bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of small doses of fructose and allulose on postprandial glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes: A double‐blind, randomized, controlled, acute feeding, equivalence trial
Authors: Noronha Jarvis C. , Braunstein Catherine R. , Glenn Andrea J. , Khan Tauseef A. , Viguiliouk Effie , Noseworthy Rebecca , Blanco Mejia Sonia , Kendall Cyril W. C. , Wolever Thomas M. S. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To assess and compare the effect of small doses of fructose and allulose on postprandial blood glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A double‐blind, multiple‐crossover, randomized, controlled, acute feeding, equivalence trial in 24 participants with type 2 diabetes was conducted. Each participant was randomly assigned six treatments separated by >1‐week washouts. Treatments consisted of fructose or allulose at 0 g (control), 5 g or 10 g added to a 75‐g glucose solution. A standard 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test protocol was followed with blood samples at −30, 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. The primary outcome measure was plasma glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC).

Results

Allulose significantly reduced plasma glucose iAUC by 8% at 10 g compared with 0 g (717.4 ± 38.3 vs. 777.5 ± 39.9 mmol × min/L, P = 0.015) with a linear dose response gradient between the reduction in plasma glucose iAUC and dose (P = 0.016). Allulose also significantly reduced several related secondary and exploratory outcome measures at 5 g (plasma glucose absolute mean and total AUC) and 10 g (plasma glucose absolute mean, absolute and incremental maximum concentration [Cmax], and total AUC) (P < .0125). There was no effect of fructose at any dose. Although allulose showed statistically significant reductions in plasma glucose iAUC compared with fructose at 5 g, 10 g and pooled doses, these reductions were within the pre‐specified equivalence margins of ±20%.

Conclusion

Allulose, but not fructose, led to modest reductions in the postprandial blood glucose response to oral glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes. There is a need for long‐term randomized trials to confirm the sustainability of these improvements.
The management of type 2 diabetes with fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus basal‐bolus therapy (insulin glargine U100 plus insulin aspart): A short‐term cost‐effectiveness analysis in the UK setting
Authors: Drummond Russell , Malkin Samuel , Du Preez Michelle , Lee Xin Ying , Hunt Barnaby
Published: May 2018

Aim

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of IDegLira versus basal‐bolus therapy (BBT) with insulin glargine U100 plus up to 4 times daily insulin aspart for the management of type 2 diabetes in the UK.

Methods

A Microsoft Excel model was used to evaluate the cost‐utility of IDegLira versus BBT over a 1‐year time horizon. Clinical input data were taken from the treat‐to‐target DUAL VII trial, conducted in patients unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (HbA1c <7.0%) with basal insulin, with IDegLira associated with lower rates of hypoglycaemia and reduced body mass index (BMI) in comparison with BBT, with similar HbA1c reductions. Costs (expressed in GBP) and event‐related disutilities were taken from published sources. Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

IDegLira was associated with an improvement of 0.05 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) versus BBT, due to reductions in non‐severe hypoglycaemic episodes and BMI with IDegLira. Costs were higher with IDegLira by GBP 303 per patient, leading to an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of GBP 5924 per QALY gained for IDegLira versus BBT. ICERs remained below GBP 20 000 per QALY gained across a range of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

IDegLira is a cost‐effective alternative to BBT with insulin glargine U100 plus insulin aspart, providing equivalent glycaemic control with a simpler treatment regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin in the UK.
Exercising the hepatobiliary‐gut axis. The impact of physical activity performance
Authors: Molina‐Molina Emilio , Lunardi Baccetto Raquel , Wang David Q.‐H. , de Bari Ornella , Krawczyk Marcin , Portincasa Piero
Published: May 2018

Background

Physical inactivity puts the populations at risk of several health problems, while regular physical activity brings beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, mortality and other health outcomes, including obesity, glycaemic control and insulin resistance. The hepatobiliary tract is greatly involved in several metabolic aspects which include digestion and absorption of nutrients in concert with intestinal motility, bile acid secretion and flow across the enterohepatic circulation and intestinal microbiota. Several metabolic abnormalities, including nonalcoholic fatty liver as well as cholesterol cholelithiasis, represent two conditions explained by changes of the aforementioned pathways.

Materials and Methods

This review defines different training modalities and discusses the effects of physical activity in two metabolic disorders, that is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cholelithiasis. Emphasis is given to pathogenic mechanisms involving intestinal bile acids, microbiota and inflammatory status.

Results

A full definition of physical activity includes the knowledge of aerobic and endurance exercise, metabolic equivalent tasks, duration, frequency and intensity, beneficial and harmful effects. Physical activity influences the hepatobiliary‐gut axis at different levels and brings benefits to fat distribution, liver fat and gallbladder disease while interacting with bile acids as signalling molecules, intestinal microbiota and inflammatory changes in the body.

