bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with impaired β‐cell function in Chinese men
Authors: Xu Min , Zhou Yulin , Xu Baihui , Sun Jichao , Wang Tiange , Lu Jieli , Lai Shenghan , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang
Published: May 2015

Background

The aims of the present study were to examine the association of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with impaired β‐cell function in Chinese men, particularly the interaction of smoking and alcohol consumption on impaired insulin secretion.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional study was performed in 3957 Chinese men aged ≥40 years. The homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) was calculated, and impaired β‐cell function was defined as less than the lowest quartile HOMA‐βcut‐off point.

Results

The prevalence of impaired β‐cell function in current smokers and heavy drinkers (≥200 g/week) was significantly higher than in non‐smokers and non‐drinkers, respectively. Compared with non‐smoking, current smoking had an exacerbating relationship with impaired β‐cell function (odds ratio [OR] 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–2.15; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between impaired β‐cell function and former smoking (P = 0.21), although low and heavy drinking were associated with an increased risk of impaired β‐cell function (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.07–1.81] and 2.14 [95% CI 1.77–2.58], respectively) compared with non‐drinking. The combination of current smoking and heavy drinking was associated with the highest risk of impaired β‐cell function (OR 3.16; 95% CI 2.43–4.12; P < 0.0001) after adjustment for confounders. We did not detect an additive interaction between current smoking and heavy drinking on the association with impaired β‐cell function.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly and independently associated with impaired β‐cell function in Chinese men.
Ambulatory arterial stiffness index and carotid intima‐media thickness in hypertensive rheumatoid patients: a comparative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mitrović Joško , Morović‐Vergles Jadranka , Horvatić Ivica , Badžak Jasna , Stojić Maristela , Gamulin Stjepan
Published: May 2015

Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. However, little is known about preclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive rheumatoid arthritis patients. In this cross‐sectional study we assessed the expression of preclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive rheumatoid arthritis patients in comparison with matched hypertensive non‐rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Methods

The study included 52 hypertensive rheumatoid arthritis patients and 42 hypertensive non‐rheumatoid arthritis patients. The patients were extensively examined clinically and laboratory tested. The expression of preclinical atherosclerosis was estimated by assessing ambulatory arterial stiffness index and common carotid intima‐media thickness.

Results

Arterial stiffness index and common carotid intima‐media thickness were higher in hypertensive rheumatoid arthritis patients than in hypertensive non‐rheumatoid arthritis patients. There was no correlation between arterial stiffness index and common carotid intima‐media thickness with markers of inflammation and disease activity in hypertensive rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Conclusion

The expression of subclinical atherosclerosis is more pronounced in hypertensive rheumatoid arthritis than in hypertensive non‐ rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis: 5 years follow‐up of three patients
Authors: Davatchi Fereydoun , Sadeghi Abdollahi Bahar , Mohyeddin Mandana , Nikbin Behrooz
Published: May 2015

Aim

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of joint cartilage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in low numbers in normal cartilage, mainly in the superficial layer, acting as repairing agents. In OA, MSCs are seen in larger numbers, but act chaotic and are unable to repair the cartilage. The synovial membrane becomes inflamed and interacts with the cartilage. Transplanted MSC have the ability to normalize them, redirecting them to their normal function. In a preliminary study, we showed that MSC could improve knee OA in four patients at 6 months. This report shows their long‐term follow‐up at 5 years.

Methods

One patient was lost to follow‐up at 2 years and three were followed for 5 years. They were aged 55, 57, 65 and 54 years, and had moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. The worse knee of each patient was injected with 8–9 × 106 MSC.

Results

As previously reported, all parameters improved in transplant knees at 6 months (walking time, stair climbing, gelling pain, patella crepitus, flection contracture and the visual analogue score on pain). Then, they started gradually to deteriorate, but at 5 years they were still better than at baseline. PGA (Patient Global Assessment) improved from baseline to 5 years. The better knee at baseline (no MSC), continued its progression toward aggravation and at 5 years became the worse knee.

Conclusion

Transplant knees were all in a rather advanced stage of OA. Earlier transplantation may give better results in long‐term follow‐up. This is what future studies have to demonstrate.
Body mass index and exon 19 mutation as factors predicting the therapeutic efficacy of gefitinib in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sun Hongyan , Sun Xiaoteng , Zhai Xiaoyu , Guo Jingfeng , Liu Yutao , Ying Jianming , Wang Ziping
Published: May 2015

Background

Many randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) are advantageous over standard chemotherapy, either as front‐line treatment or as further management of patients with EGFR mutation‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, which subgroup of these patients could benefit more from EGFR‐TKIs needs to be further explored. In the present study, we explored the predictive factors in such cohorts of patients who received gefitinib.

Methods

The study included 95 patients with EGFR mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC who received gefitinib treatment. Multivariate analysis of progression‐free survival (PFS) was performed using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to assess the effect of specific variables on PFS in subgroups of patients with similar clinical features.

