bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separating the wheat from the chaff with the winnowing fork
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho , Nkwe Marcia
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Appraisal of records to separate the wheat (records of enduring value) from the chaff (ephemeral records) is one of the most important functions of the archives. In terms of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) Act (No. 43 of 1996) (the Act), “no public records may be transferred to an archives repository, destroyed, erased or otherwise disposed of without the written authorisation of the national archivist”. In implementing this section of the Act, the NARSSA issues a disposal authority, which emanates from the appraisal process explained in the policy guidelines of 2002. The purpose of the study is to analyse the appraisal policy guidelines on the approach of NARSSA in relation to preservation of digital records.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used qualitative data obtained through content analysis and literature to review the appraisal policy guidelines and approach of NARSSA in relation to preservation of digital records. The 2002 approved appraisal policy, as well as the directives issued by NARSSA in terms of Section 13(4) of the Act, is examined to determine the criteria, the process and the methodology adopted in the appraisal of records. Content analysis data are augmented through interviews conducted in person with the head of the records management unit at NARSSA and the archivist responsible for appraisal of government records.

Findings

The study has established that, in terms of the approach, records are appraised two years after the implementation of records classification systems in governmental bodies and those of archival value are then transferred to an archives repository after a period of 20 years. Twenty years is a long period as records might be lost, especially in digital environments. Furthermore, the appraisal policy guidelines limit the powers of records managers in governmental bodies in deciding on records of enduring value, as this responsibility is assigned to archivists at NARSSA. It is clear that the policy was written with paper records in mind.

Research limitations/implications

This study may go a long way in influencing policy review to embrace appraisal of digital records in South Africa. This in turn will help in determining the feasibility of preservation technology for digital records.

Originality/value

This study is useful to ensure participation of the public in the appraisal process. This study has triangulated content analysis data with interviews to examine appraisal criteria, process and methodology, followed by NARSSA.
Development of Safe and Flavor‐Rich Doenjang (Korean Fermented Soybean Paste) Using Autochthonous Mixed Starters at the Pilot Plant Scale
Authors: Lee Eun Jin , Hyun Jiye , Choi Yong‐Ho , Hurh Byung‐Serk , Choi Sang‐Ho , Lee Inhyung
Published: May 2018

Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) with an improved flavor and safety was prepared by the simultaneous fermentation of autochthonous mixed starters at the pilot plan scale. First, whole soybean meju was fermented by coculturing safety‐verified starters Aspergillus oryzae MJS14 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens zip6 or Bacillus subtilis D119C. These fermented whole soybean meju were aged in a brine solution after the additional inoculation of Tetragenococcus halophilus 7BDE22 and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii SMY045 to yield doenjang. Four doenjang batches prepared using a combination of mold, bacilli, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast starters were free of safety issues and had the general properties of traditional doenjang, a rich flavor and taste. All doenjang batches received a high consumer acceptability score, especially the ABsT and ABsTZ batches. This study suggests that flavor‐rich doenjang similar to traditional doenjang can be manufactured safely and reproducibly in industry by mimicking the simultaneous fermentation of autochthonous mixed starters as in traditional doenjang fermentation.

Practical Application

The development of a pilot plant process for doenjang fermentation using safety‐verified autochthonous mixed starter will facilitate the manufacture of flavor‐rich doenjang similar to traditional doenjang safely and reproducibly in industry.
Using gas mixtures of CO, CO2 and H2 as microbial substrates: the do's and don'ts of successful technology transfer from laboratory to production scale
Authors: Takors Ralf , Kopf Michael , Mampel Joerg , Bluemke Wilfried , Blombach Bastian , Eikmanns Bernhard , Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Weuster‐Botz Dirk , Dürre Peter
Published: May 2018

The reduction of CO2 emissions is a global effort which is not only supported by the society and politicians but also by the industry. Chemical producers worldwide follow the strategic goal to reduce CO2 emissions by replacing existing fossil‐based production routes with sustainable alternatives. The smart use of CO and CO2/H2 mixtures even allows to produce important chemical building blocks consuming the said gases as substrates in carboxydotrophic fermentations with acetogenic bacteria. However, existing industrial infrastructure and market demands impose constraints on microbes, bioprocesses and products that require careful consideration to ensure technical and economic success. The mini review provides scientific and industrial facets finally to enable the successful implementation of gas fermentation technologies in the industrial scale.
Immunological blocking of spermidine‐mediated host–pathogen communication provides effective control against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Authors: Wang Jianhe , Wang Jing , Zhang Lian‐Hui
Published: May 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to cause life‐threatening infections. The previous studies showed that the type III secretion system (T3SS) of this pathogen is a key virulence determinant, which is activated by polyamines signals spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) from mammalian host. To test the potential of blocking host–pathogen communication in disease control, in this study we developed a high potency mouse monoclonal antibody (Mab 4E4, IgG1 sub‐isotype) by using Spm–protein conjugate as an immunogen. Antibody specificity analysis showed that the antibody specifically recognize Spd and Spm. In vitro study showed the antibody significantly protected A549 cells against P. aeruginosa infection, and this protection was achieved by blocking polyamine uptake and downregulating T3SS expression. In vivo single injection of mouse with Mab 4E4 drastically reduced the serum polyamine level, which was maintained for more than 1 week. In a murine model of P. aeruginosa acute infection, injection of Mab 4E4 protected mice from lung injury and significantly improved the survival rate of mice.
Prevalence differentiations of periodontitis by diabetic status among US adults
Authors: Liu Ying , Bie Ronghai , Iwasaki Laura R. , Nickel Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2018

