Cmin < 4 mg/L; n = 31) using nonparametric or chi‐square tests followed by multivariable analysis. VRC overdoses were significantly associated with high CRP and bilirubin levels, intravenous administration, and age in univariable analysis. In contrast, the proportion of CYP genotypes (CYP2C19, CYP3A4, or CYP3A5, considered alone or combined in a combined genetic score) were not significantly different between patients who experienced a VRC overdose and those who did not. In multivariable analysis, the class of CRP level (defined by median CRP levels of 96 mg/L) was the sole independent risk factor of VRC overdose (P < 0.01). Patients with CRP levels > 96 mg/L) had a 27‐fold (IC 95%: [6–106]) higher risk of VRC overdose than patients with CRP levels ≤ 96 mg/L. This study demonstrates that inflammatory status, assessed by CRP levels, is the main risk factor of VRC overdose in French hematological patients, whereas pharmacogenetic determinants do not appear to be involved.
Thyroiditis and immune check point inhibitors: the post‐marketing experience using the French National Pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Garon‐Czmil Julie , Petitpain Nadine , Rouby Franck , Sassier Marion , Babai Samy , Yelehe‐Okouma Melissa , Weryha Georges , Klein Marc , Gillet Pierre
Published: October 2018

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer has become increasingly prescribed in recent years. Indeed, it is used to treat both solid and hematological malignancies due to their considerable potential in treating melanoma, non‐small cell lung and other cancers. Immune‐mediated related adverse endocrine toxicity, and especially thyroiditis, is seen as a growing problem needing specific screening and management. This study aims at describing thyroid dysfunctions induced by the ICIs marketed in France, which are registered in the French Pharmacovigilance database. This database was queried for nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab‐induced adverse drug reactions reported before April 30, 2017. Both a pharmacologist and an endocrinologist have reviewed each case to select only those of peripheral thyroiditis (thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism). During this period, 110 thyroiditis following ICI therapy were reported. Sex/ratio was around one. Most of the cases (47.2%) were asymptomatic. Although some thyrotoxicosis cases were severe, no orbitopathy was reported. Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis were equally described. Antithyroid antibodies were positive in only 16% patients. The ultrasonography was informative in 19% patients. Levothyroxine supplementation was necessary in 57% patients, leading to 19% recovery. With a dedicated optimized management, most of the cases did not require immunotherapy discontinuation. Finally, immune‐mediated related thyroiditis is increasing due to a wider prescription of ICI therapy in various cancer conditions and systematic screening. Often asymptomatic, they lead to a local activation accompanied by hormonal deficiency in the long run. It is necessary to carry out an early and sustained multidisciplinary screening to allow immunotherapy continuation.
Efficacy of direct‐acting antiviral treatment in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis: A multicenter study
Authors: Itokawa Norio , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Ikegami Tadashi , Shimada Noritomo , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Iwashita Ai‐Nakagawa , Kondo Chisa , Mikami Shigeru , Asano Toru , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Iio Etsuko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: October 2018

Aim

Although the development of new direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has markedly advanced, the effects of cirrhosis on DAA treatment remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the impact of cirrhosis on DAA treatment of patients infected with HCV.

Methods

This large‐scale, multicenter, retrospective study consisted of 2130 HCV genotype 1b‐infected patients who were treated with one of the following DAA combination therapies: asunaprevir/daclatasvir (ASV/DCV), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), or paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir (PTV/OBV/r). Ninety‐two patients (4.3%) previously received DAA‐based treatment. Seven hundred and forty‐five patients (34.9%) had cirrhosis.

Results

Overall, the sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 93.0%. The SVR rates in patients who received ASV/DCV, LDV/SOF, or PTV/OBV/r were 90.0%, 96.9%, and 97.6%, respectively. The SVR rate in patients with cirrhosis (89.1%) was significantly lower than that in patients without cirrhosis (95.1%, P = 6.94 × 10–7). In the multivariate analysis for the overall cohort, absence of cirrhosis (P = 1.26 × 10–3), no previous DAA‐based treatment (P = 2.54 × 10–14), low HCV‐RNA levels (P = 1.64 × 10–6), wild‐type non‐structural protein 5A L31/Y93 (P = 7.33 × 10–13), and DAA regimen (LDV/SOF or PTV/OBV/r) (P = 1.92 × 10–14) were independent factors contributing to SVR. Except for patients with DAA‐based treatment history, absence of cirrhosis (P = 2.15 × 10–3; odds ratio, 2.51) was an independent factor contributing to SVR in 2038 DAA‐naïve patients.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the presence of cirrhosis reduces the SVR rate of DAA treatment, regardless of the type of DAA treatment.
Chronological changes in epidemiological characteristics of lower urinary tract urolithiasis in Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Shinichi , Miyazawa Katsuhito , Yasui Takahiro , Iguchi Taro , Fujita Misuzu , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Masaki Takuro , Hasegawa Toru , Hibi Hatsuki , Arakawa Takashi , Ando Ryosuke , Kato Yoshinari , Ishito Noritaka , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Takazawa Ryoji , Tsujihata Masao , Taguchi Makoto , Akakura Koichiro , Hata Akira , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To determine changes and trends in the annual incidence and epidemiological aspects of lower urinary tract stones in Japan.

