bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repetitive‐incessant electrical storm triggered by early repolarization
Authors: Chatzidou Sofia , Repasos Evangelos , Plastiras Sotiris , Kontogiannis Christos , Kosmopoulos Marinos , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Rokas Stelios
Published: December 2017

Early repolarization syndrome (ERS) was originally considered a normal variant with benign outcome. However, recent studies have demonstrated that it can be linked to a considerable risk of life‐threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We report a case with an extraordinary, extremely malignant clinical expression of ERS refractory to all antiarrhythmic drugs including quinidine. This case demonstrates real‐time changes of dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) preceding a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)‐ventricular fibrillation (VF) and possible external factors triggering arrhythmia onset. Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) function was terminated 6 months after implantation due to multiple‐incessant electrical storm (ES). Catheter ablation was the definite treatment of this malignant entity.
Post‐operative telephone review is safe and effective: prospective study – Monash outpatient review by phone trial
Authors: Ma Yi , Jones Gregory , Tay Yeng Kwang , Hunter Toni , Holden Dane , Rodgers‐Wilson Stephen , Cashin Paul , Tan Pee Yau , Croagh Daniel
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Studies have shown that post‐operative telephone follow‐up is satisfactory and effective. As high quality evidence is scant, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare it against outpatient clinic review for emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy.

Method

Patients who received emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy were eligible for this study. Once recruited, they were randomly allocated to either clinic review or telephone follow‐up on discharge. Participants were reviewed at 2 weeks after operation and contacted again at 4 weeks after initial follow‐up for satisfaction survey.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐nine participants were recruited with one withdrawn consent and six excluded. Ninety‐six underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and 76 had laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Ninety‐six attended clinic review and 76 had telephone follow‐up. The two groups were similar in baseline variables. Non‐attendance rate was higher for clinic review cohort (24% vs 6.6%, P = 0.002). Participants who received telephone review reported higher satisfaction level (9.31 vs 8.85, P = 0.002), and most patients prefer telephone follow‐up (73.1%, P < 0.0001). No difference was detected for missed complications (P = 0.354).

Conclusion

Telephone follow‐up post laparoscopic appendicectomy or cholecystectomy is safe, satisfying and effective.
IS SELF‐MANAGEMENT POSSIBLE? A STUDY ON THE RECOVERED FACTORIES IN BRAZIL
Authors: PIRES Aline Suelen
Published: December 2017

The scenario outlined by the productive restructuring associated with the economic crisis and other changes in the Brazilian economy in the 1990s led to the bankruptcy of many businesses and resulted in an increase in unemployment and uncertainty in work relations. Thus, the workers sought other forms of survival, including associated work. Some groups began to organize themselves with the aim of collectively assuming the management of bankrupted factories in order to keep their jobs. The first ‘recovered factories’ appeared in Brazil. In this context, some supporting institutions were also born, in order to support these experiences, as well as other initiatives within the cooperative and social economy. Our proposal is to make a general analysis of the current situation of the recovered factories in Brazil, discussing whether and how the values of cooperativism and self‐management are present in these factories today.
Interferon‐free therapy of chronic hepatitis C with direct‐acting antivirals does not change the short‐term risk for de novo hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Mettke F. , Schlevogt B. , Deterding K. , Wranke A. , Smith A. , Port K. , Manns M. P. , Vogel A. , Cornberg M. , Wedemeyer H.
Published: December 2017

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance with IFN‐based therapies reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There has been some debate if IFN‐free therapy with direct‐acting antivirals alters the risk for HCC.

Aim

To investigate the HCC incidence in cirrhotic HCV patients who cleared HCV with direct‐acting antivirals vs untreated controls.

Methods

We prospectively monitored 373 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received IFN‐free therapies with direct‐acting antiviral after January 2014. A retrospective control cohort of untreated cirrhotic patients was recruited out of 3715 HCV patients who were followed at our centre between 2007 and 2013, with similar HCC screening protocols.

Results

158 direct‐acting antiviral‐treated and 184 control patients with liver cirrhosis were included in this analysis. The groups did not differ in gender and genotype distribution, severity of liver disease and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Patients were followed up for a median of 440 (range 91‐908) and 592 (range 90‐1000) days. HCCs developed in 6 and 14 patients during follow‐up, resulting in an incidence of 2.90 vs 4.48 HCCs per 100 person‐years. In the direct‐acting antiviral‐treated group, there was no new case of HCC later than 450 days after treatment initiation. In multivariate analysis, higher MELD‐Scores and AFP‐levels were independently associated with HCC development. Transplant‐free patient survival was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

IFN‐free direct‐acting antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C does not alter the short‐term risk for HCC in patients with liver cirrhosis. A reduced HCC incidence may become evident after more than 1.5 years of follow‐up.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: thiopurines decrease the risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lu M. J. , Qiu X. Y. , Mao X. Q. , Li X. T. , Zhang H. J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of developing colorectal neoplasia.

