bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External Knowledge Sourcing and Firm Innovation Efficiency
Authors: Asimakopoulos Grigorios , Revilla Antonio J. , Slavova Kremena
Published: May 2019

This study examines the relationship between external knowledge sourcing and firm innovation efficiency. We build on the organizational learning theory to propose that this relationship follows an inverted U‐shape: as the level of external knowledge sourcing increases from low to moderate, firm innovation efficiency increases; as the level of external knowledge sourcing increases from moderate to high, firm innovation efficiency declines. Further, we explore the moderating role of different contextual factors and contend that this inverted U‐shaped relationship is flattened in firms that operate in high‐tech sectors and in firms that face high internal constraints for innovation. Our empirical analysis is based on a sample of 3,204 Spanish firms over the period 2004–2015, and our results provide support for these contentions. We used data envelopment analysis methodology to estimate firm innovation efficiency relative to industry best performers, and truncated regression models for panel data with bootstrapped confidence intervals to test our hypotheses.
Comparing the effects of 6 months aerobic exercise and resistance training on metabolic control and β‐cell function in Chinese patients with prediabetes: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuan Xiaodan , Dai Xia , Liu Lin , Hsue Cunyi , Miller Joshua D. , Fang Zhaohui , Li Jianing , Feng Jitao , Huang Yong , Liu Chao , Shen Jianping , Chen Tao , Liu Yanjun , Mordes John , Lou Qingqing
Published: May 2019

Background

It is clear that aerobic training (AT) can delay pancreatic exhaustion and slow the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes (T2D), but there is little information regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) in people with prediabetes. This study compared the effectiveness of RT and AT in improving metabolic control and protecting β‐cell function in people with prediabetes.

Methods

Chinese subjects (n = 248) with prediabetes were randomized to three groups: AT (n = 83), RT (n = 82) and control (n = 83). Subjects in the RT group performed 13 different resistance exercises per session using an elastic string. Those in the AT group performed aerobic exercises at 60%‐70% of maximum heart rate. In both cases, exercises were performed three times per week for a period of 6 months. The primary outcome was improvement in metabolic control. Longitudinal changes between groups were tested using repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

Results

Of the initial 248 participants, 217 finished the study, but all participants were included in the intention‐to‐treat analyses. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics among the RT, AT, and control groups (P > 0.05). Changes in HbA1c were not significantly greater in RT than AT cohort (P = 0.059), but the decrease in HbA1c in both exercise groups was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In subjects with prediabetes, RT appears to improve metabolic control and preserve β‐cell function comparable to AT.
Pre‐existing type 2 diabetes is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Haosen , Yin Keqiang , Wang Yusheng , Xia Mancheng , Zhang Ruiqin , Wang Wenzhan , Chen Jiawei , Wang Chaoqi , Shuang Weibing
Published: May 2019

Background

Diabetes is a risk factor for various cancers, but its prognostic role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is controversial and understudied. This study investigated the prognostic value of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in RCC patients.

Methods

The clinicopathological and follow‐up data of 451 RCC patients undergoing radical or partial nephrectomy at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2013 to 2018 were reviewed. Associations of T2D with clinicopathological parameters of RCC were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method for survival estimates and Cox regression univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of 451 patients, 74 (16.4%) had T2D. These patients were older, had a higher body mass index, higher incidence rates of hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity, a higher rate of laparoscopic surgery, and smaller neoplasms (all P < .05). Patients with T2D exhibited shorter overall survival (OS; P = .009), cancer‐specific survival (CSS; P = .043), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS; P = .008) than patients without T2D. Fuhrman grade (hazard ratio [HR] 2.542, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.115‐5.795, P = .026) and T2D (HR 3.391, CI 1.458‐7.886, P = .005) were independent predictors of OS; T2D was an independent predictor of CSS (HR = 4.637, 95% CI 1.420‐15.139, P = .011) and RFS (HR 3.492, 95% CI 1.516‐8.044, P = .003).

Conclusions

Renal cell carcinoma patients with T2D have a shorter OS and higher recurrence rate and mortality risk than those without T2D.
Tristram Shandy in the Age of Insurance
Authors: Terry Richard
Published: May 2019

In 1762 the Equitable Life Assurance Society was founded, the first to calculate its premiums on actuarial principles. Its origin coincided with an increased appreciation of domestic risk and an expanding market for insurance products: the third quarter of the century saw a sharp spike in the issuing of fire insurance policies. In 1759 Sterne's Tristram Shandy introduced a character whose developmental years are almost uniquely beset by hazard and contingency. This article argues that Sterne's novel is constituted by an insurance ‘mentality’ in its appreciation of the inherent risks of life and how these might be calculated and mitigated.
5‐ALA/SFC Attenuated Binge Alcohol–Induced Gut Leakiness and Inflammatory Liver Disease in HIV Transgenic Rats
Authors: Liu Chi , Zhu Ping , Fujino Masayuki , Zhu Shuoji , Ito Hidenori , Takahashi Kiwamu , Nakajima Motowo , Tanaka Tohru , Zhuang Jian , Li Xiao‐Kang
Published: May 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) and sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) against binge alcohol–induced gut leakiness and inflammatory liver disease in HIV transgenic (TG) rats.