Conclusions

Several beneficial effects of physical activity are anticipated on metabolic disorders linking liver steatosis, gallstone disease, gut motility, enterohepatic circulation of signalling bile acids in relation to intestinal microbiota and inflammatory changes.
Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in dialysis‐dependent multiple myeloma patients—DAUTOS Study of the Polish Myeloma Study Group
Authors: Waszczuk‐Gajda Anna , Lewandowski Zbigniew , Drozd‐Sokołowska Joanna , Boguradzki Piotr , Dybko Jarosław , Wróbel Tomasz , Basak Grzegorz Władysław , Jurczyszyn Artur , Mądry Krzysztof , Snarski Emilian , Frączak Ewa , Charliński Grzegorz , Feliksbrot‐Bratosiewicz Magdalena , Król Małgorzata , Matuszkiewicz‐Rowińska Joanna , Klinger Marian , Krajewska Magdalena , Augustyniak‐Bartosik Hanna , Kościelska Małgorzata , Rusicka Patrycja , Dwilewicz‐Trojaczek Jadwiga , Wiktor Jędrzejczak Wieslaw
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Dialysis‐dependent (DD) multiple myeloma patients (MM) have a poor prognosis and high tumour burden, thus may benefit from autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto‐PBSCT), however, these patients have an increased risk of toxicity.

Aims

To evaluate the outcomes (toxicity, PFS, OS) of high dose therapy followed by auto‐PBSCT during an observational study and after propensity score matching.

Patients and methods

Between 2004‐2015, 24 DD patients, (aged 38‐67 years), ISS 3, treated with auto‐PBSCT, requiring dialysis at diagnosis and auto‐PBSCT were evaluated, matched and compared to 55 normal renal function MM patients (NRF) with ISS 3 for outcomes of interest.

Results

In DD patients compared to NRF patients risk of mucositis (88% vs 55%), infection (79% vs 51%), parenteral nutrition (50% vs 24%), diarrhoea (71% vs 38%), prolonged duration of hospitalisation (medians: 30 vs 21 days), requirement for RBC transfusion (83% vs 36%) were significantly higher, while no significant differences were found in post‐transplant response (ORR; 75% vs 87%), 5‐year PFS (36% vs 20%) and OS (39% vs 50%). Subgroup analyses based on toxicity supported these results.

Conclusions

Despite the increased risk of toxicity in DD patients these events do not significantly affect both the PFS and OS.
Sexual behaviour is impaired by the abused inhalant toluene in adolescent male rats
Authors: Violante‐Soria Valeria , Cruz Silvia L. , Rodríguez‐Manzo Gabriela
Published: May 2018

Inhalant misuse is a worldwide problem, especially among adolescents. Toluene is the most widely misused inhalant. One hallmark of adolescence is the emergence of sexual behaviour, which can be affected by drug use. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of toluene inhalation on different aspects of male rats’ sexual behaviour using a binge pattern of exposure in adolescent rats. Male Wistar rats were individually exposed to air or 6,000 ppm toluene for 30 min (acute exposure; n = 8 each) or twice a day for 12 days (repeated exposure; n = 9 each) in static exposure chambers. Independent groups of sexually experienced, adolescent rats (postnatal day 63, PN63) were tested after acute toluene exposure for copulation, sexual incentive motivation or noncontact erections. Sexually naïve, adolescent rats (PN45–59) were repeatedly exposed to toluene and tested for sexual behaviour after completing the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th exposure sessions. Acute toluene exposure impaired copulatory performance, diminished sexual incentive motivation and delayed noncontact erection occurrence in sexually experienced rats. Repeated toluene exposure during adolescence completely inhibited the onset of copulatory behaviours in sexually naïve rats, at the time at which they should have appeared. However, once the inhalant exposure ended, copulatory responses appeared gradually, and animals attained a typical, stable copulatory pattern. In conclusion, acute toluene exposure impairs sexual behaviour in young, sexually experienced animals, while repeated toluene exposure during adolescence prevents the onset of copulatory behaviour, although this effect is transitory.
SIG1459: A novel phytyl‐cysteine derived TLR2 modulator with in vitro and clinical anti‐acne activity
Authors: Fernández José R. , Webb Corey , Rouzard Karl , Healy Jason , Tamura Masanori , Voronkov Michael , Huber Kristen L. , Stock Jeffry B. , Stock Maxwell , Gordon Joel S. , Pérez Edwardo
Published: May 2018

Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of acne. C. acnes initiates an innate immune response in keratinocytes via recognition and activation of toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2), a key step in comedogenesis. Tetramethyl‐hexadecenyl‐cysteine‐formylprolinate (SIG1459), a novel anti‐acne isoprenylcysteine (IPC) small molecule, is shown in this study to have direct antibacterial activity and inhibit TLR2 inflammatory signalling. In vitro antibacterial activity of SIG1459 against C. acnes was established demonstrating minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC = 8.5 μmol\L), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC = 16.1 μmol\L) and minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC = 12.5 μmol\L). To assess SIG1459's anti‐inflammatory activity, human keratinocytes were exposed to C. acnes and different TLR2 ligands (peptidoglycan, FSL‐1, Pam3CSK4) that induce pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐8 and IL‐1α production. Results demonstrate SIG1459 inhibits TLR2‐induced IL‐8 release from TLR2/TLR2 (IC50 = 0.086 μmol\L), TLR2/6 (IC50 = 0.209 μmol\L) and IL‐1α from TLR2/TLR2 (IC50 = 0.050 μmol\L). To assess the safety and in vivo anti‐acne activity of SIG1459, a vehicle controlled clinical study was conducted applying 1% SIG1459 topically (n = 35 subjects) in a head‐to‐head comparison against 3% BPO (n = 15 subjects). Utilizing the Investigator Global Assessment scale for acne as primary endpoint, results demonstrate 1% SIG1459 significantly outperformed 3% BPO over 8 weeks, resulting in 79% improvement as compared to 56% for BPO. Additionally, 1% SIG1459 was well tolerated. Thus, SIG1459 and phytyl IPC compounds represent a novel anti‐acne technology that provides a safe dual modulating benefit by killing C. acnes and reducing the inflammation it triggers via TLR2 signalling.
The use of statolith analyses and particle‐tracking experiments to reveal the migratory route of the swordtip squid (Uroteuthis edulis) caught on the Pacific side of Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Aketagawa T. , Miyamoto M. , Hirose N. , Matsuyama M.
Published: May 2018

To verify the hypothesis that swordtip squid (Uroteuthis edulis) harvested on the eastern and western sides of Japan originate from a single stock, which is transported from the East China Sea, the hatching ground and migratory route of squid collected from the eastern (Pacific) side of Japan were estimated using micro‐increment counts and the Sr:Ca ratios in statoliths as well as backward and forward particle‐tracking experiments. The results of both the empirical water temperatures estimated by the Sr:Ca ratios in the statoliths as well as the trajectories and ambient water temperatures of the particles in the experiments supported the hypothesis, suggesting that the sampled individuals experienced cold waters caused by upwelling, originating from the Kuroshio off northern Taiwan. It was found that the environmental settings in the particle‐tracking experiments of this study adequately represented the habitats of the squid and that the movement of this species is highly dependent on currents. This information is essential to establishing a stock management system for sustainable fishing.
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: 10 Myths and Misperceptions
Authors: Kranz Peter G. , Gray Linda , Amrhein Timothy J.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To discuss common myths and misperceptions about spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), focusing on common issues related to diagnosis and treatment, and to review the evidence that contradicts and clarifies these myths.

Background

Recognition of SIH has increased in recent years. With increasing recognition, however, has come an increased demand for management by neurologists and headache specialists, some of whom have little prior experience with the condition. This dearth of practical experience, and lack of awareness of recent investigations into SIH, produces heterogeneity in diagnostic and treatment pathways, driven in part by outdated, confusing, or unsubstantiated conceptions of the condition. We sought to address this heterogeneity by identifying 10 myths and misperceptions that we frequently encounter when receiving referrals for suspected or confirmed SIH, and to review the literature addressing these topics.

Methods

Ten topics relevant to diagnosis and treatment SIH were generated by the authors. A search for studies addressing SIH was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE, limited to English language only, peer reviewed publications from inception to 2018. Individual case reports were excluded. The resulting studies were reviewed for relevance to the topics in question.

Results

The search generated 557 studies addressing SIH; 75 case reports were excluded. Fifty‐four studies were considered to be of high relevance to the topics addressed, and were included in the data synthesis. The topics are presented in the form of a narrative review.

Conclusions

The understanding of SIH has evolved over the recent decades, leading to improvements in knowledge about the pathophysiology of the condition, diagnostic strategies, and expanded treatments. Awareness of these changes, and dispelling outdated misconceptions about SIH, is critical to providing appropriate care for patients and guiding future investigations going forward.
BRAFV600E mutations and immunohistochemical expression of VE1 protein in low‐grade serous neoplasms of the ovary
Authors: Turashvili Gulisa , Grisham Rachel N , Chiang Sarah , DeLair Deborah F , Park Kay J , Soslow Robert A , Murali Rajmohan
Published: May 2018

Aims

The most common BRAF mutation in ovarian low‐grade serous neoplasms (LGSNs) involves substitution of valine by glutamic acid at position 600 (V600E). Small studies have demonstrated high specificity of immunohistochemistry with mutation‐specific monoclonal antibody VE1. We sought to investigate the expression of VE1 protein in LGSNs and its correlation with BRAF mutation‐associated histological features and BRAF mutation status.

Methods and results

We reviewed pathology reports and available slides from ovarian serous borderline tumours (SBTs) and low‐grade serous carcinomas (LGSCs) diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. VE1 immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections. Tumours with ≥50% positive cells were considered positive. Of 121 LGSNs, there were 73 SBTs, eight SBTs with micropapillary features (mpSBT) and 40 LGSCs (22 primary, 18 metastatic). VE1 was positive in 52% (38 of 73) of SBTs and 9% (two of 22) of primary LGSCs, and in none of the mpSBTs and metastatic LGSCs (P < 0.0001). Of 76 tumours with known mutation status, 42 (55%) harboured mutations, including BRAFV600E (26, 34%), KRASG12D (eight, 11%), and KRASG12V (eight, 11%). BRAFV600E mutations were present in 48% (25 of 52) of SBTs and 5% (one of 22) of LGSCs (P < 0.0001). VE1 was positive in 96% (25 of 26) of BRAFV600E‐mutated tumours and correlated with BRAF mutation‐associated histological features (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