Aim

To investigate whether thiopurines can decrease the risk of developing colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis of 24 observational studies involving 76,999 participants to evaluate the risks of developing colorectal neoplasia in IBD patients receiving thiopurine treatment. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risks of colorectal neoplasia were calculated using a random‐effects model.

Results

The overall pooled estimate revealed a protective effect of thiopurine use on colorectal neoplasia in patients with IBD (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.46‐0.86). The effect was significant in UC patients (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.45‐0.98), but was not significant in CD patients (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.54‐2.09). Thiopurines exposure significantly decreased the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.45‐0.96) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRC and/or high‐grade dysplasia) (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.44‐0.89), but did not decrease the risk of dysplasia alone (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.37‐2.21). Tendencies towards the protective effect of thiopurines were distinct in clinic‐based studies (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42‐0.82) and case‐control studies (OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.26‐0.62), but not in population‐based studies (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.55‐1.62) and cohort studies (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.81‐1.18). Interestingly, studies conducted in Europe (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31‐0.77), rather than in North America (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.67‐1.24), showed the protective effect of thiopurines.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis revealed an antineoplastic effect of thiopurines on colorectal neoplasia in patients with IBD, particularly amongst patients with UC.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: comparative assessment of tofacitinib and biological therapies for moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Bonovas S. , Lytras T. , Nikolopoulos G. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L. , Danese S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Biological therapies have improved the care of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Tofacitinib, an oral small‐molecule Janus kinase inhibitor, is potentially a new treatment option.

Aim

To comparatively assess efficacy and harm of tofacitinib and biologics (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab and vedolizumab) in adult patients not previously exposed to TNF antagonists.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, clinical trial registries, regulatory authorities' websites and major conference proceedings, through August 2017, to identify randomised, placebo‐controlled or head‐to‐head trials assessing tofacitinib or biologics as induction and/or maintenance therapy in moderate‐to‐severe UC. Two reviewers independently extracted study data and outcomes, and investigated each trial's risk‐of‐bias. We used conventional meta‐analysis to synthesise direct evidence, and network meta‐analysis for adjusted indirect treatment comparisons.

Results

Fifteen randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials (n = 3130) contributed data for induction: All treatments are superior to placebo. Indirect treatment comparisons showed that infliximab is better than adalimumab (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.36‐2.98) and golimumab (1.67, 1.08‐2.59) in clinical response, better than adalimumab (2.10, 1.21‐3.64) in clinical remission, and better than adalimumab (1.87, 1.26‐2.79) and golimumab (1.75, 1.13‐2.73) in mucosal healing. No indirect comparisons between tofacitinib and biologics reached statistical significance. Nine studies (n = 1776) contributed maintenance data showing that all treatments have higher clinical efficacy than placebo. Safety analyses indicated no increased rates of adverse events for the treatments under evaluation (except for infliximab), while vedolizumab may have an advantage regarding the occurrence of serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Tofacitinib and biologics are efficacious and safe for UC. Further high‐quality research is warranted to establish the best therapeutic option.
Systematic review: human gut dysbiosis induced by non‐antibiotic prescription medications
Authors: Le Bastard Q. , Al‐Ghalith G. A. , Grégoire M. , Chapelet G. , Javaudin F. , Dailly E. , Batard E. , Knights D. , Montassier E.
Published: December 2017

Background

Global prescription drug use has been increasing continuously for decades. The gut microbiome, a key contributor to health status, can be altered by prescription drug use, as antibiotics have been repeatedly described to have both short‐term and long‐standing effects on the intestinal microbiome.

Aim

To summarise current findings on non‐antibiotic prescription‐induced gut microbiome changes, focusing on the most frequently prescribed therapeutic drug categories.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review by first searching in online databases for indexed articles and abstracts in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies assessing the intestinal microbiome alterations associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), metformin, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, statins and antipsychotics were included. We only included studies using culture‐independent molecular techniques.

Results

Proton pump inhibitors and antipsychotic medications are associated with a decrease in α diversity in the gut microbiome, whereas opioids were associated with an increase in α diversity. Metformin and NSAIDs were not associated with significant changes in α diversity. β diversity was found to be significantly altered with all drugs, except for NSAIDs. PPI use was linked to a decrease in Clotridiales and increase in Actinomycetales, Micrococcaceae and Streptococcaceae, which are changes previously implicated in dysbiosis and increased susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection. Consistent results showed that PPIs, metformin, NSAIDs, opioids and antipsychotics were either associated with increases in members of class Gammaproteobacteria (including Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella and Citrobacter), or members of family Enterococcaceae, which are often pathogens isolated from bloodstream infections in critically ill patients. We also found that antipsychotic treatment, usually associated with an increase in body mass index, was marked by a decreased ratio of Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes in the gut microbiome, resembling trends seen in obese patients.