Methods

TG rats were treated with 3 consecutive doses of binge ethanol (EtOH) with or without 5‐ALA/SFC. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected at 6 hours following the last dose of EtOH.

Results

Compared with the wild‐type (WT) rats, the TG rats showed increased sensitivity to alcohol‐mediated inflammation, as evidenced by the significantly elevated levels of serum endotoxin, AST, ALT, ED1, and ED2 staining in liver. In contrast, 5‐ALA/SFC improved the above biochemical and histochemical profiles. 5‐ALA/SFC also attenuated the up‐regulated mRNA expression of leptin and CCL2. Furthermore, down‐regulated intestinal ZO‐1 protein expression was also inhibited by 5‐ALA/SFC. Moreover, the expressions of HO‐1, HO‐2, Sirt1, and related signal transduction molecules in liver were increased by 5‐ALA/SFC. These results demonstrated that 5‐ALA/SFC treatment ameliorated binge alcohol exposure liver injury in a rat model of HIV‐infected patients by reducing macrophage activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and by inducing HO‐1, HO‐2, and Sirt1 expression.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings suggested that treatment with 5‐ALA/SFC has a potential therapeutic effect for binge alcohol exposure liver injury in HIV‐infected patients.
Factors influencing the spatial patterns of vertebrate roadkill in South Africa: The Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area as a case study
Authors: Collinson Wendy J. , Parker Daniel M. , Bernard Ric T. F. , Reilly Brian K. , Davies‐Mostert Harriet T.
Published: May 2019

Few studies have investigated the factors that influence roadkill occurrence in developing countries. In 2013, we monitored a 100‐km section of the road (comprising the R572 and R521 regional highways and the D2662) that pass through the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area in South Africa, to assess the possible factors influencing roadkill. Over a period of 120 days, and across the three ecological seasons, we recorded 981 roadkills (rate = 0.08 roadkill/km/day) from four vertebrate taxonomic groups. We generated predictive models of roadkill from one combined data set that considered eight variables identified from the literature as potential correlates of roadkill. The model that included the distance of the fence from the road, habitat type adjacent to the road, and the presence of a hill in the road (i.e., elevation) or a bank on the side of the road best explained roadkill occurrence. More roadkill was predicted to occur in both open and dense mopane and dense mixed bushveld habitats, on a hill, when there was a bank on the side of the road, and as the distance between the road verge and a fence decreased. Our model provides some insight into the significant predictors of roadkill occurrence and is therefore a valuable tool in identifying sites of high‐potential roadkill frequency and formulating mitigation measures for reducing road mortalities.
The impact of a national cardiotocography education program on neonatal and maternal outcomes: A historical cohort study
Authors: Thellesen Line , Bergholt Thomas , Sorensen Jette Led , Rosthoej Susanne , Hvidman Lone , Eskenazi Brenda , Hedegaard Morten
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Studies indicate an association between errors in cardiotocography (CTG) management and hypoxic brain injuries among newborns. Continuing professional education is recommended. We aimed to examine whether the implementation of a national interprofessional CTG education program in Denmark was associated with a decrease in risk of fetal hypoxia measured by umbilical cord pH < 7.00, 5‐minute Apgar score <7 or neonatal therapeutic hypothermia. As a secondary aim, we assessed whether the educational intervention was associated with an increase in operative deliveries.

Material and methods

We conducted a historical cohort study from 2009 to 2015 including all intended vaginal deliveries with liveborn singletons in cephalic presentation and gestational age ≥37 weeks. Data were retrieved from the Medical Birth Register and the National Patient Register. The study period was divided in three: pre‐implementation (2009‐2012), implementation (2013) and post‐implementation (2014‐2015). Using logistic regression we estimated odds ratios (OR) of fetal hypoxia outcomes using the pre‐implementation period as reference. Analyses were adjusted for potential maternal, neonatal and delivery‐associated confounders. Missing data were accounted for by multiple imputation.

Results

In all, 331 282 deliveries were included. Overall risks of pH < 7.00, Apgar score <7 and therapeutic hypothermia were respectively 0.45%, 0.58% and 0.06%. Adjusted OR in the post‐implementation period were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00‐1.26), 0.99 (95% CI 0.90‐1.10) and 1.34 (95% CI 0.99‐1.82) for the three outcomes, respectively. The pH missingness equaled 12.4%. Odds of emergency cesarean section was unaltered, whereas the odds of assisted vaginal delivery decreased by 14% (0.86, 95% CI 0.84‐0.89).