Highlights

Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, this study found that the prevalence of periodontitis among US adults was consistently significantly higher for patients with DM than without DM, regardless of gender, age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

The findings indicate that more cost‐effective strategies should be used in patients with DM to prevent, reduce or alleviate periodontal disease.
The influence of implant‐abutment connection to peri‐implant bone loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Caricasulo Riccardo , Malchiodi Luciano , Ghensi Paolo , Fantozzi Giuliano , Cucchi Alessandro
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Different implant‐abutment connections are available and it has been claimed they could have an effect on marginal bone loss. The aim of this review is to establish if implant connection configuration influences peri‐implant bone loss (PBL) after functional loading.

Methods

A specific question was formulated according to the Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome (PICO): Does the type of implant‐abutment connection (external, internal, or conical) have an influence on peri‐implant bone loss? A PubMed/MEDLINE electronic search was conducted to identify English language publications published in international journals during the last decade (from 2006 to 2016). The search was conducted by using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords “dental implants OR dental abutment AND external connection OR internal connection OR conical connection OR Morse Taper.” Selected studies were randomized clinical trials and prospective studies; in vitro studies, case reports and retrospective studies were excluded. Titles and abstracts and, in the second phase, full texts, were evaluated autonomously and in duplicate by two reviewers.

Results

A total of 1649 articles were found, but only 14 studies met the pre‐established inclusion criteria and were considered suitable for meta‐analytic analysis. The network meta‐analysis (NMA) suggested a significant difference between the external and the conical connections; this was less evident for the internal and conical ones. Platform‐switching (PS) seemed to positively affect bone levels, non‐regarding the implant‐connection it was applied to.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be concluded that crestal bone levels are better maintained in the short‐medium term when internal kinds of interface are adopted. In particular, conical connections seem to be more advantageous, showing lower peri‐implant bone loss, but further studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of implant‐abutment connection on stability of crestal bone levels.
Incidence and pattern of implant fractures: A long‐term follow‐up multicenter study
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hong , Kim Yeon‐Tae , Jeong Seong‐Nyum , Kim Na‐Hong , Lee Dong‐Woon
Published: May 2018

Background

Currently, there is incomplete understanding of the fracture patterns in the implant and their association with clinical factors.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and pattern of implant fracture (IF) by using 9‐year, long‐term multicenter follow‐up data.

Materials and Methods

The association of the incidence and differences in fracture patterns with clinical factors (based on patient variables and implant variables) was assessed for statistical significance using the Chi‐square and Fisher exact test, as appropriate.

Results

Among a total of 19 087 implants in 8501 patients (7838 male and 663 female) placed over 9 years, fractures were observed in 70 implants (0.4%) in 57 patients (50 male and 7 female). Cases with less than 50% bone loss had a higher incidence of horizontal and vertical IFs limited to the crest module, which are defined as Type I fractures (n = 13, 18.6%). In contrast, cases with ≥50% severe bone loss exhibited a higher incidence of Type II vertical fractures (n = 22, 31.4%), extending beyond the crestal portion (P = .001). Type III fractures (n = 5, 7.1%), defined as a horizontal fracture beyond the crestal module, were also observed.

Conclusion

Peri‐implantitis‐induced marginal and vertical bone loss and manufacturing‐induced defects were considered to be major factors in IF. Therefore, using clinically verified implant systems and striving to minimize bone loss by preventing and actively treating peri‐implantitis is essential to reduce IFs.
Group behavior diffusion model of social hotspots based on triadic structure and factor graphs
Authors: Li Qian , Huang Kai , Wu Bin , Xiao Yunpeng , Wang Bai
Published: May 2018

In view of the complex relationships involved in network structures, as well as the Markovian nature of information diffusion and the complexity of diffusion paths in social hotspots, we introduce and optimize a basic structure in social networks—the triad. A group behavior diffusion model is proposed based on the optimal triadic structure and factor graph. In addition to predicting individual participation behavior, the model forecasts group development trends of hotspots. First, considering the dynamics of social topic information diffusion, an information triad structure is proposed based on the traditional structure for analyzing the complex influencing factors. Second, in accordance with the Markovian nature of information diffusion, a group behavior diffusion model is proposed associated with the basic concepts and methods of random field theory. This model can not only capture the strengths of different influencing factors but also mine the dynamic patterns of topics. The experimental results reveal the efficiency of our model in both predicting individual participation behavior and perceiving group evolution trends in social hotspots.
A dynamic adaptive deviation registration algorithm for heterogeneous sensors
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Qu Yuanxin , Bo Yuming , Ling Xiaodong , Zhang Yongliang
Published: May 2018