Results

The median PFS in patients with EGFR mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC who received gefitinib treatment was 13.3 months (95% confidence interval 9.4–17.2). CART analysis showed an initial split on body mass index (BMI); subsequently, three terminal subgroups were formed. The median PFS in the three subsets ranged from 8.2 to 15.2 months, in which the subgroup with a BMI less than or equal to 20.8 kg/m2 had the longest PFS (15.2 months). In addition, PFS in the EGFR exon 19 mutation group was better than in the other mutation site group (10.3 vs. 8.2 months).

Conclusions

BMI and exon 19 mutation may be predictors of PFS in patients with EGFR mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC who receive gefitinib treatment. Both active EGFR mutation and patient‐specific factors may be used to predict the therapeutic efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs.
Declining populations of greater sage‐grouse: hunter motivations when numbers are low
Authors: Guttery M. R. , Messmer T. A. , Brunson M. W. , Robinson J. D. , Dahlgren D. K.
Published: May 2015

As a hunted species becomes increasingly rare, the effort required to locate and harvest an individual tends to increase. As rarity increases, governmental oversight, including changes in hunting regulations and protection of habitats and individuals using mechanisms such as the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), can be used to mitigate extinction risks. However, recent research has demonstrated the existence of a feedback mechanism through which increased rarity may increase hunter demand for opportunities to pursue rare species before the opportunity is lost. This phenomenon, referred to as the anthropogenic Allee effect, may exacerbate exploitation, thereby resulting in disproportionally large effects of harvest on vulnerable species. In 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service designated greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) as a candidate for listing under the ESA. Although sage‐grouse are a candidate for ESA listing, they are still hunted throughout much of their current range. In 2008, the demand for sage‐grouse hunting permits in Utah exceeded their availability, raising questions about why hunters choose to pursue this species. We hypothesized that the pending ESA listing decision increased hunter demand for permits. We surveyed randomly selected hunters who obtained permits to hunt sage‐grouse in Utah in 2008–2010 (n = 838) to determine their motivations for hunting sage‐grouse and determinants of hunter satisfaction. The most commonly reported reasons for hunting sage‐grouse were to spend time with family, for tradition and meat. Although the potential ESA listing was not a major motivational factor in 2009 or 2010, the percentage of respondents selecting this option did increase by 7%. Hunter awareness of the ESA listing petition also increased by 18% during this period. Our results provide new insights on the sociological importance and potential threats of hunting rare species.
Australian dentists: characteristics of those who employ or are willing to employ oral health therapists
Authors: Kempster C , Luzzi L , Roberts‐Thomson K
Published: May 2015

Background

There has been an increase in the availability of oral health therapists (OHTs) in the oral health workforce in the last decade. The impact these clinicians will have on the oral health of the general public is dependent on access pathways and utilization. This study aimed to profile Australian dentists who employ or are willing to employ OHTs and to explore the degree of association between dentist characteristics and employment decisions.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used a random sample of Australian dentists (n = 1169) from the Federal Australian Dental Association register in 2009. Participants were sent a postal questionnaire capturing dentist characteristics and oral health practitioner employment information.

Results

An adjusted response rate of 55% was obtained. Dentists willing to employ OHTs included non‐metropolitan dentists, dentists in multiple surgery practices and those considering practice expansion. Age, gender and sector of practice were not significantly associated with retrospective employment decisions or willingness to employ in the future.

Conclusions

Certain characteristics of dentists or of their practice are associated with their history of employment and willingness to employ OHTs. Employment decisions are more commonly related to entrepreneurial aspirations (expressed as a willingness to expand), sector of practice, surgery capacity and regionality over gender and age. Understanding the factors that influence the employment of OHTs is important in enhancing access pathways to the services provided by OHTs.
Acute acquired comitant esotropia of childhood: a classification based on 48 children
Authors: Buch Helena , Vinding Troels
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To identify characteristics of pediatric patients who develop acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) with and without intracranial disease.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of 48 children consecutively referred to the hospital with AACE during a 13‐year period. Inclusion criteria were acute onset of comitant esotropia, available data on ophthalmologic, orthoptic and neurologic examinations. Children with neurological signs, AACE recurrence or hyperopia <+3 dioptres (D) underwent brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Patients without imaging were followed.

Results

In all, 48 cases were recorded. The mean age at onset was 4.7 years, being significantly higher among children with intracranial disease. Seven cause‐specific types of AACE in childhood were identified: The acute accommodative (n = 15, 31%), decompensated monofixation syndrome or esophoria (n = 13, 27%), idiopathic (n = 9, 19%), intracranial disease (n = 3, 6%), occlusion related (n = 3, 6%), AACE secondary to different aetiologic disease (n = 3, 6%) and cyclic AACE (n = 2, 4%). Intracranial disease included hydrocephalus, pontine and thalamic glioma. Of the children with intracranial disease, 2 of 3 had no obvious neurological signs at onset. Four significant risk factors for intracranial disease were identified as follows: larger esodeviation at distance, recurrence of AACE, neuro signs (papilledema) and older age at onset (>6 years).