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals are considered the weakest link of CTG technology. We did not find that increasing healthcare professionals’ CTG interpretation skills affected the risk of fetal hypoxia. Missing data for pH values were substantial and represent a limitation of the study. We cannot with certainty rule out that missingness masked a true effect of the intervention. Our study indicates that assisted vaginal deliveries can be decreased without an increased risk of fetal hypoxia. Dilution of effect in a complex clinical setting, rare outcomes, insufficient intervention and a possible overestimation of the impact of errors in CTG management might explain the lack of effect.
Implant survival rate in calvarial bone grafts: A retrospective clinical study with 10 year follow‐up
Authors: Vinci Raffaele , Teté Giulia , Lucchetti Federico Raimondi , Capparé Paolo , Gherlone Enrico Felice
Published: May 2019

Background

In this study, we present medium‐ and long‐term data on implant survival in a cohort of patients with severe maxillary atrophy rehabilitated using reconstructive implant site development with calvarial bone grafts.

Materials and Methods

We obtained clinical records from patients treated with implant rehabilitation supported by calvaria bone grafts in the Oral Surgery Department of IRCSS San Raffaele (Milan, Italy). Implant and prosthetic survival and success rates were retrospectively evaluated. Graft survival and postoperative complications were also assessed.

Results

A total of 207 implants placed in 32 patients were evaluated for a mean period of 10.0 years from loading. After 10 years, the cumulative survival rate was 97.10%, the implant success rate was 92.75%, and the prosthetic complication rate was 9.76%. A graft survival percentage of 96.88% was observed, and postoperative complications occurred in 28.13% of cases.

Conclusions

The 10‐year survival rate and prosthetic complications for patients treated with implant rehabilitation supported by calvarial bone grafts are excellent, as implant loss was relatively rare, although limited subjects were available for the 10‐year follow‐up.
Early experiences of independent advocates for potential HIV+ recipients of HIV+ donor organ transplants
Authors: Bollinger Juli M. , Eno Ann , Seaman Shanti , Brown Diane , Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Segev Dorry L. , Durand Christine M. , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: May 2019

Background

HIV+ to HIV+ solid organ transplants in the United States are now legally permitted. Currently, these transplants must adhere to the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act Safeguards and Research Criteria that require the provision of an independent recipient advocate, a novel requirement for solid organ transplant programs. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of the first advocates serving in this role.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 15 HOPE independent recipient advocates (HIRAs) from 12 institutions.

Results

All HIRAs had a professional degree and experience in transplantation or infectious diseases. HIRAs' encounters with potential recipients varied in length, modality, and timing. The newness of the role and the lack of guidance were associated with unease among some HIRAs. Some questioned whether their role was redundant to others involved in transplantation and research since some potential recipients experienced informational fatigue.

Conclusions

HOPE independent recipient advocates are ensuring the voluntariness of potential participants’ decision to accept an HIV‐infected organ. Many suggested additional guidance would be helpful and alleviate unease. Concerns about potential role redundancy raise the question of whether the HIRA requirement may be inadvertently increasing burden for potential recipients. Future work that captures the experiences of potential recipients is warranted.
Hematopoietic stem cell mobilization following PD‐1 blockade: Cytokine release syndrome after transplantation managed with ascorbic acid
Authors: Sindel Ariel , Taylor Trevor , Chesney Alden , Clark William , Fowler Alpha A. , Toor Amir A.
Published: May 2019

Checkpoint inhibitor therapy is effective in the treatment of relapsed classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Here, we report a patient with relapsed Hodgkin's Lymphoma who received nivolumab prior to autologous stem cell mobilization. She went on to develop cytokine storm shortly following transplantation, with marked T‐cell proliferation coincident with myeloid engraftment. Non‐cardiogenic pulmonary edema and alveolar hemorrhage developed despite corticosteroid therapy. There was rapid and complete resolution of these complications with parenteral ascorbic acid infusion. Our case illustrates the risk of cytokine release syndrome following infusion of stem cells mobilized after checkpoint inhibitor therapy and the role of ascorbic acid in its management.
The Forgotten Semantics of Regression Modeling in Geography
Authors: Comber Alexis John , Harris Paul , Lü Yihe , Wu Lianhai , Atkinson Peter M.
Published: May 2019

This article is concerned with the semantics associated with the statistical analysis of spatial data. It takes the simplest case of the prediction of variable y as a function of covariate(s) x, in which predicted y is always an approximation of y and only ever a function of x, thus, inheriting many of the spatial characteristics of x, and illustrates several core issues using “synthetic” remote sensing and “real” soils case studies. The outputs of regression models and, therefore, the meaning of predicted y, are shown to vary due to (1) choices about data: the specification of x (which covariates to include), the support of x (measurement scales and granularity), the measurement of x and the error of x, and (2) choices about the model including its functional form and the method of model identification. Some of these issues are more widely recognized than others. Thus, the study provides definition to the multiple ways in which regression prediction and inference are affected by data and model choices. The article invites researchers to pause and consider the semantic meaning of predicted y, which is often nothing more than a scaled version of covariate(s) x, and argues that it is naïve to ignore this.
Real‐time quality authentication of honey using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (APCI‐MS)
Authors: ElMasry Gamal , Morsy Noha , Al‐Rejaie Salim , Ayed Charfedinne , Linforth Robert , Fisk Ian
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to use gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and APCI‐MS techniques to detect adulteration in honey. The key volatile compounds in the headspace of the adulterated honey were marked by GC‐MS and their representative fragment ions were utilised in scanning honey samples using the real‐time APCI‐MS system. The PLS models validated using independent data sets resulted in coefficient of the determination () of 0.97 and 0.96 and root mean square error in prediction (RMSEP) of 2.62 and 2.45 for the GC‐MS and APCI‐MS data sets respectively. The most efficient volatiles from GC‐MS analysis and their corresponding fragment ions m/z from APCI‐MS data analysis were then identified and used to develop new PLS models to predict the level of adulteration. The best PLS model gave of 0.95 and RMEP of 2.60% in the independent validation set indicating that the model was very accurate in predicting the level of adulteration.
Biofilm formation by lactobacilli and resistance to stress treatments
Authors: Olszewska Magdalena A. , Nynca Anna , Białobrzewski Ireneusz
Published: May 2019