Methods

Data about patients who had been diagnosed by urologists in 2015 with first and recurrent lower urinary tract stones were collected from 301 hospitals approved by the Japanese Board of Urology. The estimated annual incidence according to sex, age and stone composition was compared with previous nationwide surveys between 1965 and 2005.

Results

The incidence of lower urinary tract stones in Japan has steadily increased from 4.7 per 100 000 in 1965 to 12.0 per 100 000 in 2015. However, the age standardized annual incidence of lower urinary tract stones has remained relatively stable over the same period at 5.5 per 100 000 and 6.0 per 100 000 in 1965 and 2015, respectively. The increase in incidence was most evident among individuals aged ≥80 years. The incidence of calcium oxalate stones has steadily increased among males and females, whereas that of infection‐related stones has significantly decreased from 26.2% to 14.3% among men over the past 50 years.

Conclusions

Nationwide surveys suggest a steady increase in the incidence of lower urinary tract stones over a 50‐year period in Japan. This trend might reflect changes in the aging population and improved Japanese medical standards.
Intention or Attention Before Pointing: Do Infants’ Early Holdout Gestures Reflect Evidence of a Declarative Motive?
Authors: Boundy Laura , Cameron‐Faulkner Thea , Theakston Anna
Published: October 2018

Gestures are the first signs of intentional communication within prelinguistic infants and can reflect various motives, including a declarative motive to share attention and interest. The ability to use gestures declaratively has been linked to later language development; therefore, it is important to understand the origins of this motive. Previous research has focused on the use of declarative pointing at around 12 months; however, other potential forms of declarative communication, such as holdout gestures, are yet to be studied in detail. The purpose of this study was to examine whether from 10 months, infants use holdouts declaratively. We elicited holdouts from 36 infants and then reacted to these gestures in four different conditions: (1) joint attention: shared interest; (2) infant attention: attended to infant; (3) toy attention: attended to toy; (4) ignore: gesture was not attended to. Infants’ behavioral responses were recorded. When the experimenter engaged in joint attention, infants were significantly more likely to display a positive attitude and produced fewer re‐engagement attempts. In contrast, the three non‐joint attention conditions displayed significantly higher negative attitudes and attempts to re‐engage the experimenter. We conclude that infants display declarative communication prior to 12 months, resetting the age at which these more complex skills emerge.
Discussing accrued‐to‐date liabilities
Authors: Wiener Mitchell , Stokoe Philip
Published: October 2018

The international statistical community has a growing interest in the liabilities of pension and social security systems. The System of National Accounts 2008 encourages countries to provide detailed information in a supplementary table on pensions. The IMF Government finance statistics manual also encourages reporting of public‐sector balance sheets as part of government debt, and the European Union (EU) has mandated that all EU Member States compile estimates of accrued‐to‐date (ADL) liabilities for all pensions, including public‐sector pensions and social security schemes. The ADL liabilities for public‐sector pensions, which are often defined benefit, and typically financed on an unfunded (pay‐as‐you‐go) or partially funded basis, are likely to be very large in some countries, receive significant public scrutiny, and be misunderstood and/or misused. The article begins by reviewing the current requirements, disparity and ambiguity in existing accounting and actuarial standards. It notes the opportunities for “accounting arbitrage”, where countries can provide similar benefits in a different form to avoid placing these pension liabilities on the government balance sheet and/or to avoid required disclosure of pension liabilities. This article concludes that the ADL for social security and government‐sponsored pension programmes has little or no meaning, does not provide any information about the fiscal sustainability of a country's pension programmes and does not provide any useful information for comparing pension plans across countries. It argues that the best measure of fiscal sustainability for unfunded or partially funded pension programmes that are financed on a pay‐as‐you‐go basis is the financing gap, and that this “open group” measure of fiscal sustainability should be published alongside the ADL, supplemented by information on coverage rates, replacement ratios and expenditures as a per cent of GDP. The article concludes that pension expenditures as a per cent of GDP is probably the single best measure for cross‐country comparison.
Regaining agency and autonomy: A grounded typology of concealed pregnancy
Authors: Murphy‐Tighe Sylvia , Lalor Joan G.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To explore and understand the experience of concealed pregnancy and develop a framework for practitioners.

Background

Numerous cases of concealed pregnancy resulting in serious outcomes including maternal and perinatal death, newborn abandonment, and neonaticide are reported internationally. Historically concealed pregnancy is associated with oppressive religious cultures where premarital pregnancy was shunned. Concealed pregnancy has traditionally been viewed through a biomedical lens and associated with mental illness but this assertion remains unsubstantiated by robust evidence.