Conclusion

In a large case series of children with AACE and by review of literature, we identified seven cause‐specific types of AACE. Intracranial disease was present in 6%, and four risk factors were identified to guide clinicians when to perform brain imaging. Findings suggest AACE of childhood to be differentiated from AACE of adulthood.
Physico‐Chemical Characterization of Pigments and Binders of Murals in a Church in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremariam K. F. , Kvittingen L. , Banica F.‐G.
Published: May 2015

Here, we report the physico‐chemical characterization of wall paintings from the Petros and Paulos church in Ethiopia. This work represents the first technical study of paintings located in Ethiopia, rather than paintings in museum collections outside the country, using diverse analytical techniques. In situ examination with a portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) was followed by analysis of samples using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), micro‐Raman spectroscopy (MRS), attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FT–IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and pyrolysis gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS). The paint stratigraphy, the compositions of the support material, the preparatory and painting layers were studied, as well as the morphology of the pigment particles. The results revealed the use of earth pigments and carbon black. The preparatory layer was uncommon; composed of dolomite, clay rich in clinochlore and sand, in contrast to the more common gypsum and calcite. The binder and the stratigraphic analyses suggested a distempera technique.
The Experimental Study of Palaeolithic Heat‐Treatment Technology: A Case from the Shuidonggou Rock Resources, North‐West China
Authors: Guan Y. , Zhou Z. Y. , Huan Y. , Gao X.
Published: May 2015

The application of heat‐treatment technology on lithic raw materials is an important feature of early modern human behaviour. The evidence of heat‐treated stone artefacts discovered at Localities 2 and 12 of the Shuidonggou Late Palaeolithic site, North‐West China, provides an important example for studying this technology among ancient humans in Asia during the Late Palaeolithic. The mechanism and effects of heat treatment on raw materials and the role of this technology in producing stone tools were studied by means of a simulation experiment and related analytical methods. These facilitated an in‐depth analysis of the heat‐treatment activities of the Shuidonggou occupants and their implications for cognitive ability and survival strategies of human populations at that time.
Identification of Pottery‐Forming Techniques using Quantitative Analysis of the Orientation of Inclusions and Voids in Thin Sections
Authors: Thér R.
Published: May 2015

The relationship between forming techniques and orientation of the components of ceramic materials in the context of pottery technology has long been recognized and used for identification of the techniques employed to create archaeological ceramics. The alignment of inclusions is usually characterized by qualitative categories or ordinal scales. This paper evaluates the potential of quantitative orientation analysis for identification of pottery‐forming techniques. A collection of experimental pottery formed using five forming techniques and combined techniques was analysed. The forming techniques were characterized by the intervals of the mean direction and the circular standard deviations of the orientation of the major axes of the ellipses equivalent to the objects representing random sections of inclusions and voids. The most informative criteria for the identification of pottery techniques are the circular standard deviation of the inclusion/void orientations in the core area of the vessel wall in a perpendicular thin section and the mean direction in a tangential section.
Savoury Recipes and the Colour of the Tlatelcomila Human Bones
Authors: Trujillo‐Mederos A. , Bosch P. , Pijoan C. , Mansilla J.
Published: May 2015

Bones from Tlatelcomila (Tetelpan, México D.F.) were characterized by several complementary physical and chemical techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectroscopy, to determine whether they were boiled or grilled. The usual correlation between thermal treatment and colour is revisited in terms of microscopic structure, morphology and texture. At temperatures less than 100°C, it is shown that colour depends not only on temperature or diagenesis but also on the cooking procedure; that is, on the presence of spice dyestuffs such as axiote (Bixa orellana) or chilli (Capsicum).
XRF Characterization Of 18th Century Piedmontese Porcelains From The Palazzo Madama Museum (Torino, Italy)
Authors: Turco F. , Davit P. , Maritano C. , Operti L. , Fenoglio G. , Agostino A.
Published: May 2015

Around 100 porcelain objects of the 18th century Rossetti, Vische and Vinovo manufactures (Piedmont, Italy) from the Palazzo Madama Museum collection were analysed by means of an X‐ray fluorescence portable detector. The present study represents the first chemical characterization of these early (1737–1825) European porcelains. Chemical composition data were submitted to multivariate clustering techniques that underscored a complete classification of the three manufactures and the presence of three subgroups for the Vinovo production. These resulting subgroups did not mirror the classification expected on the basis of the historiographic literature. The overall data pointed to technological continuity not only through all the Vinovo phases but even continuing from the earlier Vische manufacture.
Prelinguistic Relational Concepts: Investigating Analogical Processing in Infants
Authors: Ferry Alissa L. , Hespos Susan J. , Gentner Dedre
Published: May 2015