We investigated biofilm formation by six lactobacilli isolates and tested the resistance of biofilm and planktonic Lactobacillus plantarum B1 and Lactobacillus paracasei W1 to ethanol (ET) and acetic acid (AA). The viability of both isolates was considerably affected by ET, with a higher reduction observed in the planktonic cells, whereas AA was harmful only to L. paracasei W1. Cells that had intact (Syto® 9+PI−) and compromised (Syto® 9−PI+) membranes, and adopted intermediate states with different concentrations of the probes, i.e., Syto® 9+PI+ and Syto® 9−PI−, were identified following flow cytometry. We linked Syto® 9+PI+ to the planktonic cells and clarified on Syto® 9−PI− cells, which after being sorted could regain growth better in biofilm cells. Based on confocal laser scanning microscopy, numerous cells had damaged membranes in the ET‐treated biofilm, while half the cells in the AA‐treated biofilm maintained their membrane integrity.
Consumer perception of extruded snacks containing brown rice and dried mushroom
Authors: Tepsongkroh Benjarat , Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Chonpracha Pitchayapat , Ardoin Ryan , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: May 2019

Effects of mushroom type, seasoning and health benefit information (HBI) on consumers’ saltiness expectation, sensory liking, elicited emotions and purchase intent (PI) of extruded snacks were investigated. Five snacks were evaluated: straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) extrudates without (SME) or with seasoning (SMES), phoenix mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) extrudates without (PME) or with seasoning (PMES), and the control without mushroom and seasoning. Hedonic scores and positive emotions were generally higher for seasoned mushroom‐containing snacks (SMES and PMES) with 65% and 75.83% of consumers reporting willingness to purchase, respectively, after receiving HBI. Bored, interested and satisfied were identified as significant emotional predictors for PI odds. Flavour, saltiness, overall liking, bored, good and interested were critical attributes, differentiating snacks. This study demonstrated that sensory liking and PI of extruded brown rice‐based snacks containing mushroom could be improved through savoury seasoning addition, which also allowed saltiness expectations to be met.
Similar but different: virtual memory CD8 T cells as a memory‐like cell population
Authors: Hussain Tabinda , Quinn Kylie M
Published: May 2019

Immunological memory is a phenomenon where the immune system can respond more rapidly to pathogens and immunological challenges that it has previously encountered. It is defined by several key hallmarks. After an initial encounter, immune cells (1) expand and (2) differentiate to form memory cell populations. Memory cells are (3) long‐lived and (4) facilitate more rapid immune responses to subsequent infection because of (i) an increase in cell number, (ii) a decrease in the signaling threshold required for entry into cell cycle or effector function and (iii) localization of cells to tissue sites for surveillance. Classically, immunological memory has been antigen specific but it is becoming apparent that mechanisms of immunological memory can be co‐opted by innate or antigen‐inexperienced immune cells to generate heterogeneity in immune responses. One such cell is the virtual memory CD8 T (TVM) cell, which is a semi‐differentiated but antigen‐naïve CD8 T‐cell population. This review will summarize current knowledge of how TVM cells are generated, their memory‐like hallmarks, how they are maintained during steady state, infection and aging, and propose a model to integrate key signaling pathways during their generation.
Cricket's Raining Champion: Two Decades of Duckworth–Lewis (and Stern)
Authors: Duckworth Frank , Lewis Tony , Stern Steven
Published: May 2019

When rain stops play in a cricket match, score targets are adjusted using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Twenty years after the original method was first approved for use in the Cricket World Cup, Frank Duckworth, Tony Lewis and Steven Stern recount the history and development of a game-changing idea
Phase relations in the ZrO2–La2O3–Gd2O3 system: Experimental studies and phase modeling
Authors: Stopyra Michał , Saenko Ivan , Ilatovskaia Mariia , Savinykh Galina , Fabrichnaya Olga
Published: May 2019