Conclusions

Non‐antibiotic prescription drugs have a notable impact on the overall architecture of the intestinal microbiome. Further explorations should seek to define biomarkers of dysbiosis induced by specific drugs, and potentially tailor live biotherapeutics to counter this drug‐induced dysbiosis. Many other frequently prescribed drugs should also be investigated to better understand the link between these drugs, the microbiome and health status.
Switching from infliximab innovator to biosimilar in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a 12‐month multicentre observational prospective cohort study
Authors: Schmitz E. M. H. , Boekema P. J. , Straathof J. W. A. , van Renswouw D. C. , Brunsveld L. , Scharnhorst V. , van de Poll M. E. C. , Broeren M. A. C. , Derijks L. J. J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Infliximab biosimilars have become available for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, data showing long‐term safety and effectiveness of biosimilars in IBD patients are limited.

Aim

To study prospectively the switch from infliximab innovator to biosimilar in an IBD cohort with 12 months follow‐up to evaluate safety and effectiveness.

Methods

Adult IBD patients from two hospitals treated with infliximab innovator (Remicade; Janssen Biotech,  Horsham ,  Pennsylvania, USA) were switched to infliximab biosimilar (Inflectra; Hospira, Lake Forest, Illinois, USA) as part of routine care, but in a controlled setting. Blood samples were taken just before the first, second, fourth and seventh infusion of biosimilar. Infliximab trough levels, antibodies‐to‐infliximab (ATI), CRP and ESR were measured and disease activity scores were calculated.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 133 IBD patients (64% CD, 36% UC). Before switching we found widely varying infliximab levels (median 3.5 μg/mL). ATI were detected in eight patients (6%). Most patients were in remission or had mild disease (CD: 82% UC: 90%). After switching to biosimilar, 35 patients (26%) discontinued therapy within 12 months, mostly due to subjective higher disease activity (9%) and adverse events (AE, 9.8%). AE included general malaise/fatigue (n = 7), arthralgia (n = 2), skin problems (n = 2) and infusion reactions (n = 2). No differences in IFX levels, CRP, and disease activity scores were found between the four time points (P ≥ .0917).

Conclusions

We found no differences in drug levels and disease activity between infliximab innovator and biosimilar in our IBD cohort, indicating that biosimilars are safe and effective. The high proportions of discontinuers were mostly due to elective withdrawal or subjective disease worsening.
Systematic review: ileoanal pouch microbiota in health and disease
Authors: Segal J. P. , Oke S. , Hold G. L. , Clark S. K. , Faiz O. D. , Hart A. L.
Published: December 2017

Background

The resident gut microbiota is essential for physiological processes; the disturbance of its balance is linked to intestinal inflammation. The ileoanal pouch is a model for the study of intestinal inflammation, as inflammation of the pouch is common and mostly develops within 12 months following ileostomy closure. This allows the longitudinal study of the microbiota, giving insight into the microbiota changes during transition from a normal to an inflamed pouch.

Aim

To explore the literature on the microbiota of the ileoanal pouch in health and disease.

Methods

A systematic computer search of the on‐line bibliographic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed between 1966 and February 2017. Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and observational studies were included. Studies were included if they reported microbiota analysis on faecal samples or tissue from the ileoanal pouch.

Results

Twenty‐six papers were eligible. Following ileostomy closure, anaerobic bacteria are the abundant species in the ileoanal pouch with presence of a diverse microbiota key to maintaining a healthy ileoanal pouch. Acute pouchitis is associated with an increase in Clostridia species, while chronic pouchitis is associated with an increase in Staphylococcus aureus. In the treatment of pouchitis, a decrease in Clostridia species appears to be associated with treatment response.

Conclusion

The microbiota plays an important role in both the inflamed and the healthy ileoanal pouch. A direct causal relationship between individual microbiota changes and inflammation has not yet been established, but manipulation of the ileoanal pouch microbiota may be a novel therapeutic avenue to explore.
Different games of moral bioenhancement
Authors: Rakić Vojin , Wiseman Harris
Published: December 2017

Rakić has serious misgivings about Wiseman's inability to frame ethical issues in the context of transcending existing realities (the ‘is’) with the aim of achieving what we believe is morally right (the ‘ought’). This inability to think beyond the present is misguided in ethics. He also criticizes Wiseman for making the unimaginative and unsubstantiated assumption that moral bioenhancement (MBE) technologies have reached their zenith already. Rakić argues that MBE will become more effective in the time to come, that it ought to be optional for every free individual, and that it should be directed at enhancing our motivation to act in line with how we believe we ought to act. He concedes however that the enhancement of our motivation to act morally can only be effective in a limited number of morally unambiguous cases. In response, Wiseman argues that Rakić's reflections epitomize a way of articulating MBE that is unhelpful, misguidedly optimistic, and missing the most important things needing discussion. Such reflections are based on inappropriate metaphors, a too future‐oriented view detached from basic realities, and a false sense of what is possible on the global level should MBE be applied. Such ways of thinking about MBE are misguided from the outset, and indicative of the enthusiasm for a discourse in need of realignment. This should take the form of a more modest, synergistic outlook acutely aware of the inexorable limitations imposed on MBE by the internal complexity of moral goods, human agents, and the contexts in which moral action occurs.
CD34+ selected stem cell boosts can improve poor graft function after paediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mainardi Chiara , Ebinger Martin , Enkel Sigrid , Feuchtinger Tobias , Teltschik Heiko‐Manuel , Eyrich Matthias , Schumm Michael , Rabsteyn Armin , Schlegel Patrick , Seitz Christian , Schwarze Carl‐Phillip , Müller Ingo , Greil Johann , Bader Peter , Schlegel Paul‐Gerhardt , Martin David , Holzer Ursula , Döring Michaela , Handgretinger Rupert , Lang Peter
Published: December 2017