Design

A Glaserian grounded theory study was undertaken.

Data Sources

Thirty women were interviewed, between 2014 – 2016, on up to three occasions (46 interviews) and 22 cases of public interest were included as data.

Methods

The constant comparative method and theoretical sampling which are the analytical strategies of grounded theory were used to analyse the data and generate the typology.

Results

Concealed pregnancy is a fearful, life‐altering, and traumatic experience. Women with a history of controlling and oppressive relationships characterized by fear respond to a crisis pregnancy by keeping it secret. Many women's relationships were characterized by emotional, mental, sexual, or physical violence. Fear for one's survival is common, may render women unable to access care or support and can be so extreme that a woman may end her own life or give birth alone.

Conclusions

This typology of concealed pregnancy is intended to aid understanding the fear, trauma, and complexities associated with concealed pregnancy which is vital if practitioners are to provide sensitive, responsive and non‐judgemental care.
Actual condition survey regarding mismatch of measurements between radioimmunoassay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests for anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Oikawa Yoichi , Kondo Takuma , Shimada Akira , Seino Yutaka , Kitaoka Masafumi
Published: October 2018

Anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) is an important islet cell‐associated autoantibody for the diagnosis of autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus. In Japan, the GADA assay kit was recently changed from radioimmunoassay (RIA) to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thereafter, a mismatched measurement between the two tests became apparent in clinical situations. The present study aimed to clarify the actual extent of mismatch between the two measurements on a larger‐scale real‐world clinical practice. In this cross‐sectional non‐local/non‐hospital‐based study, we collected anonymized data on GADA levels of 598 participants, who were simultaneously measured with GADA‐RIA and GADA enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests. We found that 34% of the GADA‐RIA‐positive participants showed negative results in the GADA enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test; the mismatch was predominantly observed in participants with relatively low GADA‐RIA levels (<32 U/mL). This considerable mismatch might lead to physicians’ confusion in diagnosing type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Protein kinase C and protein kinase A are involved in the protection of recombinant human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 on glomeruli and tubules in diabetic rats
Authors: Yin Weiqin , Jiang Yongwei , Xu Shiqing , Wang Zai , Peng Liang , Fang Qing , Deng Tingting , Zhao Wanni , Zhang Wenjian , Lou Jinning
Published: October 2018

Aims/Introduction

Blockade or reversal the progression of diabetic nephropathy is a clinical challenge. The aim of the present study was to examine whether recombinant human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (rhGLP‐1) has an effect on alleviating urinary protein and urinary albumin levels in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

Streptozotocin‐induced diabetes rats were treated with rhGLP‐1 insulin and saline. Using immunostaining, hematoxylin–eosin, electron microscopy and periodic acid–Schiff staining to study the pathology of diabetic nephropathy, and we carried out quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemistry to identify the differentially expressed proteins. The mechanism was studied through advanced glycation end‐products‐induced tubular epithelial cells.

Results

rhGLP‐1 inhibits protein kinase C (PKC)‐β, but increases protein kinase A (PKA), which reduces oxidative stress in glomeruli and in cultured glomerular microvascular endothelial cells. In tubules, rhGLP‐1 increased the expression of two key proteins related to re‐absorption – megalin and cubilin – which was accompanied by downregulation of PKC‐β and upregulation of PKA. On human proximal tubular epithelial cells, rhGLP‐1 enhanced the absorption of albumin, and this was blocked by a PKC activator or PKA inhibitor.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that rhGLP‐1 can reverse diabetic nephropathy by protecting both glomeruli and tubules by inhibiting PKC and activating PKA.
Evaluation of the use of portable ultrasonography to determine pregnancy status and fecundity in bonnethead shark Sphyrna tiburo
Authors: Anderson Brenda , Belcher Carolyn , Slack JoAnn , Gelsleichter Jim
Published: October 2018

This study examined the usefulness of portable ultrasonography in accurately predicting pregnancy and fecundity in the bonnethead shark Sphyrna tiburo by comparing ultrasound‐obtained data with those obtained from animal dissection, the gold standard for elasmobranch reproduction studies. Mature female S. tiburo (n = 66) were collected throughout the period of reproduction and examined via portable ultrasonography using two different ultrasound transducers (8–5 MHz linear array transducer and a 5.0–2.5 MHz curvilinear array transducer) to determine pregnancy status and fecundity. Ultrasound‐derived data were compared with validated assessments of pregnancy and litter size obtained using animal dissection to determine the level of agreement between the two approaches. Overall, there was strong agreement (90.9%) between pregnancy determinations obtained using ultrasonography and dissection. However, the effectiveness of portable ultrasonography in accurately determining specific stages of maturity and pregnancy differed slightly between transducer types (linear = 61.3%; curvilinear = 88.9%). Measurements of fecundity also agreed well between ultrasonography and dissection and there were no significant differences between mean fecundity estimates obtained using the two methods. In general, portable ultrasonography was found to be a good alternative to lethal sampling and animal dissection in obtaining reproductive data critical for the management and conservation of elasmobranchs. Special attention should be given to factors that can influence the reliability of ultrasound‐derived data such as transducer type, embryo size and sound wave interference due to gut contents.
Effect of concentration and consistency on ohmic heating
Authors: Leite Thiago Soares , Sastry Sudhir K. , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: October 2018