Deviation registration algorithm of homogeneous sensors has grown mature, but heterogeneous sensors deviation registration algorithm still faces the problems like strong nonlinearity and low precision, which needs urgent solutions. To eliminate the difficulties in deviation registration of heterogeneous sensors, especially the different dimensional sensors, the heterogeneous sensors deviation registration model and dynamic adaptive particle swarm optimized particle filter are proposed. In this paper, dynamic adaptive particle swarm optimized particle filter and Kalman filter is federated to carry out the real‐time calibration for the system deviation of radar and infrared sensor. With particle neighborhood information taken into account, this algorithm conducts a self‐adaptive adjustment over the number of particle's neighborhood particles by means of diversity factor, neighborhood extension factor, and neighborhood restriction factor. The adjustment is intended to control the influence of particle on neighborhood and reduce its local optimum so as to attain the optimal balance between convergence rate and optimization ability. The experimental result shows that the improved heterogeneous sensors deviation registration algorithm has upgraded the accuracy and speed of deviation registration; therefore, this algorithm is of high application value in the deviation registration of three‐dimensional radar and two‐dimensional infrared sensor.
Effect of renal denervation on coronary flow reserve in patients with resistant hypertension
Authors: Völz Sebastian , Andersson Bert , Ljungman Charlotta , Gan Li‐Ming , Rundqvist Bengt , Svedlund Sara
Published: May 2018

Renal denervation (RDN) is a potential modality in the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension (RH) and has shown beneficial effect on a variety of cardiovascular surrogate markers. Coronary flow reserve, as assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TDE‐CFR) is impaired in patients with hypertension and is an independent predictor of cardiac morbidity. However, data on the effect of RDN on TDE‐CFR are scarce. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of RDN on TDE‐CFR. Twenty‐six consecutive patients with RH (9 female and 17 male; mean age 62 ± 8 years; mean number of antihypertensive drugs 4·2 ± 1·6) underwent bilateral RDN. CFR was assessed at baseline and 6 months after intervention. Mean flow velocity was measured in the left anterior descending artery by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography at baseline and during adenosine infusion (TDE‐CFR). Systolic office blood pressure was reduced at follow‐up (174 ± 24 versus 162 ± 27 mmHG; P = 0·01). Mean systolic ambulatory blood pressure decreased from 151 ± 21 to 147 ± 18 (P = 0·17). TDE‐CFR remained unchanged 6 months after intervention (2·7 ± 0·6 versus 2·7 ± 0·7; P = 0·67). In conclusion, renal denervation was not associated with any changes in regard to coronary flow reserve at 6‐month follow‐up.
Attention to speech and spoken language development in deaf children with cochlear implants: a 10‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Shafto Carissa L. , Houston Derek M.
Published: May 2018

Early auditory/language experience plays an important role in language development. In this study, we examined the effects of severe‐to‐profound hearing loss and subsequent cochlear implantation on the development of attention to speech in children with cochlear implants (CIs). In addition, we investigated the extent to which attention to speech may predict spoken language development in children with CIs. We tested children with CIs and compared them to chronologically age‐matched peers with normal hearing (NH) on their attention to speech at four time points post implantation; specifically, less than 1 month, 3 to 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months post implantation. We also collected a variety of well‐established speech perception and spoken language measures from the children with CIs in a 10‐year longitudinal study. Children with CIs showed reduced attention to speech as compared to their peers with NH at less than 1 month post implantation, but a similar degree of attention to speech as their NH peers during later time points. In addition, attention to speech at 3 to 6 months post implantation predicts speech perception in children with CIs. These results inform language acquisition theories and bring insights into our understanding of early severe‐to‐profound hearing loss on infants’ attention to speech skills. In addition, the findings have significant clinical implications for early intervention on hearing loss, which emphasizes the importance of developing strong listening skills. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7xiYo3Ua08&feature=youtu.be
Ethical pluralism and the appeal to human nature
Authors: Liu Irene
Published: May 2018

Ethical pluralists hold that moral values and systems are irreducibly diverse and incommensurable according to a common scale. One criticism of the view is that accepting such incommensurability renders them unable to criticize values, practices, institutions, and so forth that are genuinely bad. This paper considers two ways that pluralists have appealed to human nature to answer this criticism. One way appeals to nature to ground a positive conception of human flourishing, whereas the other appeals to nature as a source of constraints. I argue that both views fail to meet the criticism in a satisfactory way and then advance a view that improves upon the existing options. Specifically, I argue that human nature is the standard by which it is possible to assess humaneness, which is a kind of beauty that represents the elevation or refinement of human nature. Accordingly, pluralists can deploy judgments of humaneness to criticize practices, institutions, and so forth that are not worth tolerating without violating the spirit of pluralism.
Summary of the morphological and ecological traits of Central European dung beetles
Authors: Buse Jörn , Šlachta Martin , Sladecek Frantisek X. J. , Carpaneto Giuseppe M.
Published: May 2018