Poor graft function (PGF) is a severe complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and administration of donor stem cell boosts (SCBs) represents a therapeutic option. We report 50 paediatric patients with PGF who received 61 boosts with CD34+ selected peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) after transplantation from matched unrelated (n = 25) or mismatched related (n = 25) donors. Within 8 weeks, a significant increase in median neutrophil counts (0·6 vs. 1·516 × 109/l, P < 0·05) and a decrease in red blood cell and platelet transfusion requirement (median frequencies 1 and 7 vs. 0, P < 0·0001 and <0·001), were observed, and 78·8% of patients resolved one or two of their cytopenias. 36·5% had a complete haematological response. Median lymphocyte counts for CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD19+ and CD56+ increased 8·3‐, 14·2‐, 22.‐ and 1·6‐fold. The rate of de novo acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) grade I–III was only 6% and resolved completely. No GvHD grade IV or chronic GvHD occurred. Patients who responded to SCB displayed a trend toward better overall survival (OS) (P = 0·07). Thus, administration of CD34+ selected SCBs from alternative donors is safe and effective. Further studies are warranted to clarify the impact on immune reconstitution and survival.
Development of Episodic Prospection: Factors Underlying Improvements in Middle and Late Childhood
Authors: Coughlin Christine , Robins Richard W. , Ghetti Simona
Published: December 2017

Episodic prospection is the mental simulation of a personal future event in rich contextual detail. This study examined age‐related differences in episodic prospection in 5‐ to 11‐year‐olds and adults (N = 157), as well as factors that may contribute to developmental improvements. Participants’ narratives of past, future, and make‐believe events were coded for episodic content, and self‐concept coherence (i.e., how coherently an individual sees himself or herself) and narrative ability were tested as predictors of episodic prospection. Although all ages provided less episodic content for future event narratives, age‐related improvements were observed across childhood, suggesting future event generation is particularly difficult for children. Self‐concept coherence and narrative ability each independently predicted the episodic content of 5‐ and 7‐year‐olds’ future event narratives.
Clinical sequencing: From raw data to diagnosis with lifetime value
Authors: Caspar S.M. , Dubacher N. , Kopps A.M. , Meienberg J. , Henggeler C. , Matyas G.
Published: December 2017

High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionized genetics by enabling the detection of sequence variants at hitherto unprecedented large scale. Despite these advances, however, there are still remaining challenges in the complete coverage of targeted regions (genes, exome or genome) as well as in HTS data analysis and interpretation. Moreover, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the plethora of available methods and tools for HTS. Here, we review the step‐by‐step process from the generation of sequence data to molecular diagnosis of Mendelian diseases. Highlighting advantages and limitations, this review addresses the current state of (1) HTS technologies, considering targeted, whole‐exome, and whole‐genome sequencing on short‐ and long‐read platforms; (2) read alignment, variant calling and interpretation; as well as (3) regulatory issues related to genetic counseling, reimbursement, and data storage.
The applications of regenerative medicine in sinus lift procedures: A systematic review
Authors: Correia Francisco , Pozza Daniel Humberto , Gouveia Sónia , Felino António , Faria e Almeida Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Background

Findings in regenerative medicine applied to the sinus lift procedures.

Purpose

Evaluate the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in sinus lift.

Materials and Methods

An extensive search for manuscripts were performed by using different combinations of keywords and MeSH terms (Pub‐med; Embase; Scopus; Web of Science Core Collection; Medline; Current Contents Connect; Derwent Innovations Index; Scielo Citation Index; Cochrane library). The full text selected articles are written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, or French, and published until 28 of November 2016. Inclusion criteria were: implant osteointegration, radiographic, histologic, and/or histomorphometric analysis, clinical studies in humans using of regenerative medicine. This systematic review was performed by selecting only randomized controlled clinical trials and controlled clinical trials.

Results

Eighteen published studies (11 CT and 7 RCT) were considered eligible for inclusion in the present systematic review. These studies demonstrated considerable variation of biomaterial and cell technics used, study design, sinus lift technic, outcomes, follow‐up, and results.

Conclusion

Only few studies have demonstrated potential of regenerative medicine in sinus lift; further randomized clinical trials are needed to achieve more accurate results.
Primary cutaneous secretory carcinoma: A previously overlooked low‐grade sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Mentzel Thomas , Rütten Arno
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Twelve cases of primary cutaneous secretory carcinoma (PCSC) have been published, 9 showing ETV6‐NTRK3 translocation, a characteristic finding shared with secretory breast carcinoma and mammary analogue secretory carcinoma.