The phase relations in the ZrO2–La2O3–Gd2O3 ternary system were experimentally studied and thermodynamic modeling was performed. Selected compositions were synthesized using the co‐precipitation method, equilibrated at 1673 and 1873 K, and analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX). The phase transformations were investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), and the heat capacities of (La1 − xGdx)2Zr2O7 (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) compounds were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experimental studies showed a substantial extension of the fluorite phase into the ternary system and solid‐state transformations involving phases A (hexagonal), fluorite, B (monoclinic), and pyrochlore at 1845 K (DTA). Additionally, thermodynamic modeling was performed using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) approach. Comparing the new experimental data and the calculations based on ternary extrapolations of the binary systems revealed major inconsistencies. One source of inconsistencies was related to the calculated phase equilibria in the binary La2O3–Gd2O3 system. Additional experimental investigation of the binary system indicated an underestimated solubility of La2O3 in the B phase in the temperature range 1673‐1873 K. Based on these new data, the mixing parameters of the B phase were re‐assessed. The new experimental results for the ternary system were used to optimize the mixing parameters of the fluorite, B and C (cubic) phases. All new experimental data were well reproduced by the improved thermodynamic description of the ternary system.
Integrative analysis from multi‐centre studies identifies a function‐derived personalized multi‐gene signature of outcome in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhao Hengqiang , Lin Shuting , Bao Siqi , Zhang Yan , Su Jianzhong , Zhou Meng
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly heterogeneous leading to variable prognosis and treatment responses. Therefore, it is necessary to explore novel personalized and reproducible prognostic signatures to aid clinical decision‐making. The present study combined large‐scale gene expression profiles and clinical data of 1828 patients with CRC from multi‐centre studies and identified a personalized gene prognostic signature consisting of 46 unique genes (called function‐derived personalized gene signature [FunPGS]) from an integrated statistics and function‐derived perspective. In the meta‐training and multiple independent validation cohorts, the FunPGS effectively discriminated patients with CRC with significantly different prognosis at the individual level and remained as an independent factor upon adjusting for clinical covariates in multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the FunPGS demonstrated superior performance for risk stratification with respect to other recently reported signatures and clinical factors. The complementary value of the molecular signature and clinical factors was further explored, and it was observed that the composite signature called IMCPS greatly improved the predictive performance of survival estimation relative to molecular signatures or clinical factors alone. With further prospective validation in clinical trials, the FunPGS may become a promising and powerful personalized prognostic tool for stratifying patients with CRC in order to achieve an optimal systemic therapy.
MicroRNA‐638 inhibits human aortic valve interstitial cell calcification by targeting Sp7
Authors: Jiao Wenjie , Zhang Dongyang , Wang Dong , Xu Rongwei , Tang Linna , Zhao Min , Xu Rongjian
Published: May 2019

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a complex heart valve disease involving a wide range of pathological changes. Emerging evidence indicates that osteogenic differentiation of human aortic valve interstitial cells (hAVICs) plays a key role in valve calcification. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of miR‐638 in hAVICs osteogenesis. Both miRNA microarray assay and qRT‐PCR results demonstrating miR‐638 was obviously up‐regulated in calcific aortic valves compared with non‐calcific valves. We also proved that miR‐638 was significantly up‐regulated during hAVICs osteogenic differentiation. Overexpression of miR‐638 suppressed osteogenic differentiation of hAVICs in vitro, whereas down‐regulation of miR‐638 enhance the process. Target prediction analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Sp7 transcription factor (Sp7) was a direct target of miR‐638. Furthermore, knockdown of Sp7 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of hAVICs, which is similar to the results observed in up‐regulation miR‐638. Our data indicated that miR‐638 plays an inhibitory role in hAVICs osteogenic differentiation, which may act by targeting Sp7. MiR‐638 may be a potential therapeutic target for CAVD.
Myeloid differentiation protein 1 protected myocardial function against high‐fat stimulation induced pathological remodelling
Authors: Shen Cai‐Jie , Kong Bin , Shuai Wei , Liu Yu , Wang Guang‐Ji , Xu Min , Zhao Jing‐Jing , Fang Jin , Fu Hui , Jiang Xiao‐Bo , Huang He
Published: May 2019

Myeloid differentiation 1 (MD‐1) is a secreted protein that regulates the immune response of B cell through interacting with radioprotective 105 (RP105). Disrupted immune response may contribute to the development of cardiac diseases, while the roles of MD‐1 remain elusive. Our studies aimed to explore the functions and molecular mechanisms of MD‐1 in obesity‐induced cardiomyopathy. H9C2 myocardial cells were treated with free fatty acid (FFA) containing palmitic acid and oleic acid to challenge high‐fat stimulation and adenoviruses harbouring human MD‐1 coding sequences or shRNA for MD‐1 overexpression or knockdown in vitro. MD‐1 overexpression or knockdown transgenic mice were generated to assess the effects of MD‐1 on high‐fat diet (HD) induced cardiomyopathy in vivo. Our results showed that MD‐1 was down‐regulated in H9C2 cells exposed to FFA stimulation for 48 hours and in obesity mice induced by HD for 20 weeks. Both in vivo and in vitro, silencing of MD‐1 accelerated myocardial function injury induced by HD stimulation through increased cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, while overexpression of MD‐1 alleviated the effects of HD by inhibiting the process of cardiac remodelling. Moreover, the MAPK and NF‐κB pathways were overactivated in MD‐1 deficient mice and H9C2 cells after high‐fat treatment. Inhibition of MAPK and NF‐κB pathways played a cardioprotective role against the adverse effects of MD‐1 silencing on high‐fat stimulation induced pathological remodelling. In conclusion, MD‐1 protected myocardial function against high‐fat stimulation induced cardiac pathological remodelling through negative regulation for MAPK/NF‐κB signalling pathways, providing feasible strategies for obesity cardiomyopathy.
Effects of eradicating Helicobacter pylori on metachronous gastric cancer prevention: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fan Fangfang , Wang Zhe , Li Bing , Zhang Hongtao
Published: May 2019