Ohmic heating (OH) is an emerging technology that has shown great potential in the food industry. Product consistency, concentration, and electrical conductivity are critical factors in OH. These variables are interrelated; how they affect each other, however, is not well described in the literature. This study aimed to verify the impact of concentration and consistency on OH, by evaluating the electrical conductivity of several carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions. CMC solutions of different concentration (0.5–3%) were processed by high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) at 100 and 200 MPa (unprocessed as control), to obtain solutions with different consistencies and same concentration. Electrical conductivity at 25 °C increased as solution concentration increased (ranging from 0.118 Sm−1 at 0.5% to 0.493 Sm−1 at 3%), and HPH treatment increase the electrical conductivity (ranging, at 3%, from 0.493 Sm−1 at 0 MPa to 0.575 Sm−1 at 200 MPa), however no significant difference between 100 and 200 MPa samples. Several correlations were possible to between concentration, consistency, and electrical conductivity. These correlations may be used as an indirect tool to determine consistency from electrical conductivity and may be applied in process and equipment design. The results corroborate the potential of OH in fluids with high consistency.

Practical applications

Food consistency is a critical factor in many processes, and ohmic heating shows a great potential for the treatment of highly viscous fluids. How rheological parameters impact ohmic processing without altering product composition has never been investigated. Moreover, the models developed in this study can be used as an indirect tool to estimate rheological parameters from electrical conductivity readings.
Analysis of volatile compounds of Tremella aurantialba fermentation via electronic nose and HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS
Authors: Dai Chunxia , Huang Xingyi , Lv Riqin , Zhang Zhicai , Sun Jun , Aheto Joshua Harrington
Published: October 2018

To detect the odor changes of the volatile compounds during the Tremella aurantialba (T. aurantialba) fermentation associated with its degree, electronic nose (E‐nose) technique, and headspace solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) analyses were performed each day. E‐nose and GC‐MS were used to recognize the comprehensive aroma characterization and volatile compounds of T. aurantialba fermentation, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the data detected by E‐nose technique and GC‐MS. Support vector machine (SVM) was established to analyze E‐nose date for predicting the different stage of the T. aurantialba fermentation. The main volatile compounds were identified by GC‐MS analysis as alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, heterocyclic, and aromatic compounds. The results of PCA by E‐nose were more similar with that of GC‐MS. The discrimination rates of the SVM model were 100 and 97.14% in the training and testing sets. It can be concluded that E‐nose technique coupled with SVM classification tool has high potential to monitor the fermentation process. These may sufficiently demonstrate excellent promise for the E‐nose technique and GC‐MS method to be applied in the liquid state industry.

Practical applications

E‐nose combined with GC‐MS could detect the odor changes of the volatile compounds during the T. aurantialba fermentation. Both analytical techniques showed good performances in the classification of the fermentation degree of T. aurantialba. These may provide a theoretical basis for the design of the portable electronic nose, which would achieve the real‐time smell monitoring of liquid state fermentation of T. aurantialba associated with its degree of fermentation. This equipment can be used to determine the state of fermentation instead of workers. The E‐nose technique and HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS method could be applied in the liquid state fermentation industry in the future.
A novel active food packaging film for shelf‐life extension of minced beef meat
Authors: Shahbazi Yasser , Shavisi Nassim
Published: October 2018

In this study, effect of chitosan (CH) film enriched with cellulose nanoparticle (CN) separately and in combination with ethanolic propolis extract (EPE) on chemical (total volatile base nitrogen content, pH, protein carbonyl content, and peroxide value), microbial (total viable count, psychrotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae) and sensory (odor, color, and overall acceptability) properties of minced beef meat during refrigerated storage for 14 days was evaluated. Final microbial population decreased approximately 1–5.5 log CFU/g in treated samples compared to control (p < .05). Films containing EPE 2%, EPE 2% + CN 2%, and EPE 2% + CN 1% showed a promising approach for delaying microbial growth as well as lipid and protein oxidation of minced beef meat. There were no negative impacts on sensory properties of samples packed with EPE 2%, EPE 2% + CN 2%, and EPE 2% + CN 1%.