BRAFV600E mutations are significantly more common in SBTs than in LGSCs. Immunohistochemical expression of VE1 protein is associated strongly with BRAFV600E mutation and BRAF mutation‐associated histological features. VE1 immunohistochemistry is a reliable method for the detection of BRAFV600E mutations.
The Earth's natural pulse electromagnetic fields for earthquake time–frequency characteristics: Insights from the EEMD–WVD method
Authors: Hao Guo‐Cheng , Bai Yu‐Xiao , Liu Hui , Zhao Juan , Zeng Zuo‐Xun
Published: May 2018

Monitoring the Earth's natural pulse electromagnetic field (ENPEMF) signal is a geomagnetic detection approach for the Earth internal and external studies, and it provides a reference for earthquake prediction. In this paper, the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition–Wigner Ville Distribution (EEMD–WVD) method is used to process the time sequences of the ENPEMF signal detected by GR‐01 receiving devices during the Lushan MS7.0 earthquake (April 20th, 2013). By obtaining the intrinsic mode function (IMF), the time–frequency–amplitude joint distribution and the energy spectrum of the ENPEMF signal, the suspected anomalies before the earthquake could be shown. The results illustrate the ENPEMF signal before an earthquake and its time–frequency characteristics based on an EEMD–WVD algorithm, proving useful information about the anomalies around the time of the earthquake.
Age‐related changes in the gut microbiota of wild House Sparrow nestlings
Authors: Kohl Kevin D. , Brun Antonio , Caviedes‐Vidal Enrique , Karasov William H.
Published: May 2018

Here, we document the development of the House Sparrow Passer domesticus gut microbiota for the benefit of future ecological and evolutionary studies in this widely used avian system. We collected and inventoried luminal and mucosal samples from the distal guts of nestling House Sparrows between 3 and 12 days of age, and also collected similar samples from adult birds. Luminal bacterial community membership and structure differed significantly between nestlings and adults. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the lumen decreased around day 9, whereas the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased, demonstrating age‐related changes in the microbiota of House Sparrows.
Hair colour and skin colour together influence perceptions of age, health and attractiveness in lightly pigmented young women
Authors: Fink B. , Liebner K. , Müller A.‐K. , Hirn T. , McKelvey G. , Lankhof J.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Research documents that even subtle changes in visible skin condition affect perceptions of age, health and attractiveness. There is evidence that hair quality also affects the assessment of physical appearance, as variations in hair diameter, hair density and hairstyle have systematic effects on perception. Here, we consider combined effects of hair colour and skin colour on the perception of female physical appearance.

Methods

In two experiments, we digitally manipulated facial skin colour of lightly pigmented, young women, both between‐subjects (Experiment 1) and within‐subjects (Experiment 2), and investigated possible interactions with hair colour in regard to age, health, and attractiveness perception.

Results

In both experiments, we detected hair colour and skin colour interaction effects on men's and women's assessments. For between‐subjects comparisons, participants with lighter hair colour were judged to be younger than those with darker shades; this effect was more pronounced in women with light skin colour. No such effect was observed for within‐subjects variation in skin colour. Both experiments showed that smaller perceived contrast between hair colour and skin colour resulted in more positive responses.

Conclusion

We conclude that hair colour and facial skin colour together have an effect on perceptions of female age, health, and attractiveness in young women, and we discuss these findings with reference to the literature on the role of hair and skin in the assessment of female physical appearance.
Control of lactic acid bacteria in fermented beverages using lysozyme and nisin: test of traditional beverage boza as a model food system
Authors: Sozbilen Gozde Seval , Korel Figen , Yemenicioğlu Ahmet
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to increase quality and limited shelf‐life of boza (3–15 days), a traditional Balkan origin fermented beverage using lysozyme (LYS) and/or nisin (NIS). For this purpose, the effectiveness of NIS, LYS and LYS:NIS combinations was first tested in a broth medium at 4 °C for 3 weeks on Lactobacillus plantarum, one of the frequently isolated lactic acid bacteria in boza. Stability of LYS and NIS in boza, their effects on LAB counts, and chemical and sensory properties of boza were then evaluated during cold storage at 4 °C. Results of LAB counts as well as pH, d‐ and l‐lactic acid, and titratable acidity measurements showed that LAB in boza containing NIS (250 μg g−1) or LYS:NIS (500:250 μg g−1) could be controlled without reducing LAB counts below 6 log CFU mL−1 during 2 weeks shelf‐life. In contrast, LYS (500 μg g−1) alone could not control LAB in boza to delay its acidic spoilage. Positive effects of NIS and LYS:NIS application on quality of boza were also proved with sensory analysis by panelists and e‐nose measurements. This work showed that use of natural GRAS agents in preservation of fermented beverages containing probiotic LAB is possible without affecting their characteristic aroma and flavour.
The effect of health coaching on treatment adherence, self‐efficacy, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Tülüce Derya , Kutlutürkan Sevinç
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of health coaching on respiratory functions, treatment adherence, self‐efficacy, and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Methods

This study was conducted as an experimental study with non‐randomized control group in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease individuals. The study group included a total of 54 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (27 patients both health coaching and control groups), was selected between 13 July 2016 and 2 July 2017. Data were collected by using a questionnaire form, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, 8‐Item Morisky Adherence Scale, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Self‐Efficacy Scale. A total of 12 coaching interviews were conducted with the patients in the health coaching group.