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is closely associated with the incidence of gastric cancer. However, whether H pylori eradication prevents metachronous gastric cancer remains uncertain. The aim of our study is to assess how eradicating H pylori influences metachronous gastric cancer onset following treatment of early stage gastric cancer via endoscopic resective surgery.

Patients and Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that compared individuals receiving H pylori eradication with individuals receiving placebo/nontreatment and evaluated the subsequent onset of metachronous gastric cancer as the main outcome were eligible for our study. Two authors reviewed articles and extracted data independently. Integrated results for all data were presented as risk ratio.

Results

Thirteen studies containing 3863 patients were consistent with study inclusion criteria. Of the 2480 individuals in whom H pylori was successfully eradicated, 163 (6.57%) developed metachronous gastric cancer, as compared with 176 (12.73%) out of 1383 persistently infected individuals. The pooled risk ratio of metachronous gastric cancer for these studies was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.37‐0.57, P < .001), providing support for the therapeutic elimination of H pylori. Subgroup analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusion

Eradicating H pylori via therapeutic treatment can effectively reduce rates of metachronous gastric cancer, and as such, it should be implemented in H pylori‐infected individuals recently treated for early stage gastric cancers via endoscopic resection.
The influence of altering sintering protocols on the optical and mechanical properties of zirconia: A review
Authors: Ahmed Walaa M. , Troczynski Tom , McCullagh Anthony P. , Wyatt Chris C. L. , Carvalho Ricardo M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

As a result of advancements in chairside technology and speed sintering techniques and increased esthetic demands of patients, efforts have been made to produce monolithic zirconia restorations that are highly translucent, strong, and dense. While methods for processing zirconia are well known, there is a tendency to modify the process parameters with the aim of decreasing the overall processing time and, in particular, the sintering time. This review provides clinicians with scientific evidence of the effects of altering sintering parameters used for dental zirconia on its microstructure, phase transformation, and mechanical and optical properties.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search of Embase and Medline using Boolean operators was performed to locate relevant articles.

Results

Eleven articles were selected for this review. The following characteristics of monolithic zirconia have been confirmed to be affected by alterations in sintering: the microstructure, mechanical properties, optical properties, wear behavior, and low thermal degradation.

Conclusions

The alteration of sintering parameters has been found to alter the grain size, wear behavior, and translucency of zirconia. There is a lack of clinical studies that investigate the influence of altering sintering parameters or methods on the clinical performance of monolithic zirconia restorations.

Clinical Significance

Alteration of sintering parameters alters the microstructural, mechanical, and optical properties of zirconia. This will consequently impact the clinical performance of zirconia prostheses. Future clinical investigations are encouraged to support these in vitro findings.
Meeting the Behavioral Health Needs of LGBT Older Adults
Authors: Goldhammer Hilary , Krinsky Lisa , Keuroghlian Alex S.
Published: May 2019

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults face an increased risk of adverse behavioral health outcomes compared with the general population of older adults, yet little attention has been given to factors contributing to these disparities or to the ways in which clinicians can address these challenges. We present the case of a 75‐year‐old widowed lesbian woman with depression to illustrate how a lifetime of exposure to discrimination and stigma can produce high levels of stress and isolation while also fostering resilience. We then offer recommendations and resources for promoting psychological health among LGBT older adults by attending to the historical and cultural forces that affect LGBT health, and by implementing inclusive policies and programming. The article concludes with suggestions for advancing research and policy to help achieve greater health equity for LGBT older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1565–1570, 2019
Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin: Recent scientific evidence, possible mechanisms, and potential indications
Authors: Singh Kritarth Naman , Patil Saiprasad , Barkate Hanmant
Published: May 2019

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring ketocarotenoid which has been found to have numerous biological functions, with its strong antioxidant property being the prominent feature. The compound has attracted a great amount of interest with respect to its potential utilization in the betterment of human health. In the recent past, astaxanthin has been extensively studied with respect to its possible effect on skin health, with positive results. Astaxanthin has also shown to have anti‐inflammatory, immune‐modulating, and DNA repair properties, which have further encouraged its usage to maintain skin health and tackle skin damage. In this review article, we highlight the pharmacokinetic profile of the antioxidant in brief and describe the findings of various recent published research articles which studied the effect of astaxanthin in improvement of skin health. We also mention the possible mechanisms which form the basis of the positive dermatological effects of astaxanthin and the potential indications of the antioxidant molecule in cosmetology and dermatology.
Electromyographic analysis of the oral phase of swallowing in subjects with and without atypical swallowing: A case‐control study
Authors: Begnoni Giacomo , Cadenas de Llano‐Pérula Maria , Willems Guy , Pellegrini Gaia , Musto Federica , Dellavia Claudia
Published: May 2019

Background

Swallowing is a complex physiologic function developing mostly in the first years of life. After 6 years old, if mature deglutition is not achieved, swallowing persists as “atypical swallowing” (AS).