Practical applications

Meat is an important source of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It is extremely perishable due to high water content, pH, and availability of nutrients. The results of this study showed that minced beef meat's shelf life can be extended by 14 days using chitosan film containing ethanolic propolis extract (1 and 2%) separately and in combination with cellulose nanoparticle (1 and 2%). The synthesized designated films in our study are biodegradable, thus potential in modern active food packaging for the concern of food protection and environmental problems.
Central Nervous System Medication Burden and Risk of Recurrent Serious Falls and Hip Fractures in Veterans Affairs Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Aspinall Sherrie L. , Springer Sydney P. , Zhao Xinhua , Cunningham Francesca E. , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Semla Todd P. , Shorr Ronald I. , Hanlon Joseph T.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To examine the association between central nervous system (CNS) medication dosage burden and risk of serious falls, including hip fractures, in individuals with a history of a recent fall.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Community Living Centers (CLCs).

Participants

CLC residents aged 65 and older with a history of a fall or hip fracture in the year before a CLC admission between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2009. Each case (n = 316) was matched to four controls (n = 1264) on age, sex, and length of stay.

Measurements

Outcomes were serious falls identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ACD‐9) or Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) E codes, diagnosis codes, or procedure codes associated with a VHA emergency department visit or hospitalization during the CLC stay. Bar code medication administration data were used to calculate CNS standardized daily doses (SDDs) for opioid and benzodiazepine receptor agonists, some antidepressants, antiepileptics, and antipsychotics received in the 6 days before the outcome date by dividing residents' actual CNS daily doses by the minimum effective geriatric daily doses and adding the results. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between total CNS medication dosage burden, categorized as 0, 1 to 2, and 3 or more SDDs, and the outcome of recurrent serious falls.

Results

More cases (44.3%) than controls (35.8%) received 3.0 or more CNS SDDs (p = .02). Risk of serious falls was greater in residents with 3.0 or more SDDs than in those with 0 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03–2.14). Those with 1.0 to 2.9 SDDs had a risk similar to that of those with 0 SDDs (aOR=1.03, 95%CI=0.72–1.48).

Conclusion

Nursing home residents with a history of a fall or hip fracture receiving 3.0 or more CNS SDDs were more likely to have a recurrent serious fall than those taking no CNS medications. Interventions targeting this vulnerable population may help reduce serious falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:74–80, 2019.
Macroeconomic Effects of Government Spending: The Great Recession was (Really) Different
Authors: KLEIN MATHIAS , LINNEMANN LUDGER
Published: October 2018

We estimate the effect of government spending shocks on the U.S. economy with a time‐varying parameter vector autoregression. The recent Great Recession period appears to be characterized by uniquely large impulse responses of output to fiscal shocks. Moreover, the particularity of this period is underlined by highly unusual responses of several other variables. The pattern of fiscal shock responses neither completely fits the predictions of the New Keynesian model of an economy subject to the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates, nor does it suggest regular variation of fiscal policy effects depending on the state of the business cycle. Rather, the Great Recession period seems special in that government spending shocks had a strongly negative effect on the spread between corporate and government bond yields and a strongly positive effect on consumer confidence and private consumption spending.
The incidence of unexpected critical complications in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies according to the interval period between ultrasonographic evaluations
Authors: Kawaguchi Haruna , Ishii Keisuke , Muto Haruka , Yamamoto Ryo , Hayashi Shusaku , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: October 2018

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of unexpected critical complications (UCC) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies according to ultrasonographic scan interval.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center cohort study, conducted between January 2005 and April 2015, investigated the incidence of UCC in patients with MCDA twin pregnancies undergoing weekly ultrasound (Group A) and those undergoing biweekly ultrasound (Group B). We also examined the incidence of predictable critical complications according to ultrasound interval.

Results

Of all 385 cases, the total incidence of UCC was 20 (5.2%), including 14 cases of twin‐twin transfusion syndrome and 6 cases of intrauterine fetal death. The incidence of UCC was 3.9% in Group A and 9.0% in Group B (P = 0.046). In contrast, the incidence of predictable critical complications was 6.7% in Group A and 9.0% in Group B (P = 0.440).

Conclusion

The incidence of UCC in patients with MCDA twin pregnancies was significantly lower in patients undergoing weekly ultrasound. Our results suggest that weekly ultrasound evaluation for patients with MCDA pregnancy is more effective for early detection of UCC such as intrauterine fetal death and twin‐twin transfusion syndrome ; however, further investigations are needed to determine whether weekly ultrasound evaluation can improve clinical outcomes.
Influence of lower complete denture use on masseter muscles and masticatory function: A longitudinal study
Authors: Carletti Talita Malini , Pinheiro Mayara Abreu , Gonçalves Thais Marques Simek Vega , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: October 2018

Background

Edentulism can reduce mastication, leading to changes in food pattern, with possible consequences to masticatory muscle thickness.

Objectives

This study verified masticatory function and oral perception in subjects who did not use lower CDs, and whether the insertion of new upper and lower CDs would improve such variables.