Ecological, morphological and life‐history traits have been increasingly used in community ecology during the last decade. Dung beetles represent a model group of insects frequently used in studies of landscape ecology and grassland management. Their body sizes and nesting behavioral traits are regularly used to help understand ecological processes at the community level. However, information on their seasonal activity, wing morphometry and dung specialization is sparse in published reports, or is simply not available yet. We thus compiled a comprehensive list of the morphological and ecological traits of Central European dung beetles (Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae and Aphodiidae). We gathered information from published works and, for the first time, took morphometric measurements of wings. We provide a database of 12 traits for all 100 dung beetle species occurring in Central Europe. Most species are not restricted to one specific dung type, and the most frequently used dung types are sheep/goat, cattle and horse dung, which are almost equally exploited by 90, 89 and 87 species, respectively. More than one‐third of all species are active in winter, and the number of active species is the highest in June. The wing morphometry shows a high variation and is largely determined by the family identity; the ratio of elytron length to wing area is the largest in Aphodiidae but the smallest in Geotrupidae. Our database is the first standardized set of information for Central European dung beetles and can be used in future trait‐based studies focusing on the ecology and conservation of these beetles.
Verification of the qLabs international normalized ratio point‐of‐care device for monitoring of patients attending an anticoagulation clinic
Authors: Mbokota N. , Schapkaitz E. , Louw S.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

In the developing world, point‐of‐care (POC) testing for international normalized ratio (INR) plays an important role in the monitoring of patients on long‐term warfarin therapy with limited access to healthcare ensuring safe and effective anticoagulation. A newly developed POC device for INR measurement by healthcare workers is the handheld qLabs POC device® (Micropoint Biotechnologies Incorporated, Guangdong, China).

Methods

The qLabs POC device® was evaluated in 262 patients attending an anticoagulation clinic with regards to accuracy and precision of the INR results. The results were compared to the results obtained on the Stago STA R Max® coagulation analyzer (Stago Diagnostica, Paris, France) on a wide range of normal and abnormal results of clinical relevance.

Results

The mean laboratory INR (2.50 ± 1.08) was significantly higher than the qLabs POC device® INR (2.38 ± 1.07) (P < .0001). The correlation coefficient (r) was .88, the slope coefficient was 1.0 (CI, 0.8‐1.2), and the intercept was −0.10 (CI, −0.50 to 0.30). The mean of the differences was −0.13% (CI, −0.19 to −0.06). Dosage concordance was 85.46% and clinical agreement was 92.37%. However, clinical agreement was 42.42% in the subgroup above the target range (>3.5). The imprecision was within acceptable limits (<5%) and the error message rate was 4.38%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the qLabs POC device® is accurate and precise with high levels of dosage concordance and clinical agreement for INR values within and below the target range.
Vitamin D status and associated genetic polymorphisms in a cohort of UK children with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gibson P. S. , Quaglia A. , Dhawan A. , Wu H. , Lanham‐New S. , Hart K. H. , Fitzpatrick E. , Moore J. B.
Published: May 2018

Background

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the role of polymorphisms determining vitamin D status remains unknown.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine in UK children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (i) their vitamin D status throughout a 12‐month period and (ii) interactions between key vitamin D‐related genetic variants (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthase‐1/dehydrocholesterol reductase‐7, vitamin D receptor, group‐specific component, CYP2R1) and disease severity.

Methods

In 103 paediatric patients with NAFLD, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and genotypes were determined contemporaneously to liver biopsy and examined in relation to NAFLD activity score and fibrosis stage.

Results

Only 19.2% of children had adequate vitamin D status; most had mean 25OHD levels considered deficient (<25 nmol·L−1, 25.5%) or insufficient (<50 nmol·L−1, 55.3%). Patients had significantly lower 25OHD levels in winter months (95% CI: 22.7–31.2 nmol·L−1) when compared with spring (30.5–42.1 nmol·L−1; P = 0.0089), summer (36.3–47.2 nmol·L−1; P < 0.0001) and autumn (34.2–47.5 nmol·L−1; P = 0.0003). Polymorphisms in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthase‐1/dehydrocholesterol reductase‐7 (rs3829251, rs12785878) and vitamin D receptor (rs2228570) genes were independently associated with increased steatosis; while a group‐specific component variant (rs4588) was associated with increased inflammation in liver biopsies.