This research asks whether analogical processing ability is present in human infants, using the simplest and most basic relation—the same–different relation. Experiment 1 (N = 26) tested whether 7‐ and 9‐month‐olds spontaneously detect and generalize these relations from a single example, as previous research has suggested. The attempted replication failed. Experiment 2 asked whether infants could abstract the relation via analogical processing (Experiment 2, N = 64). Indeed, with four exemplars, 7‐ and 9‐month‐olds could abstract the same–different relation and generalize it to novel pairs. Furthermore, prior experience with the objects disrupted learning. Facilitation from multiple exemplars and disruption by individual object salience are signatures of analogical learning. These results indicate that analogical ability is present by 7 months.
Expression of peptide fragments from proADM and involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways in pulmonary remodeling induced by high pulmonary blood flow
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Aili , Wang Lijuan , Kong Qingyu , Wang Rong , Han Li , Zhao Cuifen
Published: May 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening disease characterized by progressive pulmonary arterial remodeling and right ventricular failure. Despite recent advances in pathophysiological mechanism exploration and new therapeutic approaches, PAH remains a challenging condition. In this study, we investigated the roles of the peptide fragments from proadrenomedullin (proADM) such as adrenomedullin (ADM), adrenotensin (ADT), and proadrenomedullin N‐terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) during pulmonary remodeling caused by high pulmonary blood flow, and probed the possible involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways. Sixteen rat models of PAH were artificially established by surgically connecting the left common carotid artery to the external jugular vein. We subcutaneously injected an extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) inhibitor, PD98059, in eight rats, treated another eight rats with an equal volume of saline. Eight rats without connections served as the control group. We observed that mRNA expression levels of ADM, stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK), and ERK1/2 were significantly elevated in the shunted rats; furthermore, ERK1/2 levels were significantly inhibited by PD98059. Protein levels of ADM, PAMP, p‐SAPK, and p‐ERK1/2 were significantly higher ADT was lower, and p‐p38 remained unchanged in the rat models compared with the controls. However, the protein expression of both ADM and p‐ERK1/2 was significantly inhibited by PD98059. Our results suggest that levels of ADM, ADT, and PAMP respond to pulmonary remodeling, and that activation of the SAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways is involved in pulmonary hypertension and artery remodeling caused by high pulmonary blood flow.
Clinical profile and quality of life of patients with occupational contact dermatitis from New Delhi, India
Authors: Bhatia Riti , Sharma Vinod K. , Ramam M. , Sethuraman Gomathy , Yadav Chander P.
Published: May 2015

Background

Data regarding occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) and its effect on quality of life (QOL) in India are limited.

Objectives/aims

To evaluate patients with OCD and record the outcome of treatment.

Patients/materials/methods

All patients with OCD were evaluated for severity of disease (by the use of physician global assessment) and its effect on QOL (by use of the Dermatology Life Quality Index) questionnaire) at the first visit and after 3 months of treatment.

Results

Among 117 patients with OCD, hand eczema was present in 81.2%. Positive patch test reactions were found in 76%. The most common allergens were Parthenium hysterophorus and potassium dichromate. The most frequent diagnosis was occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) (57%), caused by farming and construction work, followed by occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) (24%), caused by wet work. Severe psychosocial distress was recorded in 62.5% of patients. After 3 months of treatment, 83% improved significantly, and 54% had improvement in QOL.

Conclusions

Farmers were most frequently affected, followed by construction workers and housewives. OACD was found at a higher frequency than OICD. The most frequent allergens were Parthenium hysterophorus in farmers, potassium dichromate in construction workers, and vegetables in housewives. OCD has a significant impact on QOL. Patch testing, in addition to standard treatment, improves the outcome considerably.
Sleep duration and snoring associate with hypertension and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes
Authors: Wang T. , Lu J. , Wang W. , Mu Y. , Zhao J. , Liu C. , Chen L. , Shi L. , Li Q. , Yang T. , Yan L. , Wan Q. , Wu S. , Liu Y. , Wang G. , Luo Z. , Tang X. , Chen G. , Huo Y. , Gao Z. , Su Q. , Ye Z. , Wang Y. , Qin G. , Deng H. , Yu X. , Shen F. , Chen L. , Zhao L. , Xu M. , Sun J. , Bi Y. , Lai S. , Bloomgarden Z. T. , Li D. , Ning G.
Published: May 2015

Aims

Few studies have analysed the effect of sleep duration and snoring on hypertension and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. This study aims to investigate the relationship of sleep duration and snoring on prevalent hypertension and glycaemic control in people with diabetes.

Methods

In the baseline survey of the REACTION study, 56 032 patients with diabetes were categorized into four groups according to self‐reported sleep duration: < 6, 6–7.9, 8–8.9 and ≥ 9 h. Snoring frequency was evaluated as ‘usually’, ‘occasionally’ or ‘never’. Hypertension was assessed by systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, self‐reported previous diagnosis and antihypertensive medications. ‘Good’ glycaemic control was defined as HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) and ‘poor’ glycaemic control as HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol (7.0%).