Results

After health coaching intervention, self‐efficacy scale general score, and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, total scores were found statistically significant different between 2 groups in interaction values. There was a significant difference in the 8‐Item Morisky Adherence Scale scores for degree of treatment adherence between the groups.

Conclusion

The health coaching intervention is recommended, as it contributes to facilitate the treatment adherence and increase the self‐efficacy skills by improving the quality of life of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis in the Kurdish Region of Iraq: Explaining the Role of Borders in Situations of Forced Displacement
Authors: Dionigi Filippo
Published: May 2018

More than 250,000 Syrian refugees have relocated in the Kurdish Region of Iraq since 2011. The local response has been relatively receptive towards them. This study proposes an analysis of the concept of border and applies the idea of “border thinness” as an interpretative framework to examine the nature of transborder relations between the Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish areas. Relying on secondary sources, technical and elite level interviews with social and political actors in KRI, the analysis highlights how Kurdish areas of Syria and Iraq have maintained transborder relations which shaped the dynamics of displacement from Syria and constituted the context for a relatively receptive stance towards Syrian Kurdish refugees. Borders do not always mark a sharp territorial separation between social, political, and economic realities; instead a more complex conceptualization exposes transborder relational spaces, explaining the modes of displacement and its responses from host communities.
Hidden care: Revelations of a case‐note audit of physical health care in a community mental health service
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Zabeen Sara , Rowlands Nikki , Picot Sharon
Published: May 2018

People with severe mental illness (SMI) are widely reported to be at an increased risk of morbidity and premature death due to physical health conditions. Mental health nurses are ideally placed to address physical and mental health comorbidity as part of their day‐to‐day practice. This study involved an audit of hardcopy and electronic clinical case‐notes of a random sample of 100 people with SMI case managed by community mental health service in metropolitan South Australia, to determine how well physical health conditions and risk factors, screening, and follow‐up are recorded within their service records. Every contact between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 was read. One‐way ANOVA, Scheffe's test, and Fisher's exact test determined any significant associations across audit variables, which included gender, age, income, living arrangement, diagnosis, lifestyle factors, recording of physical health measures, and carer status. A focus on physical health care was evident from everyday case‐note records; however, because this information was ‘buried’ within the plethora of entries and not brought to the fore with other key information about the person's psychiatric needs, it remained difficult to gain a full picture of potential gaps in physical health care for this population. Under‐reporting, gaps and inconsistencies in the systematic recording of physical health information for this population are likely to undermine the quality of care they receive from mental health services, the ability of mental health service providers to respond in a timely way to their physical healthcare needs, and their communication with other healthcare providers.
Therapeutic optimism and attitudes among medical and surgical nurses towards attempted suicide
Authors: Barnfield Jakqui , Cross Wendy , McCauley Kay
Published: May 2018

Identification of the attitudes to consumers admitted to hospital following a suicide attempt and the therapeutic optimism of nurses caring for this cohort is vital to ascertain the level of nursing care provided. A convenience sample of 72 Registered and enrolled nurses from a large metropolitan health service in South Eastern Melbourne, Australia, completed a demographic questionnaire, the Elsom Therapeutic Optimism Scale (ETOS), and the Attitudes to Attempted Suicide‐Questionnaire (ATAS‐Q). Data were analysed using SPSS (version 25). Whilst the ETOS & ATAS‐Q correlate positively, themes of shame, blame, misunderstandings, and myths about suicide influence nurses’ perspectives when providing suicide attempt aftercare. This may potentially lead to care that is tokenistic and task focused. To develop their professional skill set when providing suicide attempt aftercare, nurses need both formal and informal education and opportunities to reflect on their practice.
How Do Organizational Environments and Mandatory Arbitration Shape Employment Attorney Case Selection? Evidence from an Experimental Vignette
Authors: Gough Mark D.
Published: May 2018

Using a novel experimental vignette design, this study shows how firm adoption of equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies, internal dispute resolution procedures, occupational segregation, and use of mandatory arbitration agreements affect employment attorney perceptions of employment discrimination claims. Findings reveal the organizational environment of a claim can signal compliance with antidiscrimination law and the use of mandatory arbitration reduces the expected value of a claim and willingness to accept it for representation. These findings contribute to the understanding of antidiscrimination law as a social system by showing organizational environments and mandatory arbitration clauses predict attorney case assessment.
Use of split‐thickness plantar skin grafts in the management of leg and foot skin defects
Authors: Liu Hung‐Hui , Chang Chun‐Kai , Huang Chih‐Han , Wu Jen‐Ru , Chen Chun‐Yu , Huang Dun‐Wei , Chu Tzi‐Shiang , Hsu Kuo‐Feng , Wang Chi‐Yu , Chiang I‐Han , Ou Kuang‐Ling , Wang Chih‐Hsin , Dai Niann‐Tzyy , Chen Shyi‐Gen , Tzeng Yuan‐Sheng
Published: May 2018