Objective

The aim of this study was to detect any electromyographical differences in the muscular activation pattern in patients with and without AS.

Materials and methods

38 adolescents and young adults were selected for this study: 20 with atypical swallowing (AS group) and 18 without (C group). Standardised surface electromyographic analysis was performed by the same operator to detect the activity of masseter (MM), temporalis (TA) and submental (SM) muscles. A Student t test for unpaired data was carried out to detect differences between the AS and C groups. A 1‐way ANOVA was performed to detect any differences between the three couples of muscles.

Results

When compared to controls, AS patients showed a significantly longer duration of activity for each couple of muscles and for the whole duration of swallowing act (P < 0.0001) as well as lower intensity of the SM activity (P < 0.05) than controls. Within the AS and C groups, masticatory muscles (MM and TA) showed lower duration of activation (P < 0.01) and lower intensity of the spike (P < 0.0001) than SM. Within the C group, masticatory muscles also reached their activation spike earlier (1‐way ANOVA, P < 0.01) than SM.

Conclusion

Two different muscular performance models have been defined: patients with AS showed a longer activity of all the muscles involved with a lower intensity of SM activity than that of controls.
Effect of low‐ or high‐CP diet with cold‐pressed oil supplementation on growth, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing quail
Authors: Mohamed Laila A. , El‐Hindawy Mohamed M. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Salah Ayman S. , El‐Sayed Sabry A. A.
Published: May 2019

This study was to investigate the effect of dietary protein levels and supplementation with two cold‐pressed oils on the performance, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing Japanese quails. A 3 × 4 factorial experiment, using 3 dietary crude protein (CP) levels (22%, 24% and 26%) and 4 supplemental herbal oils levels: control without additives, 250 mg marjoram (Mar), 250 mg thyme (Thy) and 125 mg Mar + 125 mg Thy per kg diet. A total of 720 unsexed, 7‐day‐old quail chicks were randomly distributed into twelve treatment groups (4 replicates per group of 15 chicks in each). The live body weight (LBW) on 42 days and body weight gain (BWG) from 7 to 42 days were significantly improved (p < 0.01 and 0.05) in chicks fed 24% or 26% CP compared with those of the 22% CP group. The groups fed diets supplemented with Mar or in combination with Thy oil exhibited significantly better LBW, BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control at all periods except BWG from 21 to 42 days and FCR from 7 to 21 days were not significant. Feed intake was gradually decreased with increasing dietary CP level or adding herbal oils during the periods 21–42 and 7–42 days of age. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, total lipids and malondialdehyde were decreased by cold‐pressed oils supplementation, but the activity of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase was increased (p < 0.01) compared with the control. In conclusion, quails fed a diet containing 24% or 26% CP or diets supplemented with Mar or Thy oils or both exhibited improvement in the performance, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant capacity without any detrimental impacts on the other studied parameters.
Evaluating two multistrain probiotics on growth performance, intestinal morphology, lipid oxidation and ileal microflora in chickens
Authors: Kazemi Seyed Amin , Ahmadi Hamed , Karimi Torshizi Mohammad A.
Published: May 2019

An experiment was conducted to investigate the supplementation of two commercially available multistrain probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, intestinal morphology, lipid oxidation and ileal microflora in broiler chickens. A total of 280‐day‐old ROSS 308 mixed‐sex broiler chickens with an average initial body weight of 42 ± 0.5 g were randomly divided into four treatments with five replicate cages of 14 birds each cage in a completely randomized design and fed with the following diets for 42 day: (a) control (CON) (antibiotic‐free diet), (b) antibiotic (ANT) (CON + Avilamycin 150 g/ton feed), (c) probiotic A (CON + Protexin® 150 g/ton feed) and (d) probiotic B (CON + Bio‐Poul® 200 g/ton feed). The results showed the broilers fed the ANT diet had greater average daily gain than broilers fed the CON diet during day 1–14 (p < 0.05). At day 42, two birds were randomly selected per replicate for evaluation intestinal morphology, lipid oxidation and ileal microflora. birds fed diet supplemented with probiotic A and probiotic B increased villus height and goblet cells numbers in the jejunum and villus height to crypt depth ratio and villus height in the ileum as compared to birds fed CON diet (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde value was reduced (p < 0.05) in the ANT, probiotic B and probiotic A groups compared with the CON group. The Lactobacillus population was increased and Clostridium spp. population decreased in the ileum of broilers fed diets containing the probiotic B and probiotic A compared with those fed CON diet (p < 0.05). The results from this study indicate that the probiotic A (Protexin®) and probiotic B (Bio‐Poul®) used in this trial may serve as alternatives to ANT.
High indirect fitness benefits for helpers across the nesting cycle in the tropical paper waspPolistes canadensis
Authors: Southon Robin J. , Bell Emily F. , Graystock Peter , Wyatt Christopher D. R. , Radford Andrew N. , Sumner Seirian
Published: May 2019