Results

Controlling for potential confounders and intermediates, sleep ≥ 9 h relative to intermediate sleep (6–7.9 h) was significantly associated with prevalent hypertension (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18–1.32) and poor glycaemic control (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.18), and a U‐shaped association was found between sleep duration and prevalent hypertension (P for quadratic trend = 0.019). Usually snoring was positively associated with prevalent hypertension (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.23–1.37), whereas the association between snoring and poor glycaemic control was only on the borderline of statistical significance.

Conclusions

Compared with a sleep duration of 6–7.9 h, longer sleep duration was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension and poor glycaemic control in people with diabetes. Moreover, the relationship between sleep duration and prevalent hypertension was U‐shaped. These findings may propose important public health implications for diabetes management.
The Allocation of Talent over the Business Cycle and its Long‐term Effect on Sectoral Productivity
Authors: Böhm Michael J. , Watzinger Martin
Published: May 2015

It is well documented that graduates enter different occupations in recessions than in booms. In our paper, we examine the impact of the resulting change in the allocation of talent for long‐term productivity and output in a sector. In a setting where output can be quantitatively and qualitatively measured, we find evidence that talent flows to stable sectors in recessions and to cyclical sectors in booms: economists starting or graduating from their PhD in a recession are significantly more productive in academia over the long term than economists starting or graduating in a boom.
An Unusual Case of Double‐Orifice Mitral Valve Associated with D‐Transposition of Great Arteries and Left‐Side Heart Anomalies
Authors: Gitto Placido , Caruso Elio , Costanzo Luca , Di Pino Alfredo
Published: May 2015

Mini‐Abstract

We describe a very rare incidental echocardiography finding of double‐orifice mitral valve in a newborn with prenatal diagnosis of D‐transposition of great arteries, mild pulmonary valve stenosis, interventricular septal defect, and left superior cava vein draining into coronary sinus.
Impaired antioxidant HDL function is associated with premature myocardial infarction
Authors: Distelmaier Klaus , Wiesbauer Franz , Blessberger Hermann , Oravec Stanislav , Schrutka Lore , Binder Christina , Dostal Elisabeth , Schillinger Martin , Wojta Johann , Lang Irene M. , Maurer Gerald , Huber Kurt , Goliasch Georg
Published: May 2015

Background

There is growing evidence that the predictive value of HDL cholesterol levels for cardiovascular risk stratification is limited in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). HDL function seems to be a more sensitive surrogate of cardiovascular risk estimation than simple serum levels. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether impaired antioxidant HDL function is involved in the development of premature acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

In this multicentre case–control study, we compared the antioxidant function of HDL, measured by the HDL inflammatory index (HII), and HDL particle size in 184 patients comprising 92 patients with AMI at a very young age (≤40 years of age) and 92 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.

Results

Antioxidant capacities of HDL were significantly impaired in the acute phase of AMI (HII of 1·50 [IQR 1·10–1·74] vs. 0·56 [IQR 0·41–0·86] in controls, P < 0·001 as well as in the chronic stable phase 1 year after the event (HII of 0·85 [IQR 0·72‐1·03] vs. 0·56 [IQR 0·41–0·86], P < 0·001) compared to controls. Moreover, HDL function in the stable phase remained significantly associated with premature MI in adjusted logistic regression analysis with an OR of 2·24 per SD increase of HII (95% CI 1·28–3·91; P = 0·005). Analyses of HDL size revealed a significant correlation between all HDL subfractions and HDL function in controls, whereas this correlation was lost for large and intermediate HDL in AMI patients.

Conclusion

Impaired antioxidant function of HDL is independently associated with the development of premature AMI. The maintenance of HDL function might evolve into a significant therapeutic target, especially in patients with premature CAD.
Healthcare‐associated outbreaks due to Mucorales and other uncommon fungi
Authors: Davoudi Setareh , Graviss Linda S. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: May 2015

Background

Healthcare‐associated outbreaks of fungal infections, especially with uncommon and emerging fungi, have become more frequent in the past decade.

Materials and method

Here, we reviewed the history and definition of healthcare‐associated outbreaks of uncommon fungal infections and discussed the principles of investigating, containing and treatment of these outbreaks.

Results

In case of these uncommon diseases, occurrence of two or more cases in a short period is considered as an outbreak. Contaminated medical devices and hospital environment are the major sources of these outbreaks. Care must be taken to differentiate a real infection from colonization or contamination. Defining and identifying cases, describing epidemiologic feature of cases, finding and controlling the source of the outbreak, treating patients, and managing asymptomatic exposed patients are main steps for outbreak elimination. These fungal outbreaks are not only difficult to detect but also hard to treat. Early initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy is strongly associated with improved outcomes in infected patients. Choice of antifungal drugs should be made based on spectrum, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics and adverse effects of available drugs. Combination antifungal therapy and surgical intervention may be also helpful in selected cases.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between all key partners are necessary for successful control of fungal outbreaks.
Aggressiveness, cultural characteristics and genetic variation of Ceratocystis fimbriata on Eucalyptus spp.
Authors: Oliveira L. S. S. , Guimarães L. M. S. , Ferreira M. A. , Nunes A. S. , Pimenta L. V. A. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: May 2015