Case report

A 34‐year‐old female presented a solitary nodule on the right groin. Biopsy revealed a secretory carcinoma staining positive with CK7, CAM5.2, mammaglobulin and S100 and negative with GATA3, CK20, podoplanin, calponin and CDX2. ETV6‐NTRK3 was demonstrated by Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Discussion

PCSC is a rare neoplasm, described in the skin in 2009, that affects more frequently females with a mean age of 42.3 years and it is most commonly located in axilla. Histopathologically, these tumor cells are characterized by bubbly eosinophilic secretions diastase‐resistant and bland nuclei and they are arranged in various growth patterns, including microcystic, tubular, solid and papillary. S100, mammoglobin and CK7 are usually positive. We review the main histopathological features to rule out histopathologic mimics such as breast metastasis, salivary tumors, cribriform carcinoma and primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma. GATA3 negative staining, as in our case, can help to rule out breast metastasis. Moreover, long‐term benign follow up (144 months) in this case as well as follow‐up data on outcomes from literature review support that PCSC is a low‐grade sweat gland carcinoma.
Subclinical left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents with good metabolic control
Authors: Yoldaş Tamer , Örün Utku Arman , Sagsak Elif , Aycan Zehra , Kaya Özkan , Özgür Senem , Karademir Selmin
Published: December 2017

Objective

Cardiac dysfunction is a well‐known consequence of diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to assess whether type 1 diabetic children and adolescents with good metabolic control have early echocardiographic signs of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and whether diabetes duration has any influence, using conventional and nonconventional echocardiographic tools.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 80 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were included. The cases underwent standard conventional transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. None of the diabetic patients had signs of renal, retinal, or neurological complications of the disease, and all were good metabolic control (mean HbA1c <7.5%).

Results

There was no difference among groups in relation to age, sex, body mass index, and blood pressure. Conventional echocardiographic parameters were similar between diabetic and nondiabetic subjects except increased mitral valve peak A‐wave and significantly lower mitral E/A ratio in diabetics. Diabetic patients had more advanced diastolic dysfunction with TDI analysis. In the diabetic group, left ventricular global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain and strain rate were significantly lower compared with the controls. There was a positive correlation between diabetes duration and cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the diabetic children and adolescents with good metabolic control had diastolic dysfunction when assessed with either conventional or tissue Doppler echocardiography. Also diabetic patients had subclinical LV systolic dysfunction with a normal LVEF which can be detected with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WRONGFUL ARRESTS WITH ENDOGENOUSLY (IN)COMPETENT OFFICERS
Authors: Mishra Ajit , Samuel Andrew
Published: December 2017

Economic intuition suggests that enforcement errors incentivize crimes, therefore officers must be penalized for committing such errors. Legal scholars argue that if penalties for errors are severe, officers may become timid while policing (thereby encouraging crime). We evaluate these arguments in a model where officers invest in competence. Competence increases the officer's ability to identify criminals. Low sanctions for errors encourages bold policing by officers but may still raise the equilibrium level of crime because it also discourages investments in competence. Granting immunity to only competent officers (“qualified immunity”) reduces both errors and crimes when competence is observable. (JEL K4, K42, L5)
An auditory brainstem nucleus as a model system for neuronal metabolic demands
Authors: Brosel Sonja , Grothe Benedikt , Kunz Lars
Published: December 2017

The correlation between neuronal activity and metabolism is essential for coding, plasticity, neurological disorders and the interpretation of functional neuroimaging data. Most likely, metabolic requirements depend upon neuron type, and macroscopic energy demands vary with brain region. However, specific needs of individual neuron types are enigmatic. Therefore, we monitored metabolic activity in the lateral superior olive (LSO), an auditory brainstem nucleus containing only one neuron type. LSO neurons exhibit extreme but well‐described biophysics with firing rates of several hundred hertz and low input resistances of a few megaohms. We recorded changes in NADH and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) autofluorescence and O2 concentration in acute brainstem slices of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) following electrical stimulation. The LSO shows the typical biphasic NADH/FAD response up to a physiologically relevant frequency of 400 Hz. In the same animal, we compared the LSO with the hippocampal CA1 region and the cerebral cortex. The rate of NADH/FADH2 consumption and regeneration was slowest in LSO. However, frequency dependence was only similar during the consumption phase but varied during regeneration within the three brain regions. Changes in NADH, FAD and O2 levels and blocking metabolic reactions indicate a pronounced contribution of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the LSO which is known for the other brain regions as well. Lactate transport and interconversion are involved in LSO metabolism as we found in immunohistochemical and pharmacological experiments. Our findings show that the LSO represents an apt, biophysically distinct model for brain metabolism and that neuronal properties determine metabolic needs.
The role of linear mown firebreaks in conserving butterfly diversity: Effects of adjacent vegetation and management
Authors: Ohwaki Atsushi , Hayami Sho‐ichi , Kitahara Masahiko , Yasuda Taisuke
Published: December 2017