Methods

Fifteen edentulous elderly who wore only the upper CD were selected and received new upper and lower CD. Volunteers were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months of new prosthesis use. Masticatory performance (MP) was assessed by the sieving method (X50 values). Masseter thickness (MT) was evaluated by ultrasonography. Oral sensorial ability (OSA) was assessed by oral stereognosis test and maximum tongue pressure (MTP) was verified by pressure sensors. Data were submitted to repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey‐Kramer posthoc tests (α = 0.05). Correlation between OSA and MTP was verified by Person's correlation.

Results

X50 and MTP decreased (P < 0.05) after 1 month and remained stable (P > 0.05) for next assessments. After 3 months, MT in rest position was increased (P < 0.05), while during maximum voluntary contraction 1 month was enough to increase MT (P < 0.05). There were no differences for OSA (P > 0.05) and no correlation between OSA and MTP.

Conclusion

Masticatory performance and masseter thickness of elderly who did not use the lower dentures were improved after 2 months using new upper and lower CDs. However, new CDs in both dental arch decreased MTP. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC #RBR‐37gdst).
Effectiveness of mobilisation of the upper cervical region and craniocervical flexor training on orofacial pain, mandibular function and headache in women withTMD. A randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Calixtre Letícia B. , Oliveira Ana Beatriz , de Sena Rosa Lianna Ramalho , Armijo‐Olivo Susan , Visscher Corine M. , Alburquerque‐Sendín Francisco
Published: October 2018

Background

Studies exploring interventions targeting the cervical spine to improve symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are limited.

Objectives

To determine whether mobilisation of the upper cervical region and craniocervical flexor training decreased orofacial pain, increased mandibular function and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the masticatory muscles and decreased headache impact in women withTMDwhen compared to no intervention.

Methods

In a single‐blind randomised controlled trial, 61 women withTMDwere randomised into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). TheIGreceived upper cervical mobilisations and neck motor control and stabilisation exercises for 5 weeks. TheCGreceived no treatment. Outcomes were collected by a blind rater at baseline and 5‐week follow‐up. Orofacial pain intensity was collected once a week. A mixedANOVAand Cohen'sdwere used to determine differences within/between groups and effect sizes.

Results

Pain intensity showed significant time‐by‐group interaction (P < 0.05), with significant between‐group differences at four and five weeks (P < 0.05), with large effect sizes (d > 0.8). The decrease in orofacial pain over time was clinically relevant only in theIG. Change in headache impact was significantly different between groups, and theIGshowed a clinically relevant decrease after the treatment. No effects were found forPPTor mandibular function.

Conclusion

Women withTMDreported a significant decrease in orofacial pain and headache impact after 5 weeks of treatment aimed at the upper cervical spine compared to a CG.
Chemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of two Scutellaria species: S. orientalis L. and S. salviifolia Benth
Authors: Zengin Gokhan , Llorent-Martínez Eulogio J , Molina-García Lucía , Fernández-de Córdova María Luisa , Aktumsek Abdurrahman , Uysal Sengul , Rengasamy Kannan R R , Aumeeruddy Muhammad Zakariyyah , Bahadori Mir Babak , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This study investigates into the biological effects of solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Scutellaria orientalis L. and Scutellaria salviifolia Benth. based on its enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant ability together with the screening of bioactive compounds.

Methods

Total and individual bioactive components were determined using spectrophotometric and HPLC-ESI-MS methods. Six antioxidant assays were conducted and enzyme inhibition was tested against key enzymes linked to the pathology of common chronic disorders.

Key findings

Results revealed that the aqueous extracts of both plants exerted better 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The methanol extracts showed highest tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity in phosphomolybdenum assay while the less polar ethyl acetate extracts showed better acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and α-amylase inhibition. Phytochemical evaluation by HPLC-ESI-MS revealed the presence of high amounts of flavones.

Conclusions

Scutellaria orientalis and S. salviifolia are important sources of bioactive agents that warrants further studies.
Comparative evaluation of a novel, moderately hypofractionated radiation protocol in 56 dogs with symptomatic intracranial neoplasia
Authors: Schwarz Philip , Meier Valeria , Soukup Alena , Drees Randi , Besserer Jürgen , Beckmann Katrin , Roos Malgorzata , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: October 2018

Background:Use of strongly hypofractionated radiation treatments in dogs with intracranial neoplasia did not improve outcomes and yielded increased rates of toxicosis.

Objectives: To evaluate safety and efficacy of a new, moderately hypofractionated radiation protocol of 10 × 4 Gy compared to a standard protocol.

Animals:Convenience sample of 56 client‐owned dogs with primary symptomatic brain tumors.

Methods:Retrospective observational study. Twenty‐six dogs were assigned to the control standard protocol of 20 × 2.5 Gy (group A) and 30 dogs to the new protocol of 10 × 4 Gy (group B), assigned on owners' informed consent. Statistical analysis was conducted under the “as treated” regime, using Kaplan‐Meier and Cox‐regression analysis. Treatment was delivered with technically advanced image‐guided radiation therapy. The 2 treatment groups were compared in terms of outcome and signs of toxicosis.