Ceratocystis wilt caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata is currently one of the most important diseases affecting Eucalyptus in Brazil. This disease is controlled by planting resistant clones; however, possible variability in the pathogen population may compromise the selection of resistant genotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the aggressiveness of C. fimbriata isolates obtained from Eucalyptus spp, as well as their cultural characteristics and genetic variation of their ITS rDNA gene region. We found a significant isolate × clone interaction, with the isolate RM35 being the most aggressive and presenting a broader spectrum of aggressiveness, causing greater xylem discoloration on a larger number of clones. This isolate is the most suitable for artificial inoculations focusing on the selection of resistant materials. Clones CLR‐236 and CLR‐212 were identified as the most resistant and clones CLR‐223 and CLR‐240 as the most susceptible and those that are recommended as reliable comparators in artificial inoculations. All isolates were morphologically similar and differed from C. fimbriata from sweet potato by the formation of a wide mouth endoconidiophore that produces doliform endoconidia. According to the culture media and temperature applied, the most favourable conditions for mycelial growth were observed using malt extract agar (MEA) and temperatures ranging from 24 to 26°C. There was no correlation between sporulation and aggressiveness. Great variation in ITS sequences was observed, and a total of five ITS genotypes were identified among the ten isolates tested.
Corporate Governance and the Informational Efficiency of Prices
Authors: Lee Choonsik , Chung Kee H. , Yang Sean
Published: May 2015

We explore the relation between corporate governance and the informational efficiency of prices (IEP). We find that IEP increases with the quality of corporate governance in a large cross‐section of firms. We show that firms with better governance structures file Form 8‐K reports more promptly and have more accurate analysts’ earnings forecasts, suggesting that corporate voluntary disclosures and analyst forecasts are channels through which corporate governance affects IEP. The positive relation between IEP and governance quality cannot be attributed to reverse causality or other confounding factors (e.g., analyst following, stock market liquidity, and institutional ownership). On the whole, our results show that better governance structures lead to higher IEP by improving the speed and extent of corporate information disclosures.
Mode of delivery and cranial bleeding in newborns with haemophilia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Davies J. , Kadir R. A.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Cranial bleeding at birth can result in significant neurological morbidity in newborns with haemophilia. The optimum mode of delivery (MOD) of a potentially affected foetus remains controversial.

Aim

The aim of this review is to ascertain overall incidence of cranial bleeding in newborns with haemophilia compared to the general population and the impact of MOD on rates of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH).

Method

An EMBASE/MEDLINE search using key terms revealed the relevant studies. Studies included report the incidence of cranial bleeding by MOD within a newborn population. The heterogenicity across studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I2 statistic and studies were assigned appropriate weight based on a fixed‐effect model. Odds ratio (OR) is the primary effect measure.

Results

Newborns with haemophilia are 44 times (95% CI: 34.7–57.1, P < 0.01) more likely to experience symptomatic ICH, and 8 times (95% CI: 5.38–12.6, P < 0.01) more likely to experience extracranial haemorrhage at birth, compared to the general population. In newborns with haemophilia the OR of experiencing ICH are 4.4 (95% CI: 1.46–13.7, P = 0.008) following an assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.14–0.83, P = 0.018) following caesarean section (CS), compared to vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

Cranial bleeding occurs with a significantly higher frequency in newborns with haemophilia compared to the general population. In newborns with haemophilia, delivery by a CS is associated with the lowest risk of ICH. AVD significantly increases the risk of ICH and should be avoided.
Atypical IgM multiple myeloma with deletion of c‐MAF
Authors: Juárez Salcedo L. M. , López Rubio M. , Gil Fernández J. J. , Garcia‐Suarez J. , Magro E. , Arranz E. , Gutiérrez Jomarrón I. , Marcellini Antonio S. , Blasco A. , Burgaleta C.
Published: May 2015

IgM multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare subtype of myeloma that shares clinical and pathological features with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia. These are two separate entities that differ both in therapy and prognosis. We report a 57‐year‐old male, who presented with anaemia, hypercalcaemia, acute renal failure and several vertebral fractures that clinically suggested a multiple myeloma. Further investigations revealed a serum monoclonal component of IgM lambda type and a bone marrow infiltrated by small, lymphoplasmocytic cells. IgM MM was finally diagnosed by means of both inmunophenotypic and immunohistochemistry techniques, stressing the importance of inmunophenotypic evaluation when clinical and morphological features are discordant. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies disclosed a particular combination of deletion 13q14, t(11;14) and monoallelic deletion C‐MAF without t(14;16). The clinical evolution after a Bortezomib‐containing polychemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) conditioned with busulphan and melphalan is also presented. This very uncommon case highlights the impact of immunophenotyping on the differential diagnosis between IgM MM and WM, to choose the best treatment and establish an appropriate outcome.
Patients' experience and expectations of conservative management strategies, anti‐muscarinics and treatment with intravesical onabotulinum toxin for overactive bladder – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Maguire Turlough , Doshani Angie , Mayne Christopher , Slack Mark , Tincello Douglas
Published: May 2015