Semi‐natural grasslands are vital for maintaining grassland butterflies in Japan, as well as in Europe. However, severe decline in these grassland environments has recently attracted attention to linear grasslands, such as firebreaks and power‐line corridors, as alternative habitats for grassland insects. We surveyed butterflies in an abandoned grassland and nearby linear mown firebreaks adjacent to different vegetation at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, central Japan, over 5 successive years, particularly focusing on species on the 2012 Japanese Red List of Threatened Species (“red‐list” species). We found that the firebreaks were consistently higher in species richness and abundance of butterflies than the long‐term abandoned grassland, and that species composition differed among the firebreaks depending on conditions of the adjacent vegetation. The firebreaks surrounded by forests were mainly utilized by forest and edge species, whereas the firebreaks adjacent to the grassland were essential for conserving red‐list grassland species. Thus, only the mown firebreaks adjacent to the grassland were regarded as a high‐quality alternative habitat for many grassland butterflies, but the area was limited. Therefore, creating heterogeneity in the abandoned grassland by infrequent mowing could help conserve grassland butterflies, including red‐list species.
Therapeutic and prognostic significance of PARP‐1 in advanced mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome
Authors: Lemchak David , Banerjee Swati , Digambar Shaunak S. , Hood Brian L. , Conrads Thomas P. , Jedrych Jaroslaw , Geskin Larisa , Akilov Oleg E.
Published: December 2017

While mycosis fungoides (MF) is typically an indolent malignancy, it may infrequently undertake an aggressive course. We used proteomic analyses to identify a biomarker of the aggressive course of MF. Results of this investigation demonstrated that PARP‐1, heat‐shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 1 like (HSAP1L), Hsp70 member 1A (HSPA1A), ATP‐depending RNA helicase (DDX17) and the α‐isoform of lamina‐associated polypeptide 2 (TMPO) had higher expression in aggressive disease versus non‐aggressive. Moreover, PARP‐1 was overexpressed in patients with early stage of MF who developed later an aggressive disease. PARP‐1 was evaluated as a new target for therapy, demonstrating the selective dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect of PARP inhibitors on Sézary cells in comparison with non‐malignant lymphocytes. In conclusion, we believe that PARP‐1 may serve not only as a biomarker at initial biopsies for a disease that may become aggressive but also as a new therapeutic target of advanced MF and Sézary syndrome.
How did the financial crisis affect the transnationality of the global financial elite? One step forward and one step back
Authors: VAN VEEN KEES
Published: December 2017

Over the last few decades, transnational elite formation progressed hand in hand with a deterioration in national business elites. Most studies regard this process as progressive and linear. However, we argue that transnational elite formation is subject to a variety of opposing forces, and the assumed progression is not a given fact. As an intriguing case, we analyse the financial business elite with a focus on the financial crisis of 2008. This international event had substantial ramifications, including a possible external shock to transnational elite formation. To study the consequences of the crisis, we collected the board composition data of the 48 largest transnational financial companies for the period 2006–11. Changes in board composition show opposing effects. For example, transnationality increased during the crisis, but reversals appeared when national governments intervened.
U–Pb zircon ages of the Nakanogawa Group in the Hidaka Belt, northern Japan: Implications for its provenance and the protolith of the Hidaka metamorphic rocks
Authors: Nanayama Futoshi , Takahashi Yutaka , Yamasaki Toru , Nakagawa Mitsuru , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi
Published: December 2017

Zircon U–Pb ages of two acidic tuff and two turbidite sandstone samples from the Nakanogawa Group, Hidaka Belt, were measured to estimate its depositional age and the development of the Hokkaido Central Belt, northeast Japan. In the northern unit, homogeneous zircons from pelagic acidic tuff from a basal horizon dated to 58–57 Ma, zircons from sandstone from the upper part of the unit dated to 56–54 Ma, and zircons from acidic tuff from the uppermost part dated to 60–56 Ma and 69–63 Ma. Both of the tuff U–Pb ages are significantly older than the youngest radiolarian fossil age (66–48 Ma). Therefore, the maximum depositional age of the turbidite facies in the northern unit is 58 Ma and the younger age limit, estimated from the fossil age, is 48 Ma. In the southern unit, homogeneous zircons from turbidite sandstone dated to 58–57 Ma. Thus the depositional age of this turbidite facies was interpreted to be 66–56 Ma from the fossil age, probably close to 57 Ma. Most of the zircon U–Pb ages from the Nakanogawa Group are younger than 80 Ma, with a major peak at 60 Ma. This result implies that around Hokkaido volcanic activity occurred mainly after 80 Ma. Older zircon ages (120–80 Ma, 180–140 Ma, 340–220 Ma, 1.9 Ga, 2.2 Ga, and 2.7 Ga) give information about the provenance of other rocks in the Hidaka Belt. It is inferred that the Nakanogawa Group comprises protoliths of the upper sequence of the Hidaka Metamorphic Zone, which therefore has the same depositional age as the Nakanogawa Group (66–48 Ma). The depositional ages of the lower sequence of the Hidaka Metamorphic Zone and the Nakanogawa Group are probably the same.
International Remittances and Private Schooling: Evidence from Kerala, India
Authors: Valatheeswaran C. , Khan M. Imran
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the impact of international remittances on private school enrolment in Kerala. Using data from the 2010 Kerala Migration Survey and employing an instrumental variable (IV‐Probit) approach to address the endogeneity of migration, we found that remittances have a positive and significant effect on private school enrolment. After disaggregating the sample into different heterogeneous groups, we found that remittances have greater effect on boys, children residing in rural areas, and those belonging to socially advantageous groups and from higher wealth quintile. Children from lower wealth quintile and belonging to socially disadvantageous groups are least affected by migration and remittances.
Estimating the burden of influenza‐associated hospitalization and deaths in Oman (2012‐2015)
Authors: Abdel‐Hady Doaa M. , Al Balushi Rima M. , Al Abri Badr A. , Al Abri Seif S. , Al Kindi Hanan S. , Al‐Jardani Amina K. , Al Yaqubi Fatma M. , Al Abaidani Idris S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Influenza is a serious vaccine‐preventable disease with high incidence, hospitalization, and mortality in high‐risk groups. The epidemiology, seasonality, and risk factors for influenza are well defined in most of the temperate countries, but estimating influenza burden in the World Health Organization (WHO) Region for the Eastern Mediterranean is scarce. In Oman, despite the advancements in influenza surveillance, the clinical burden and seasonality of influenza remain not fully understood.