Conclusions

Children with NAFLD in the UK have particularly low winter vitamin D status, with vitamin D insufficiency prevalent throughout the year. Polymorphisms in the vitamin D metabolic pathway are associated with histological severity of paediatric NAFLD.
Media Discussion on the Naturalization Policy for Syrians in Turkey
Authors: Atasü‐Topçuoğlu Reyhan
Published: May 2018

This study focuses on the public opinion on the naturalization policy for Syrians in Turkey. It analyses news media coverage in the religious, far‐right newspaper (Yeni Akit), a centre‐right newspaper (Hürriyet), a social democrat newspaper (Cumhuriyet), and a socialist‐left news portal (Solportal). The research question is: What are the metaphors, arguments, and omissions produced by media of different ideologies about the possible citizenship of Syrians in Turkey? The results show that metaphors and arguments differ according to ideological stance, suggesting that the current political polarization in Turkey affects the public's acceptance of Syrians and challenges Turkey's established migration policy. Each ideological stance accepts Syrians on a selective basis, implying that universal naturalization of Syrians is not welcome; instead, there seems to be consensus favouring naturalization according to socio‐economic criteria. These results indicate a need for a change in migration policy, especially concerning disadvantaged Syrians.
Impact of social externalities on the formation of an international environmental agreement: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Sacco Armando , Zaccour Georges
Published: May 2018

We analyze the impact of social externalities (SEs) on the stability of an international environmental agreement (IEA). We consider a framework in which players are divided into two homogeneous groups, namely, developed and developing countries. We assume that members of an IEA get some additional benefits, to which we refer as SEs. One main result is that any coalition that is internally stable will expand to include all countries, which is related to the minimum participation clause considered in some papers. However, our minimum, which is endogenously defined, is not the largest stable coalition size, but the grand coalition.
Solving the multidepot vehicle routing problem with limited depot capacity and stochastic demands
Authors: Calvet Laura , Wang Dandan , Juan Angel , Bové Lluc
Published: May 2018

When capacity constraints have to be considered at each depot due to the existence of a limited number of capacitated vehicles, the multidepot vehicle routing problem (MDVRP) is a nontrivial extension of the well‐known capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). The MDVRP combines a customer‐to‐depot assignment problem with several CVRPs. In real‐life scenarios, it is usual to find uncertainty in the customers' demands. There are few works on the stochastic MDVRP (SMDVRP) and, to the best of our knowledge, most of them assume the existence of an unlimited fleet of vehicles at each depot. This paper presents a simheuristic framework combining Monte Carlo simulation with a metaheuristic algorithm to deal with the SMDVRP with limited fleets (and, therefore, limited depot serving capacity). Its efficiency is tested on a set of stochastic instances, which extend the ones available in the literature for the deterministic version of the problem.
A novel human S10F‐Hsp20 mutation induces lethal peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Guan‐Sheng , Gardner George , Adly George , Jiang Min , Cai Wen‐Feng , Lam Chi Keung , Alogaili Fawzi , Robbins Nathan , Rubinstein Jack , Kranias Evangelia G.
Published: May 2018

Heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) has been shown to be a critical regulator of cardiomyocyte survival upon cardiac stress. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of a novel human Hsp20 mutation (S10F) in peripartum cardiomyopathy. Previous findings showed that cardiac‐specific overexpression of this mutant were associated with reduced autophagy, left ventricular dysfunction and early death in male mice. However, this study indicates that females have normal function with no alterations in autophagy but died within a week after 1‐4 pregnancies. Further examination of mutant females revealed left ventricular chamber dilation and hypertrophic remodelling. Echocardiography demonstrated increases in left ventricular end‐systolic volume and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, while ejection fraction and fractional shortening were depressed following pregnancy. Subsequent studies revealed that cardiomyocyte apoptosis was elevated in mutant female hearts after the third delivery, associated with decreases in the levels of Bcl‐2/Bax and Akt phosphorylation. These results indicate that the human S10F mutant is associated with dysregulation of cell survival signalling, accelerated heart failure and early death post‐partum.
Prevalence and comorbidities associated with hidradenitis suppurativa in Korea: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Lee J.H. , Kwon H.S. , Jung H.M. , Kim G.M. , Bae J.M.
Published: May 2018

Background

The prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in Asia is unknown. The associations between HS and other autoimmune disorders have rarely been reported.

Objective

We sought to determine the prevalence of and diseases associated with HS using the National Health Insurance (NHI) database.

Methods

We examined Korean NHI claim database data from 2007 to 2016. We enrolled all patients with HS and age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects without HS. We estimated the period prevalence of HS and associated comorbidities in Korea.