The RELAX trial studied the efficacy of intra‐detrusor onabotulinum toxin A (onaBoNTA) for the treatment of detrusor overactivity (DO) in women. Our objectives in this study were to explore patients' experience and understanding of taking part in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and their experience of the treatment itself. In addition we explored how patients felt about their bladder problem prior to treatment, conservative management strategies they had been offered, and anti‐muscarinic treatment. Purposive sampling was used to interview patients who had successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Interviewers were blinded to this sampling. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with all recruited women. Analysis was using a grounded theory approach. Transcripts were analysed thematically based on a constant comparative method until the point of data saturation, that is no new themes were identified. Fifteen women in total were interviewed. There were eight global themes identified. These were: quality of life, conservative management, study awareness, reasons for participation, role of the media, the extension study, intervention and experience of a RCT. The impact of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms was a strong theme leading to feelings of anxiety. All of the women interviewed perceived pelvic floor exercises as a short term plan. Compliance was sporadic and most discontinued because of lack of efficacy. All women had been counselled about the risk of voiding dysfunction after onaBoNTA treatment and women found the actual process of being taught clean intermittent self‐catheterisation by another woman difficult, Patients stated they felt embarrassed and traumatised by the experience. OnaBoNTA is an effective treatment for patients with DO whose disease burden is considerable. This work highlights the value of incorporating qualitative research methods into the design of RCTs particularly when dealing with surgical procedures.
Adversarial and Amiable Inference in Medical Diagnosis, Reliability and Survival Analysis
Authors: Singpurwalla Nozer D. , Arnold Barry C. , Gastwirth Joseph L. , Gordon Anna S. , Tony Ng Hon Keung
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we develop a family of bivariate beta distributions that encapsulate both positive and negative correlations, and which can be of general interest for Bayesian inference. We then invoke a use of these bivariate distributions in two contexts. The first is diagnostic testing in medicine, threat detection and signal processing. The second is system survivability assessment, relevant to engineering reliability and to survival analysis in biomedicine. In diagnostic testing, one encounters two parameters that characterize the efficacy of the testing mechanism: test sensitivity and test specificity. These tend to be adversarial when their values are interpreted as utilities. In system survivability, the parameters of interest are the component reliabilities, whose values when interpreted as utilities tend to exhibit co‐operative (amiable) behavior. Besides probability modeling and Bayesian inference, this paper has a foundational import. Specifically, it advocates a conceptual change in how one may think about reliability and survival analysis. The philosophical writings of de Finetti, Kolmogorov, Popper and Savage, when brought to bear on these topics constitute the essence of this change. Its consequence is that we have at hand a defensible framework for invoking Bayesian inferential methods in diagnostics, reliability and survival analysis. Another consequence is a deeper appreciation of the judgment of independent lifetimes. Specifically, we make the important point that independent lifetimes entail at a minimum, a two‐stage hierarchical construction.
Sr(Ga0.5Nb0.5)1−xTixO3 Low‐Loss Microwave Dielectric Ceramics with Medium Dielectric Constant
Authors: Ma Pian Pian , Liu Xiao Qiang , Zhang Fa Qiang , Xing Juan Juan , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: May 2015

The microwave dielectric properties of Sr(Ga0.5Nb0.5)1−xTixO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) ceramics have been investigated together with their microstructures. Single‐phase solid solutions are achieved in this series of ceramics. The ordering features are comprehensively analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Local 1:1 ordering in B‐site leads to a double‐cubic structure with space group , while Ti substitution disrupts this 1:1 ordering between Ga and Nb, and the metastable ordering between Ti and (Ga + Nb) is speculated to form due to their large size difference. The dielectric constant and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency increase nonlinearly as x increases, while the Qf value decreases gradually. The variation trend of Qf value is mainly attributed to the intrinsic loss because of the increasing vibrational anharmonicity by Ti substitution. The ordering transition from short coherence, long‐range ordering to short‐range ordering with increasing Ti content has an agreeable and weak effect on the Qf value. The best combination of microwave dielectric properties is achieved for the composition of x = 0.3: εr = 46.6, Qf = 42 200 GHz and τf = 5.0 ppm/°C.
A Practical ECG Criterion to Unmask Left Accessory AV Connections in Patients With Subtle Preexcitation
Authors: THOMPSON J. JENKINS , SHAH JIGNESH , CHARNIGO RICHARD , TACKETT ANDREA , DARRAT YOUSEF H. , BAILEY ALISON , DELISLE BRIAN , KAKAVAND BAHRAM , DI BIASE LUIGI , NATALE ANDREA , MORALES GUSTAVO , ELAYI CLAUDE S.
Published: May 2015

New ECG Criteria for Left‐Sided AV Connections

Background

Accessory AV‐connections capable of antegrade conduction need to be recognized because of the potential for life‐threatening arrhythmias. However, the preexcited ECG pattern may be subtle, especially among left‐sided AV‐connections. We explored whether additional ECG criteria might help identify left‐sided AV‐connections.