Explaining the evolution of helping behaviour in the eusocial insects where nonreproductive (“worker”) individuals help raise the offspring of other individuals (“queens”) remains one of the most perplexing phenomena in the natural world.Polistespaper wasps are popular study models, as workers retain the ability to reproduce: such totipotency is likely representative of the early stages of social evolution.Polistesis thought to have originated in the tropics, where seasonal constraints on reproductive options are weak and social groups are effectively perennial. Yet, mostPolistesresearch has focused on nontropical species, where seasonality causes family groups to disperse; cofoundresses forming new nests the following spring are often unrelated, leading to the suggestion that direct fitness through nest inheritance is key in the evolution of helping behaviour. Here, we present the first comprehensive genetic study of social structure across the perennial nesting cycle of a tropicalPolistes—Polistes canadensis. Using both microsatellites and newly developed single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we show that adult cofoundresses are highly related and that brood production is monopolized by a single female across the nesting cycle. Nonreproductive cofoundresses in tropicalPolistestherefore have the potential to gain high indirect fitness benefits as helpers from the outset of group formation, and these benefits persist through the nesting cycle. Direct fitness may have been less important in the origin ofPolistessociality than previously suggested. These findings stress the importance of studying a range of species with diverse life history and ecologies when considering the evolution of reproductive strategies.
Factor substitution, long‐run growth, and speed of convergence in the one‐sector convex endogenous‐growth model
Authors: Gómez Manuel A.
Published: May 2019

We study the link between the elasticity of factor substitution, long‐run growth and the speed of convergence in the one‐sector convex growth model. Technology is such that the marginal product of capital is bounded away from zero leading to endogenous growth. In particular, we consider the CES, VES and Sobelow production functions. We show that for two economies differing uniquely in initial factor substitutability, the economy with the higher initial elasticity of substitution will feature a higher long‐run growth rate and a higher speed of convergence, irrespective of the specification of the production function.
A locally weighted machine learning model for generalized prediction of drift capacity in seismic vulnerability assessments
Authors: Luo Huan , Paal Stephanie German
Published: May 2019

Drift capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) columns is an important indicator to quantify the seismic vulnerability of RC frame buildings; however, it is challenging to accurately predict this value as the nonlinear behavior can vary greatly by column type. This article proposes a novel, local machine learning (ML) model, called locally weighted least squares support vector machines for regression (LWLS‐SVMR), which integrates LS‐SVMR and locally weighted training criteria to enhance and generalize the prediction of the drift capacity of RC columns, regardless of the type. A database of 160 circular RC columns covering flexure‐, shear‐, and flexure–shear‐critical specimens was developed to train and test the proposed LWLS‐SVMR. The proposed LWLS‐SVMR was validated by comparison with popular existing global and local learning approaches as well as a traditional empirical equation, and the results demonstrated that the proposed LWLS‐SVMR is superior to all other approaches and thus, is a promising artificial intelligence technique for enhancing the prediction of drift capacity, universally across RC flexure‐, shear‐, and flexure–shear‐critical columns. The LWLS‐SVMR exhibits capabilities which may yield it a feasible approach to predict complex, nonlinear behavior in a broad‐spectrum manner.
Prevalence of mental disorders and mental health service use in Japan
Authors: Nishi Daisuke , Ishikawa Hanako , Kawakami Norito
Published: May 2019

A high disease burden of mental disorders has been noted worldwide, including Japan. It is important to monitor mental disorder prevalence trends and the use of mental health services over time using epidemiological data and to plan appropriate policies and measures that consider mental health in each country. This review outlines the prevalence trends of common mental disorders (CMD) and the use of mental health services in Japan from the 2000s to the 2010s and compares them with those in other countries. This review clarifies that the prevalence of CMD in Japan has been relatively stable in the past decade. The 12‐month prevalence of mental health service use has increased about 1.2 times to 1.6 times in the past 10–15 years. Thus, it is very likely that the rise in mental health service use contributes to increased patient numbers. Regarding cross‐national comparison, the prevalence rate of CMD in Japan is much lower compared to rates in the USA and Europe. The 12‐month prevalence of mental health service use was also lower in Japan compared to prevalence rates in other high‐income countries. Mental health epidemiology has clarified that the prevalence of CMD worldwide has remained unchanged, even though mental health service use has increased in high‐income countries. Thus, the gap in treatment quality and prevention should be addressed in the future.