Results:Overall progression‐free interval (PFI) and overall survival (OS) time were favorable, with 663 (95%CI: 497;828) and 637 (95%CI: 403;870) days, respectively. We found no significant difference between the two groups: PFI for dogs in group A vs B was 608 (95%CI: 437;779) days and mean (median not reached) 863 (95%CI: 644;1083) days, respectively (P = .89), and OS for dogs in group A vs B 610 (95%CI: 404;816) and mean (median not reached) 796 (95%CI: 586;1007) days (P = .83).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: In conclusion, 10 × 4 Gy is a safe and efficient protocol for treatment of primary intracranial neoplasia and future dose escalation can be considered.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone in Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) following intravenous and intramuscular administration at two dosages
Authors: Mapongpeng Roipim , Laovechprasit Weerapong , Poapolathep Amnart , Giorgi Mario , Junchompoo Chalatip , Sakulthaew Chainarong , Jermnak Usuma , Passadurak Wanida , Poapolathep Saranya
Published: October 2018

Green sea turtles are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters. Adult green sea turtles face many threats, primarily from humans, including injuries from boat propellers, being caught in fishing nets, pollution, poaching, and infectious diseases. To the best of our knowledge, limited pharmacokinetic information to establish suitable therapeutic plans is available for green sea turtles. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ceftriaxone (CEF) in green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, following single intravenous and intramuscular administrations at two dosages of 10 and 25 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 96 hr. The plasma concentrations of CEF were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of CEF in the plasma were quantified up to 24 and 48 hr after i.v. and i.m. administrations at dosages of 10 and 25 mg/kg b.w., respectively. The Cmax values of CEF were 15.43 ± 3.71 μg/ml and 43.48 ± 4.29 μg/ml at dosages of 10 and 25 mg/kg, respectively. The AUClast values increased in a dose‐dependent fashion. The half‐life values were 2.89 ± 0.41 hr and 5.96 ± 0.26 hr at dosages of 10 and 25 mg/kg b.w, respectively. The absolute i.m. bioavailability was 67% and 108%, and the binding percentage of CEF to plasma protein was ranged from 20% to 29% with an average of 24.6%. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, susceptibility break‐point and PK‐PD index (T > MIC, 0.2 μg/ml), i.m. administration of CEF at a dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w. might be appropriate for initiating treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in green sea turtles.
The Monetary Policy of the ECB: Caring for the Weakest Links
Authors: Drometer Marcus , Siemsen Thomas , Watzka Sebastian
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the extent to which national economic conditions matter in the ECB's decision process. We employ various decision models to aggregate counterfactual national interest rates based on Taylor rule estimates and test which of the resulting interest paths fits best to the actual monetary policy in the euro area. As a novel feature, we introduce decision models where countries that fare economically worse than the euro area average obtain a higher weight in the decision process. Our results suggest that these models explain actual ECB policy better than GDP‐based bargaining models that have been highlighted in the previous literature. Thus, the ECB seems to have emphasized the needs of countries that face an economic crisis disproportionately highly even before the advent of the financial crisis.
The short‐time behavior of VIX‐implied volatilities in a multifactor stochastic volatility framework
Authors: Barletta Andrea , Nicolato Elisa , Pagliarani Stefano
Published: October 2018

We consider a modeling setup where the volatility index (VIX) dynamics are explicitly computable as a smooth transformation of a purely diffusive, multidimensional Markov process. The framework is general enough to embed many popular stochastic volatility models. We develop closed‐form expansions and sharp error bounds for VIX futures, options, and implied volatilities. In particular, we derive exact asymptotic results for VIX‐implied volatilities, and their sensitivities, in the joint limit of short time‐to‐maturity and small log‐moneyness. The expansions obtained are explicit based on elementary functions and they neatly uncover how the VIX skew depends on the specific choice of the volatility and the vol‐of‐vol processes. Our results are based on perturbation techniques applied to the infinitesimal generator of the underlying process. This methodology has previously been adopted to derive approximations of equity (SPX) options. However, the generalizations needed to cover the case of VIX options are by no means straightforward as the dynamics of the underlying VIX futures are not explicitly known. To illustrate the accuracy of our technique, we provide numerical implementations for a selection of model specifications.
Signatures of genetic adaptation to extremely varied Australian environments in introduced European house sparrows
Authors: Andrew Samuel C. , Jensen Henrik , Hagen Ingerid J. , Lundregan Sarah , Griffith Simon C.
Published: October 2018