The basic principle of donor site selection is to take skin from areas that will heal with minimal scarring while balancing the needs of the recipient site. For skin loss from the lower legs and feet, the most common harvest site for split‐thickness skin grafts is the anterior or posterior thigh; grafts from the plantar areas have been mostly used to cover the volar aspect of digits and palms. Between September 2015 and September 2017, 42 patients with areas of skin loss on the legs or feet were treated with plantar skin grafts because of their cosmetic benefits and the convenience of the surgical procedure and postoperative wound care. Our technique of harvesting a single layer of split‐thickness skin graft (0.014 in. thick) from a non‐weight‐bearing area of the foot of the injured leg is simple and provided good functional and cosmetic outcomes at both the donor and recipient sites. All patients were very satisfied with the recovery progress and final results. Therefore, in the management of skin defects in the lower legs or feet that comprise less than 1.5% of the total body surface area, our surgical method is a reliable alternative to anterior or posterior thigh skin grafting.
Microstructure and tribological behavior of TiAlSiN coatings deposited by deep oscillation magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ou Y. X. , Chen H. , Li Z. Y. , Lin J. , Pan W. , Lei M. K.
Published: May 2018

Development of pulsed‐techniques aimed to generate highly ionized target species and high plasma density opens up a new way to tailor composition, structure, and properties of coatings. In this work, TiAlSiN coatings have been deposited at various negative substrate biases (Vs) using deep oscillation magnetron sputtering by sputtering a TiAlSi compound target in Ar/N2 mixtures. The increase in Vs from −30 to −120 V resulted in a decrease in (111)‐preferred orientation and grain size, together with the increase in residual stress and rough morphology. The nc‐TiAlN/a‐Si3N4 nanocomposite structure was obtained in coatings. The highest hardness and Young's modulus reached 42.4 and 495 GPa at −120 V, respectively. However, at −60 V, the coatings with the highest H/E* and H3/E*2 ratios of 0.095 and 0.332 exhibited excellent adhesion with above HF1 level, the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.35 and specific wear rate of 2.1 × 10−7 mm3 N−1 m−1. Wear mechanism changed from the mixture of severe adhesive, oxidative and abrasive wear to mild oxidative wear to severe oxidative wear. TiAlSiN coatings with high hardness and H/E* and H3/E*2 ratios exhibited the decrease in COF and wear rate due to refined grains in uniform distribution, which well promoted oxide layers formed on sliding contact surface.
Association between polymorphisms in the promoter region of miR‐17‐92 cluster and systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Rong , Wang Chun‐Fang , Qin Hai‐Mei , Lu Yu‐Lan , Wei Gui‐Jiang , Huang Hua‐Tuo , Xiang Yang , Wang Jun‐Li , Lan Yan , Wei Ye‐Sheng
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of miR‐17‐92 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The gene polymorphism was analysed using SNaPshot in 312 SLE patients and 396 controls. Relative expression of miR‐17‐92 was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. Association was found between rs9515692 and a decreased risk of SLE (CT vs CC: OR = 0.65, 95%CI, 0.46‐0.92, P = .014; CT+TT vs CC: OR = 0.64, 95%CI, 0.46‐0.90, P = .009; T vs C: OR = 0.69, 95%CI, 0.52‐0.92, P = .010, respectively). Haplotype analysis showed that C‐G‐G, C‐A‐A haplotypes were associated with an increased SLE risk (OR=4.46, 95%CI, 2.17‐9.17, P < 0.001; OR=2.33, 95%CI, 1.44‐3.76, P < 0.001, respectively). T allele and CT+TT genotypes in rs9515692 were associated with decreased risk of anti‐dsDNA in SLE (CT+TT vs CC: OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.24‐0.72, P = .002; T vs A: OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.31‐0.79, P = .003). Moreover, rs9515692 CT+TT genotypes had a higher level of miR‐17 as compared to CC genotype (P = .017). These findings suggest that the rs9515692 CT+TT genotypes were a protective factor for the susceptibility of SLE, probably by increasing the expression of miR‐17.
Reproducing vulnerabilities in agri‐food systems: Tracing the links between governance, financialization, and vulnerability in Europe post 2007–2008
Authors: Marsden Terry , Moragues Faus Ana , Sonnino Roberta
Published: May 2018