Results

We identified 28 516 patients with HS (61.3% males and 38.7% females). The period prevalence rate was 0.06%, 55.8 patients (95% confidence interval 55.1–56.4) per 100 000 persons, and the female‐to‐male ratio was 1 : 1.6. HS patients were at significantly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, acne conglobata, pilonidal cysts, psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, alopecia areata and vitiligo.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of HS in Korea was lower than that in Western populations, and male patients predominated.
A review of non‐invasive imaging in extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Bayan C.‐A.Y. , Khanna T. , Rotemberg V. , Samie F.H. , Zeitouni N.C.
Published: May 2018

Extramammary Paget's Disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma that classically manifests with pruritic, erythematous and scaling plaques. The clinical picture frequently mimics inflammatory or infectious conditions and is thus commonly misdiagnosed. The assessment of tumour margins is equally challenging as tumours have a propensity to spread beyond clinically visible boundaries. Appropriate non‐invasive diagnostic tools can assist in the early detection, diagnosis and management of EMPD. This paper will review the literature on non‐invasive imaging modalities used in EMPD. Articles from the PubMed database were selected based on relevance to the topic of this review. Articles that were not specific to EMPD and non‐invasive imaging were excluded. Search strategy is further described in the methods section below. Eighteen articles were selected for this review: six PET/CT, five reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), two photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), two dermoscopy, two MRI and one optical coherence tomography (OCT) paper(s). Dermoscopy, PDD, RCM and OCT can help to distinguish malignant conditions, including EMPD, from benign conditions. RCM and OCT can identify atypical cells in real‐time, and have the potential to improve the accuracy of surgical margins intraoperatively and overall management. Distinctive confocal characteristics of EMPD have been described using RCM. The sensitivity and specificity of these findings require additional validation. Radiographic techniques also play a central role in the diagnosis of EMPD and assessment of disease spread. PET/CT and MRI can detect primary disease, nodal and distant metastases, with superior delineation of disease spread on MRI. Limitations of PET/CT are mainly related to primary tumour thickness, and size and FDG‐avidity of nodal and distant metastases. Limitations of MRI include the fact that few studies have examined its use in EMPD; additional research is warranted. Randomized controlled trials and large prospective studies evaluating the use of non‐invasive imaging in EMPD are needed.
Measurement of healthcare quality in atopic dermatitis – development and application of a set of quality indicators
Authors: Steinke S. , Beikert F.C. , Langenbruch A. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Ring J. , Schmitt J. , Werfel T. , Hintzen S. , Franzke N. , Augustin M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Quality indicators are essential tools for the assessment of health care, in particular for guideline‐based procedures.

Objective

Development of a set of indicators for the evaluation of process and outcomes quality in atopic dermatitis (AD) care. Application of the indicators to a cross‐sectional study and creation of a global process quality index.

Methods

An expert committee consisting of 10 members of the German guideline group on AD condensed potential quality indicators to a final set of 5 outcomes quality and 12 process quality indicators using a Delphi panel. The outcomes quality and 7 resp. 8 process quality indicators were retrospectively applied to a nationwide study on 1678 patients with atopic dermatitis (AtopicHealth). Each individual process quality indicator score was then summed up to a global index (ranges from 0 [no quality achieved] to 100 [full quality achieved]) displaying the quality of health care.

Results

In total, the global process quality index revealed a median value of 62.5 and did not or only slightly correlate to outcomes quality indicators like the median SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD; rp = 0.08), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; rp = 0.256) and Patient Benefit Index (PBI; rp = −0.151).

Conclusion

Process quality of AD care is moderate to good. The healthcare process quality index does not substantially correlate to the health status of AD patients measured by 5 different outcomes quality indicators. Further research should include the investigation of reliability, responsiveness and feasibility of the proposed quality indicators for AD.
Exploiting the Potential of Public Procurement: Opportunities for Circular Economy
Authors: Alhola Katriina , Ryding Sven‐ Olof , Salmenperä Hanna , Busch Niels Juul
Published: May 2018

The objective of a circular economy (CE) is to maintain the value of products, materials, and resources in the economy by closing material loops and minimizing waste generation. In recent years, the role of public procurement has been recognized as an important, but as yet not fully exploited, opportunity by cities and municipalities in their transition toward circular societies. This study analyzed public procurement opportunities to promote CE. Different approaches and examples of circular public procurement were identified using case studies. In addition, opportunities to promote CE through sustainable and green public procurement policy were identified analyzing predefined sustainable or green public procurement criteria. The study concludes that public procurement can promote CE and related business models by setting criteria and requirements for the extension of product life spans, efficiency and/or intensity of use, and efficient cycling of biological or technical materials, as well as for the securing of clean and nonrisky cycles. Circular procurement can occur through the procurement of better‐quality products in circular terms, the procurement of new circular products, the use of business concepts that support the CE, and investments in circular ecosystems. Several sectors and product groups were identified as having potential for circular procurement, such as construction, waste, and wastewater management, transportation, food, and catering, furniture, and textiles. The study also suggests that the use of certain tools, such as performance‐based procurement, life cycle approach, and life cycle costing, as well as criteria concerning reuse and recycling of materials, could promote circular procurement. Market dialogue and cooperation between procurers and actors in the supply chains are important for the future development of circular procurement.
The Effect of Therapeutic Clowning on Handwashing Technique and Microbial Colonization in Preschool Children
Authors: Arıkan Duygu , Gürarslan Baş Nazan , Kurudirek Fatma , Baştopcu Ayşe , Uslu Hakan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effect of therapeutic clowning on handwashing technique and microbial colonization in preschool children.