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of influenza‐associated hospitalizations and in‐hospital death in Oman.

Patients and methods

Influenza‐associated hospitalizations and in‐hospital deaths were estimated using hospital discharge records based on ICD‐10 codes (J09‐J18), results of virological analysis and population census for the period between 2012 and 2015.

Results

During 2012 and 2015, we identified a total of 19 405 influenza‐associated hospitalization and 847 deaths. Influenza positivity percentage ranged from 6.4% in 2013 to 20.6% in 2015. Influenza‐associated hospitalization incidence rate was 7.3 (95% CI: 6.4‐8.1) per 100 000 in 2013 and 27.5 (95% CI: 25.9‐29.1) per 100 000 in 2015 with an overall rate of 20.6 (95% CI: 19.9‐21.3) per 100 000. The highest incidence of influenza‐associated death was among those aged ≥65 years and ranged between 39.5 (95% CI: 27.3‐51.8) per 100 000 in 2014 and 11.3 (95% CI: 7.5‐15.1) in 2015.

Conclusions

Influenza causes a substantial number of hospitalizations and deaths in Oman. Hospitalization rates were highest among children, and adults ≥65 years showed the highest death rate. The potential value of using seasonal influenza vaccine in these groups should be considered.
Contracting for vendor‐managed inventory with a time‐dependent stockout penalty
Authors: Lee Jun‐Yeon , Johnson Gordon
Published: December 2017

We examine vendor‐managed inventory contracts in a (Q, r) inventory system between a supplier and a retailer, in which a stockout penalty is charged to the supplier based on the length of the time period during which stockouts occur at the retailer. Linear and quadratic forms of the time‐dependent stockout penalty are considered. For the deterministic demand case, we find that the quadratic form of time‐dependent stockout penalty is equivalent to a proportional stockout penalty per unit short per unit time. For the stochastic demand case, we provide the exact cost expressions for the supplier and the retailer with a linear time‐dependent stockout penalty. We also discuss how the stochastic model can be extended to the case with a quadratic time‐dependent stockout penalty when there is at most one outstanding replenishment order at any point of time. We provide several interesting computational results.
A New Form of Delegation in EU Asylum: Agencies as Proxies of Strong Regulators
Authors: Ripoll Servent Ariadna
Published: December 2017

The malfunctioning of the Common European Asylum System can be traced back to the principle of responsibility established by the Dublin regime. To attenuate its problems, the EU has delegated regulatory competences to Frontex and the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), which have been given a ‘right to intervene’ in those Member States that put the system at risk. This article expands Majone's typologies of agents and trustees to explain why and how power has been delegated and the resulting consequences. It includes cases of failed delegation and argues that, although Frontex and EASO should operate as trustees – to prevent co‐operation from breaking down – they have not been provided with enough autonomy, which exposes them to capture by particular interests. The reforms show that EU agencies are likely to be used as proxies by a group of strong Member States to monitor and intervene in weaker Member States.
Prevalence, treatment patterns and control rates of metabolic syndrome in a Chinese diabetic population: China Cardiometabolic Registries 3B study
Authors: Jing Yali , Hong Ting , Bi Yan , Hu Dayi , Chen Guojuan , Li Jihu , Zhang Ye , Zhang Ruya , Ji Linong , Zhu Dalong
Published: December 2017

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, and assess the effect of MetS on the treatment patterns and blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids goal achievements.