Interconnected sets of vulnerabilities have emerged in the European food system since 2007–2008, raising concerns about food security in a region with arguably some of the most advanced and prosperous economies and environmental governance frameworks. Historically, this is suggesting the current “double jeopardy” problem in food system vulnerability—with systemic declines both in sustainability (the ability of the food system to ecologically renew itself) and food security (the ability of a population to access sufficient nutritional foods and feed itself). By focusing on both drivers and impacts of food system vulnerabilities in the European Union and United Kingdom, this paper explores a grounded and relational approach to financialization—recognized as a key expression of recent growing vulnerabilities. Through the prism of the current socio‐economic pressures facing food producers, and the emergence of potentially “stranded assets” in the agri‐food system more generally, the analysis seeks to show how the combined relationships between neo‐liberalized governance and the market volatilities encouraged by new rounds of financialization are creating “nested” vulnerabilities. As we conclude, a critical, grounded, and systemic understanding of food system vulnerabilities thus becomes a key feature and precursor for potentially developing more resilient agri‐food systems—both regionally and globally.
Reply: Oral anticoagulation and hip fracture risk: a common misconception?
Authors: Gundlund A. , Fosbøl E. L. , Gislason G. H. , Olesen J. B.
Published: May 2018

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Sugiyama
A Longitudinal Examination of Housing Hardships Among Urban Fathers
Authors: Geller Amanda , Curtis Marah A.
Published: May 2018

Stable housing is widely recognized as a prerequisite for the functioning of individuals and families. However, the housing stability of fathers is understudied, particularly for fathers living apart from their children. This analysis measures the extent and nature of fathers' housing insecurity using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a national longitudinal survey of urban families. Housing insecurity affects a substantial portion of fathers, with 25% experiencing insecurity at least once in their child's first 9 years. However, few fathers report persistent insecurity that spans consecutive waves. Data also indicate significant differences in rates of housing insecurity between fathers living with, and apart from, the mothers of their children, with nonresident fathers far less likely to report secure housing and more likely to experience incarceration. The nature of insecurity experienced by nonresident fathers is also qualitatively different than that experienced by their coresident counterparts.
Understanding Sterilization Regret in the United States: The Role of Relationship Context
Authors: Eeckhaut Mieke C. W. , Sweeney Megan M.
Published: May 2018

Although one fourth of sterilized reproductive‐aged women in the United States express a desire to have their sterilization procedures reversed, the pathways leading to sterilization regret remain insufficiently understood. Particularly little is known about how cohabitation affects the likelihood of sterilization regret. This study used data from the 2006 to 2010 National Survey of Family Growth to investigate how relationship context shapes women's risk of sterilization regret. Our findings point to higher levels of regret among women who were cohabiting, rather than married or single at the time of sterilization. Experiencing poststerilization union dissolution or poststerilization union formation was also associated with an elevated risk of regret. Together, poststerilization union instability and selected background characteristics largely explained elevated levels of regret observed among women who were cohabiting at the time of sterilization. An association between regret and poststerilization union instability persisted, however, even when socioeconomic and reproductive background factors were controlled.
Clinicopathological significance of chemokine receptor (CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR7 and CXCR4) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: González‐Arriagada Wilfredo A. , Lozano‐Burgos Carlos , Zúñiga‐Moreta Rodrigo , González‐Díaz Paulina , Coletta Ricardo D.
Published: May 2018

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma shows high prevalence of lymph node metastasis at diagnosis, and despite the advances in treatment, the overall 5‐year survival is still under 50%. Chemokine receptors have a role in the development and progression of cancer, but their effect in head and neck carcinoma remains poorly characterised. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR7 and CXCR4 in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Methods

Immunohistochemical expression of chemokine receptors was evaluated in a retrospective cohort of 76 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clinicopathological associations were analysed using the chi‐square test, survival curves were analysed according to the Kaplan‐Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was applied for multivariate survival analysis.

Results

The chemokine receptors were highly expressed in primary carcinomas, except for CCR1 and CCR3. Significant associations were detected, including the associations between CCR5 expression and lymph node metastasis (N stage, P = .03), advanced clinical stage (P = .003), poor differentiation of tumours (P = .05) and recurrence (P = .01). The high expression of CCR5 was also associated with shortened disease‐free survival (HR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.09‐8.14, P = .05), but the association did not withstand the Cox multivariate survival analysis. At univariate analysis, high expression of CCR7 was associated with disease‐free survival and low levels of CXCR4 were significantly associated with both disease‐specific and disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

These findings show that chemokine receptors may have an important role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression, regional lymph node metastasis and recurrence.
Characterization of Colletotrichum orchidophilum, the agent of black spot disease of vanilla
Authors: Charron Carine , Hubert Jacqueline , Minatchy Janice , Wilson Véronique , Chrysot Fabiola , Gerville Scholastie , Ioos Renaud , Jeandel Céline , Grisoni Michel
Published: May 2018

Black spot symptoms were reported on vanilla plants in Reunion Island in 2011. They have repeatedly reduced annual pod production by 10% to 30%. The disease is characterized by dark spots that appear in slight depressions on flowers, pods, leaves and stems. The spots then develop into broad clearly depressed necrotic plaques. Morphological and molecular analyses, as well as pathogenicity tests, identified the fungus Colletotrichum orchidophilum (Ascomycota) as the causal agent of the disease. Inoculation tests in controlled conditions confirmed that the two C. orchidophilum strains isolated from fruit lesions are pathogenic on the leaves and fruits of Vanilla planifolia (accessions CR0001 and CR0020). However, these strains induced symptoms only when the epidermis of leaves and fruits had been punctured by a needle. In the absence of injury, no symptom appeared. Colletotrichum arxii and Fusarium proliferatum (Ascomycota) are fungal species that are also frequently isolated from black spot lesions. However, they are not pathogenic to vanilla. This is the first report of C. orchidophilum in Reunion Island. It is also the first demonstration of C. orchidophilum's pathogenicity to an orchid. Simple preventive control measures were proposed to reduce the incidence of black spot disease in vanilla plots.
Melatonin induction and its role in high light stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lee Hyoung Yool , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: May 2018