Design

This randomized controlled trial was conducted using pre‐test and post‐test experimental and control groups.

Methods

The study was conducted between March and June 2016 in two kindergartens in eastern Turkey. The study was completed with a total of 195 students, including 90 students in the experimental group and 105 students in the control group. A questionnaire was used for data collection. This questionnaire included sections about the subjects’ descriptive characteristics and the results of the bacterial cultures of their hand swabs. For the collection of these swabs, the subjects were informed in advance, and samples were collected at predetermined times. The swabs were analyzed to determine the bacterial colonization of the subjects’ hands. Clowns and video activities were used as intervention tools in the study.

Findings

In the post‐test, the microbial growth was ≤103 in 68.9% and >103 in 31.1% of the subjects in the experimental group. In contrast, the growth was ≤103 in 34.3% and >103 in 65.7% of the control group subjects. The difference in the post‐test microbial growths of the two groups was statistically significant (p < .000).

Conclusions

The hygienic handwashing technique taught in the therapeutic clowning and videos reduced the bacterial colonization on the preschool children's hands by 50%. Moreover, this method was effective in reducing the growth rate of coliform bacteria that indicate undesirable, poor hygiene of the hands.

Clinical Relevance

Considering these results, we recommend that pediatric healthcare professionals use entertaining methods such as those involving clowns to teach and guide children regarding hygienic handwashing techniques.
Frequency of shedding of respiratory pathogens in horses recently imported to the United States
Authors: Smith Fauna Leah , Watson Johanna L. , Spier Sharon J. , Kilcoyne Isabelle , Mapes Samantha , Sonder Claudia , Pusterla Nicola
Published: May 2018

Background

Imported horses that have undergone recent long distance transport might represent a serious risk for spreading infectious respiratory pathogens into populations of horses.

Objective

To investigate the frequency of shedding of respiratory pathogens in recently imported horses.

Animals

All imported horses with signed owner consent (n = 167) entering a USDA quarantine for contagious equine metritis from October 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled in the study.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Enrolled horses had a physical examination performed and nasal secretions collected at the time of entry and subsequently if any horse developed signs of respiratory disease during quarantine. Samples were assayed for equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus type‐1, −2, −4, and −5 (EHV‐1, −2, −4, −5), equine rhinitis virus A (ERAV), and B (ERBV) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) using quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results

Equine herpesviruses were detected by qPCR in 52% of the study horses including EHV‐2 (28.7%), EHV‐5 (40.7%), EHV‐1 (1.2%), and EHV‐4 (3.0%). Clinical signs were not correlated with being qPCR‐positive for EHV‐4, EHV‐2, or EHV‐5. None of the samples were qPCR‐positive for EIV, ERAV, ERBV, and S. equi. The qPCR assay failed quality control for RNA viruses in 25% (46/167) of samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinical signs of respiratory disease were poorly correlated with qPCR positive status for EHV‐2, −4, and −5. The importance of γ‐herpesviruses (EHV‐2 and 5) in respiratory disease is poorly understood. Equine herpesvirus type‐1 or 4 (EHV‐1 or EHV‐4) were detected in 4.2% of horses, which could have serious consequences if shedding animals entered a population of susceptible horses. Biosecurity measures are important when introducing recently imported horses into resident US populations of horses.
The Post‐Reform Effectiveness of the New German Start‐Up Subsidy for the Unemployed
Authors: Bellmann Lutz , Caliendo Marco , Tübbicke Stefan
Published: May 2018

The current German start‐up subsidy for unemployed individuals underwent a major reform in 2011 that altered key parameters of the program, leading to ambiguous ex ante predictions on the post‐reform effectiveness of the program, making a new evaluation necessary. In our descriptive analysis, we find that participants after the reform differ significantly from pre‐reform participants in terms of important characteristics and subsequent labor market performance. Our causal analysis reveals positive and sizable treatment effects on the treated regarding employment and income that are larger effects than what was estimated for the pre‐reform program. Potential reasons for this are discussed.
Infection is the chief cause of mortality and non‐death censored graft loss in the first year after renal transplantation in a resource limited population: A single centre study
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Vikraman , Agarwal Sanjay K , Aggarwal Sandeep , Mahajan Sandeep , Bhowmik Dipankar , Bagchi Soumita
Published: May 2018

Aim

Few studies have assessed the impact of infections after renal transplantation (RTX) in low and middle income countries. This single centre study aimed to delineate the profile and impact of infections requiring hospitalization (IRH) occurring in the first year after RTX in India.

Method

Patients who underwent RTX between July 2012 and June 2015 were followed up for 12 months after transplantation.