Materials and Methods

Data from 25,454 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients including demographic data, anthropometric measurements, treatment patterns, and blood glucose and lipid profiles were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Using modified Adult Treatment Panel III MetS criteria, the prevalence of MetS was 57.4% in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, who also fulfilled the criteria for MetS, tended to be women, living in the northeast, with a diabetes duration ≥5 years and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Most MetS (53.4%) and non‐MetS (57%) diabetes patients received oral hypoglycemic drugs. Insulin or insulin combination therapies were more applied in MetS (37.5%) than in non‐MetS (33.1%) diabetes patients, and the percentages of MetS diabetes patients receiving antihypertensive and lipid‐modulating drugs were 52.9% and 28.2% vs 38.3% and 19.3% of the non‐MetS diabetes patients. Just 37.5%, 15.6% and 32.9% of the MetS diabetes patients vs 54.6%, 45.6% and 40.4% of the non‐MetS diabetes patients achieved the individual target goals for control of blood glucose (glycosylated hemoglobin <7%), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure <130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure <80 mmHg) and blood lipids (total cholesterol <4.5 mmol/L), whereas just 2.1% achieved all three target goals.

Conclusions

MetS with a high prevalence in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is associated with poor blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids control rate.
Low mtDNA variation and shallow population structure of the Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis along the China coast
Authors: Sun P. , Tang B. J.
Published: December 2017

In the present study, population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis, along the China coast were investigated and compared with that from Indonesia using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene sequences. A total of 28 variable sites (including 18 singleton sites and 10 parsimony information sites) were observed and 23 haplotypes were defined in 330 individuals from 11 localities. The haplotype diversity (HD) of the populations ranged from 0·540 to 0·828, the nucleotide diversity (π) ranged from 0·081 to 0·295%. Pairwise FST statistics showed that significant genetic divergence occurred among populations from different geographical regions. The high dispersal capabilities, geographic segregation and ocean currents may be responsible for the present population genetic structure in this species. In addition, a population expansion event during the late Pleistocene period was inferred. The time of population expansion was estimated to occur about 117 000–169 000 years ago.
Healthy Life Expectancy Is Expanding
Authors: Clarfield A. Mark
Published: December 2017

See the response from Olshansky.
Coaching parents to assess and treat self‐injurious behaviour via telehealth
Authors: Benson S. S. , Dimian A. F. , Elmquist M. , Simacek J. , McComas J. J. , Symons F. J.
Published: December 2017

The application of telehealth technology to conduct functional analysis (FA) and functional communication training (FCT) is emerging for children with developmental disabilities and behaviour support needs. The current study was designed to extend FA + FCT for self‐injurious behaviour by using telehealth in home with parents as interventionists receiving real‐time remote coaching. Two families with school‐aged boys with developmental disabilities associated with intellectual disability participated, one with cerebral palsy and the other with autism spectrum disorder. Results indicated that parent‐implemented FA + FCT via telehealth was effective for reducing self‐injurious behaviour and increasing mands (communication requests) for both children. Both families successfully implemented the FA + FCT protocol with 95% overall fidelity via telehealth‐supported coaching. Results are discussed in terms of their relationship to previous research, limitations and future directions.
Phylogenetic analyses of the hepatic architecture in vertebrates
Authors: Shiojiri Nobuyoshi , Kametani Harunobu , Ota Noriaki , Akai Yusuke , Fukuchi Tomokazu , Abo Tomoka , Tanaka Sho , Sekiguchi Junri , Matsubara Sachie , Kawakami Hayato
Published: December 2017

The mammalian liver has a structural and functional unit called the liver lobule, in the periphery of which the portal triad consisting of the portal vein, bile duct and hepatic artery is developed. This type of hepatic architecture is detectable in many other vertebrates, including amphibians and birds, whereas intrahepatic bile ducts run independently of portal vein distribution in actinopterygians such as the salmon and tilapia. It remains to be clarified how the hepatic architectures are phylogenetically developed among vertebrates. The present study morphologically and immunohistochemically analyzed the hepatic structures of various vertebrates, including as many classes and subclasses as possible, with reference to intrahepatic bile duct distribution. The livers of vertebrates belonging to the Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, Amphibia, Aves, Mammalia, and Actinopterygii before Elopomorpha, had the portal triad‐type architecture. The Anguilliformes livers developed both periportal bile ducts and non‐periportal bile ducts. The Otocephala and Euteleostei livers had independent configuration of bile ducts and portal veins. Pancreatic tissues penetrated the liver parenchyma along portal veins in the Euteleostei. The liver of the lungfish, which shares the same origin with amphibians, did not have the portal triad‐type architecture. Teleostei and lungfish livers had ductular development in the liver parenchyma similar to oval cell proliferation in injured mammalian livers. Euteleostei livers had penetration of significant numbers of independent portal veins from their intestines, suggesting that each liver lobe might receive a different blood supply. The hepatic architectures of the portal triad‐type changed to non‐portal triad‐type architecture along the evolution of the Actinopterygii. The hepatic architecture of the lungfish resembles that of the Actinopterygii after Elopomorpha in intrahepatic biliary configuration, which may be an example of convergent evolution.