Due to its history of multiple introductions to novel environments worldwide, the house sparrow has been used as a model species to study local adaption in invasive avian species. New genomic resources such as a custom 200K SNP array and a house sparrow reference genome provide great prospects for studying rapid local adaptation in this invasive species. Here, we analyse high‐density genomewide genetic data collected across an extensive range of temperate, arid and tropical climates, in Australian populations that were introduced from Europe 150 years ago. We used two population differentiation (PD) and two ecological association (EA) methods to identify putative loci subject to selection across these varied climates. A majority of the outlier SNPs were identified through the use of the latent factor mixed models (LFMM) EA method, but the BayeScEnv EA method had the strongest overlap with the outliers from the two PD methods. Out of all the 971 outliers identified across the different methods, 38.3% were physically linked (within 20 kbps) to 575 known protein‐coding regions in the house sparrow reference genome. Interestingly, some outlier genes had been previously identified in genome scan studies of broadly distributed species or had strong links to traits that are expected to be important to local adaptation, for example, heat‐shock proteins, immune response and HOX genes. However, many outliers still have unknown relevance and some outliers can be false positives. Our results identify an opportunity to use the house sparrow model to further study local adaptation in an invasive species.
Time and Tradition as Reflected in the Etz Hayim Torah Commentary
Authors: Meirovich Harvey
Published: October 2018

At the beginning of the twenty‐first century, the Conservative Movement in North America published a Torah commentary reflecting its historical and theological elucidation of Judaism. This commentary, Etz Hayim, evinces a number of features that the following essay subjects to critical comment and analysis. These include: the commentary’s emphasis on historical context as critical to deciphering the Torah narratives and its laws; the presupposition that Judaism functions as an organism constantly in flux, open to patterns of progress and decline, with an aptitude for rebirth and self‐renewal; and that the pivotal rubrics of belonging, believing, and behaving are quintessential features of Jewish identity. While these characteristics are relatively uncontroversial, the same cannot be said for the editorial decision to divide, on the same page, the commentary’s 'historical' and 'homiletical' segments – a feature which effectively drives underground the option to integrate spiritual values and lessons using the tools of modern critical scholarship. Another unfortunate feature of Etz Hayim is that its two essays on Jewish law (Halakha) offer contrasting, competitive interpretations of how the halakhic process actually works in the minds of Conservative decisors. Yet these alternate approaches are not sufficiently delineated for the lay reader. Finally, while Etz Hayim does highlight value concepts that function as goads to ritual observance, the various contributors to the commentary and to the appended essays never fully engage why Conservative Jews ought to become serious practitioners of Jewish tradition. These shortcomings notwithstanding, Etz Hayim does offer a template of hope and expectation: through its historical‐religious experiences, the Jewish people facilitates an ethical worldview of particular, and of universal, merit.
Whirly1 enhances tolerance to chilling stress in tomato via protection of photosystem II and regulation of starch degradation
Authors: Zhuang Kunyang , Kong Fanying , Zhang Song , Meng Chen , Yang Minmin , Liu Zhuangbin , Wang Yong , Ma Nana , Meng Qingwei
Published: October 2018

In plants, the chilling response involves decreased photosynthetic capacity and increased starch accumulation in chloroplasts. However, the mechanisms that modulate these processes remain unclear.

We found that the SlWHY1 gene is significantly induced by chilling stress (4°C) in tomato. Three SlWHY1 overexpression (OE) lines grew better than the wild type (WT) under chilling stress; the OE plants retained intact photosynthetic grana lamellae and showed enhanced hydrolysis of starch. By contrast, RNAi lines that inhibited SlWHY1 were more affected than the corresponding WT cultivar. Their grana lamellae were damaged and starch content increased.

The psbA gene encodes the key photosystem II (PSII) protein D1. We show that SlWHY1 binds to the upstream region (A/GTTACCCT/A) of SlpsbA and enhances the de novo synthesis of D1 in chloroplasts. Additionally, SlWHY1 regulates the expression of the starch‐degrading enzyme α‐amylase (SlAMY3‐L) and the starch synthesis‐related enzyme isoamylase gene (SlISA2) in the nucleus, thus modulating the starch content in chloroplasts.

We demonstrate that SlWHY1 enhances the resistance of tomato to chilling stress by maintaining the function of PSII and degrading starch. Thus, overexpression of WHY1 may be an effective strategy for enhancing resistance to chilling stress of chilling‐sensitive crops in agricultural production.
Neighbourhood social capital and obesity: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Carrillo‐Álvarez E. , Kawachi I. , Riera‐Romaní J.
Published: October 2018

Social capital, defined as the resources accessed by individuals and groups through social connections, has been posited to be a social determinant of obesity. However, empirical evidence for this association has been inconsistent – namely, some studies have found a protective association while others have reported no correlation. We sought to conduct a systematic review on the relation between neighbourhood social capital and obesity, considering potential differences on the results based on the measures used and the covariates and mediators included in the studies. PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. Our results indicate that an association between neighbourhood social capital and obesity exists, but that it depends on the measures and covariates used in the study design. Understanding the role of social capital in the development and/or maintenance of obesity will require the use of strong methodological designs and a thorough conceptualization of how this relationship may arise.