Methods

We analyzed 156 patients who underwent an electrophysiology study (EPS) and ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT). Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with left‐sided AV‐connections (Group 1) and all other PSVT (Group 2). Various ECG parameters were compared before and after ablation in both groups.

Results

The EPS identified left‐sided AV‐connections among 43 patients (Group 1) and excluded it among 113 (Group 2). Baseline ECG in Group 1 demonstrated obvious preexcitation among 24/43 patients (55.8%), the remaining 19/43 missing obvious preexcitation. R/S ratio > 0.5 in V1 was noted in 38/43 (88.4%) patients in Group 1 before ablation (median 1.00; IQR 0.58–2.20), including 16/19 (84.2%) patients lacking obvious left‐sided AVconnections. Conversely, only 10/113 (8.8%) patients in Group 2 had R/S ratios in V1 ≥ 0.5 (0.20; 0.10‐0.31), P < 0.0001. After ablation, the R/S ratio decreased significantly in Group 1 (0.29; 0.17–0.45), P < 0.0001. Thus, a combined criterion of classic preexcitation or R/S ratio ≥ 0.5 on ECG identified 40/43 left‐sided AV‐connections (sensitivity 93.0%). The negative predictive value of this combined criterion was 103/106 (97.2%).

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients, combining the R/S ratio (≥ 0.5) in lead V1 with the classic preexcitation pattern on ECG markedly improved the sensitivity to diagnose left‐sided AV‐connections. This ratio may be particularly useful among patients lacking obvious preexcitation.
Sulforaphane enhances temozolomide‐induced apoptosis because of down‐regulation of miR‐21 via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in glioblastoma
Authors: Lan FengMing , Pan Qiang , Yu Huiming , Yue Xiao
Published: May 2015

Temozolomide (TMZ) has been widely used in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), although inherent or acquired resistance restricts the application. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sulforaphane (SFN) to TMZ‐induced apoptosis in GBM cells and the potential mechanism. Biochemical assays and subcutaneous tumor establishment were used to characterize the function of SFN in TMZ‐induced apoptosis. Our results revealed that β‐catenin and miR‐21 were concordantly expressed in GBM cell lines, and SFN significantly reduced miR‐21 expression through inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin/TCF4 pathway. Furthermore, down‐regulation of miR‐21 enhanced the pro‐apoptotic efficacy of TMZ in GBM cells. Finally, we observed that SFN strengthened TMZ‐mediated apoptosis in a miR‐21‐dependent manner. In conclusion, SFN effectively enhances TMZ‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting miR‐21 via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in GBM cells. These findings support the use of SFN for potential therapeutic approach to overcome TMZ resistance in GBM treatment.

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Our studies indicate that sulforaphane (SFN) enhances temozolomide (TMZ)‐induced apoptosis because of down‐regulation of miR‐21 through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in glioblastoma (GBM) cells. These findings demonstrate SFN could be considered as a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent in treating GBM patients combined with TMZ in the future to affect resistance emergence. The further explorations are essential for the clinical application of SFN in GBM patients, and our results reveal an important mechanism of SFN chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity. Chr17, chromosome 17.
Persona‐based information shapes linguistic perception: Valley Girls and California vowels
Authors: D'Onofrio Annette
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the effect of persona‐based information on implicit linguistic perceptions of a sociolinguistic feature – the backed trap vowel. trap‐backing is associated both with macro‐social region (California) and with a particular persona that inhabits this region (the Valley Girl). An eye‐tracking paradigm is used to examine these associations in early, automatic stages of perception. One group of listeners was told the speaker was from California, while another group was told that the speaker had been described as a Valley Girl. Findings demonstrate that both the California information and the Valley Girl information caused listeners to expect the speaker to exhibit trap‐backing. While previous studies have highlighted the influence of macro‐sociological categories on linguistic perception, the present study suggests that persona‐based social meanings can also serve to influence perception, supporting theories that foreground personae as social constructs crucial to interaction.
Systematic patterning in phonologically‐motivated orthographic variation
Authors: Eisenstein Jacob
Published: May 2015

Social media features a wide range of non‐standard spellings, many of which appear inspired by phonological variation. However, the nature of the connection between variation across the spoken and written modalities remains poorly understood. Are phonological variables transferred to writing on the level of graphemes, or is the larger system of contextual patterning also transferred? This paper considers orthographic coda deletions corresponding to the phonological variables of (ing) and (t,d). In both cases, orthography mirrors speech: reduction of the ‐ing suffix depends on the word's syntactic category, and reduction of the ‐t,‐d suffix depends on the succeeding phonological context. These spellings are more frequently used in informal conversational contexts, and in areas with high proportions of African Americans, again mirroring the patterning of the associated phonological variables. This suggests a deep connection between variation in the two modalities, necessitating a new account of the production of cross‐modal variation.