Results

60.2% of the 387 patients studied had at least one IRH and total 492 infections were diagnosed. The most common were urinary tract (30.3%), gastrointestinal (17.1%) and pulmonary (11.2%) infections. Viral aetiology (33.3%) was most frequent, followed by bacterial (23.6%), parasitic (5.1%), tuberculosis (4.5%), and fungal infections (3.9%). 86.4% deaths were due to infections. One year patient and graft survival were inferior among recipients with IRH compared to those with no IRH: 91.8% vs. 98.1% (log rank = 0.010) and 90.1% vs. 97.4% (log rank = 0.006) respectively. Average monthly income per family member <5000 Rupees (75 USD), NODAT, and acute rejection were independent risk factors for IRH.

Conclusion

The profile of IRH is unique involving opportunistic, community‐acquired and endemic infections seen in this country. It is the predominant cause of mortality and graft loss in the first year after RTX. Poor economic status is an important determinant of IRH in our population.
Storage lipid accumulation is controlled by photoperiodic signal acting via regulators of growth cessation and dormancy in hybrid aspen
Authors: Grimberg Åsa , Lager Ida , Street Nathaniel R. , Robinson Kathryn M. , Marttila Salla , Mähler Niklas , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Bhalerao Rishikesh P.
Published: May 2018

The signalling pathways that control seasonal modulation of carbon metabolism in perennial plants are poorly understood. Using genetic, metabolic and natural variation approaches, we identify factors mediating photoperiodic control of storage lipid accumulation in the model tree hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides).

We characterized lipid accumulation in transgenic hybrid aspen with impaired photoperiodic and hormonal responses. Genome‐wide association mapping was performed in Swedish aspen (P. tremula) genotypes to determine genetic loci associated with genotype variation in lipid content.

Our data show that the storage lipid triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulates in cambial meristem and pith rays of aspen in response to photoperiodic signal controlling growth cessation and dormancy induction. We show that photoperiodic control of TAG accumulation is mediated by the FLOWERING LOCUS T/CONSTANS module, which also controls the induction of growth cessation. Hormonal and chromatin remodelling pathways also contribute to TAG accumulation by photoperiodic signal. Natural variation exists in lipid accumulation that is controlled by input from multiple loci.

Our data shed light on how the control of storage metabolism is temporally coordinated with growth cessation and dormancy by photoperiodic signal, and reveals that storage lipid accumulation between seeds and perennating organs of trees may involve distinct regulatory circuits.
Stress and the psyche–brain–immune network in psychiatric diseases based on psychoneuroendocrineimmunology: a concise review
Authors: Bottaccioli Anna Giulia , Bottaccioli Francesco , Minelli Andrea
Published: May 2018

In the last decades, psychoneuroendocrineimmunology research has made relevant contributions to the fields of neuroscience, psychobiology, epigenetics, molecular biology, and clinical research by studying the effect of stress on human health and highlighting the close interrelations between psyche, brain, and bodily systems. It is now well recognized that chronic stress can alter the physiological cross‐talk between brain and biological systems, leading to long‐lasting maladaptive effects (allostatic overload) on the nervous, immune, endocrine, and metabolic systems, which compromises stress resiliency and health. Stressful conditions in early life have been associated with profound alterations in cortical and subcortical brain regions involved in emotion regulation and the salience network, showing relevant overlap with different psychiatric conditions. This paper provides a summary of the available literature concerning the notable effects of stress on the brain and immune system. We highlight the role of epigenetics as a mechanistic pathway mediating the influences of the social and physical environment on brain structure and connectivity, the immune system, and psycho‐physical health in psychiatric diseases. We also summarize the evidence regarding the effects of stress management techniques (mainly psychotherapy and meditation practice) on clinical outcomes, brain neurocircuitry, and immune‐inflammatory network in major psychiatric diseases.
Eosinophilic esophagitis: latest insights from diagnosis to therapy
Authors: Schoepfer Alain , Blanchard Carine , Dawson Heather , Lucendo Alfredo , Mauro Aurelio , Ribi Camillo , Safroneeva Ekaterina , Savarino Edoardo V. , Penagini Roberto
Published: May 2018

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic, local immune‐mediated esophageal disease, characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil‐predominant inflammation. Other systemic and local causes of esophageal eosinophilia should be excluded. Clinical manifestations or pathologic data should not be interpreted in isolation. EoE was first described as a distinct disease entity in 1993. Most patients are diagnosed with underlying food allergies. The first diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines were published in 2007 with a first update in 2011. In 2017, new international guidelines were published based on the GRADE methodology. These guidelines provide, among many other topics, insights on the role of proton pump inhibitor‐responsive esophageal eosinophilia. Over the last two decades, considerable progress was made by stakeholders regarding the understanding of EoE's pathogenesis, genetic background, natural history, allergy workup, standardization of assessment of disease activity, evaluation of minimally invasive diagnostic tools, and new therapeutic approaches. This brief review provides further insights into latest diagnostic and therapeutic advances.