In plants, melatonin is a potent bioactive molecule involved in the response against various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known of its defensive role against high light (HL) stress. In this study, we found that melatonin was transiently induced in response to HL stress in Arabidopsis thaliana with a simultaneous increase in the expression of melatonin biosynthetic genes, including serotonin N‐acetyltransferase1 (SNAT1). Transient induction of melatonin was also observed in the flu mutant, a singlet oxygen (1O2)‐producing mutant, upon light exposure, suggestive of melatonin induction by chloroplastidic 1O2 against HL stress. An Arabidopsis snat1 mutant was devoid of melatonin induction upon HL stress, resulting in high susceptibility to HL stress. Exogenous melatonin treatment mitigated damage caused by HL stress in the snat1 mutant by reducing O2− production and increasing the expression of various ROS‐responsive genes. In analogy, an Arabidopsis SNAT1‐overexpressing line showed increased tolerance of HL stress concomitant with a reduction in malondialdehyde and ion leakage. A complementation line expressing an Arabidopsis SNAT1 genomic fragment in the snat1 mutant completely restored HL stress susceptibility in the snat1 mutant to levels comparable to that of wild‐type Col‐0 plants. The results of the analysis of several Arabidopsis genetic lines reveal for the first time at the genetic level that melatonin is involved in conferring HL stress tolerance in plants.
The effectiveness of a nail‐biting prevention program among primary school students
Authors: Gür Kamer , Erol Saime , İncir Nursultan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of a program called “Do Not Bite Your Nails, Cut Your Nails,” which is based on a health promotion model to change the nail‐biting habit among primary school students.

Design and methods

This quasi‐experimental study was conducted using the pre‐ and post‐test and interrupted time series design. The study sample included 299 students. Nurse observation form and nail follow‐up chart were used to evaluate behavioral outcomes. This program was conducted under the guidance of school nurses and lasted 6 weeks. The data were analyzed using McNemar and Cochran Q tests.

Results

The number of those who selected “yes” for “I cut my nails this weekend” and “I didn't bite my nails today” increased. However, the number of the students that selected “yes” for “I pulled out my nails,” “I pulled out and ate,” “I pulled out my nail skin,” “My cuticle bled today,” and “My nails hurt today” decreased significantly and statistically compared with pretest, first and second observation, and post‐test (P < 0.001). The rate of the students with minimum one abnormal finger was 83.9% according to observations, and 6% following the intervention (P < 0.001). New insights were provided into the program to diminish nail‐biting habit.

Practice implications

The program significantly reduced the nail‐biting rate among primary school students. The nurse that implement this program will be able to do a comprehensive evaluation of students’ nail‐biting habits, perform solution‐focused interventions, and prevent advanced complications that might develop in connection to nail‐biting. Thus, the effectiveness of nursing implementations will improve in the prevention of nail‐biting habit, early diagnosis, and changing students’ habits. “Do Not Bite Your Nails, Cut Your Nails” program can be applied again in different schools.
Switching to tenofovir vs continuing entecavir for hepatitis B virus with partial virologic response to entecavir: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yim H. J. , Kim I. H. , Suh S. J. , Jung Y. K. , Kim J. H. , Seo Y. S. , Yeon J. E. , Kim C. W. , Kwon S. Y. , Park S. H. , Lee M. S. , Um S. H. , Byun K. S.
Published: May 2018

Entecavir 0.5 mg (ETV) is widely used among treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, 10%‐30% of patients show partial virologic response (PVR) to the drug. If the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to replicate, the underlying liver disease may progress. Herein, we compared the efficacy of switching to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with that of continuing ETV in CHB patients with PVR to ETV. This was an open‐label randomized controlled trial including CHB patients who had been receiving 0.5 mg of ETV for >12 months, but who still had detectable HBV DNA levels of >60 IU/mL without known resistance to ETV. Sixty patients were enrolled and 45 qualified for the study: Twenty‐two patients were randomly assigned into the TDF group and 23 into the ETV group. After 12 months of treatment, the virologic response rate (HBV DNA <20 IU/mL) was significantly higher in the TDF group than in the ETV group, as measured using per‐protocol analysis (55% vs 20%; P = .022) and intention‐to‐treat analysis (50% vs 17.4%; P = .020). The reduction in HBV DNA was greater (−1.13 vs −0.67 log10 IU/mL; P = .024), and the mean HBV DNA level was lower (1.54 vs 2.01 log10 IU/mL; P = .011) in the TDF group than in the ETV group. In conclusion, to achieve optimal response in CHB patients with PVR to ETV, switching to TDF would be a better strategy than continuing ETV. Appropriate modification of therapy would further improve the outcome of chronic HBV infection.