bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nicotinamide and skin cancer chemoprevention: The jury is still out
Authors: Gilmore Stephen J
Published: November 2017

Following the publication of the results of a Phase III trial, the administration of oral nicotinamide has been widely advocated as effective in non‐melanoma skin cancer chemoprevention in high‐risk individuals. However, I performed a Bayesian analysis of the reported findings and show there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate its efficacy, highlighting the significant probability that the positive conclusions drawn will not be reproducible. Given the potential widespread use of oral nicotinamide, future position statements regarding its efficacy are likely to require higher standards of evidence.
Amniotic fluid pentraxins: Potential early markers for identifying intra‐amniotic inflammatory complications in preterm pre‐labor rupture of membranes
Authors: Musilova Ivana , Andrys Ctirad , Krejsek Jan , Drahosova Marcela , Zednikova Barbora , Pliskova Lenka , Zemlickova Helena , Jacobsson Bo , Kacerovsky Marian
Published: November 2017

In this study, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid P component (SAP) concentrations in the amniotic fluid of women with preterm pre‐labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) were evaluated based on evidence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), intra‐amniotic inflammation (IAI), and microbial‐associated IAI. A total of 149 women with PPROM were included in this study. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid PTX3, SAP, and CRP concentrations were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. PTX3 and CRP concentrations were higher in women with MIAC, IAI, and microbial‐associated IAI than in women without these conditions. SAP concentrations were only higher in the presence of IAI and microbial‐associated IAI. Amniotic fluid PTX3 concentrations of 11 ng/mL were found to be the best value for identifying the presence of microbial‐associated IAI and IAI in women with PPROM. To conclude, amniotic fluid pentraxins are involved in intra‐amniotic inflammatory responses in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.
The incidence and outcome of clinically significant antibodies detected in Rhesus‐D positive pregnant women of the Northern Territory
Authors: Andersson Lauren , Szabo Ferenc
Published: November 2017

Background

Haemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn secondary to clinically significant non‐Rhesus‐D antibodies has risen in importance since the advent of immunoprophylactic anti‐D administration to Rhesus‐D negative women. Of interest is the incidence of these antibodies in Rhesus‐D positive women, who receive less frequent antenatal alloantibody screening. This is of particular concern if the antibodies arise late in pregnancy and may go undetected.

Aims

To assess the proportion of Rhesus‐D positive pregnant women with late developing clinically significant antibodies for haemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn, and whether these resulted in adverse fetal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis over a 12‐month period at a tertiary hospital in the Northern Territory. Group and antibody screen results in addition to clinical data regarding pregnancy/newborn were collected.

Results

Sixty‐four of 2612 women (2.5%) had red blood cell antibodies detected during their pregnancy. Of these, 21 clinically significant antibodies were detected in 19 women (0.7% of initial cohort). The most common antibody detected was anti‐c (28.5%). In six of these women (0.23% of initial cohort), the antibodies were late developing. Mild jaundice was noted in three newborns with phototherapy required in one.

Conclusions

Although clinically significant antibodies were detected during pregnancy, and in a small proportion of cases as a late developing antibody undetected in the first trimester screening, clinical outcomes for the newborn were mild. As such, the cost of retesting all Rhesus‐D positive pregnant women in the third trimester would be considerable and unlikely to result in any meaningful clinical benefit.
A Regression Framework for Assessing Covariate Effects on the Reproducibility of High-Throughput Experiments
Authors: Li Qunhua , Zhang Feipeng
Published: November 2017

The outcome of high-throughput biological experiments is affected by many operational factors in the experimental and data-analytical procedures. Understanding how these factors affect the reproducibility of the outcome is critical for establishing workflows that produce replicable discoveries. In this article, we propose a regression framework, based on a novel cumulative link model, to assess the covariate effects of operational factors on the reproducibility of findings from high-throughput experiments. In contrast to existing graphical approaches, our method allows one to succinctly characterize the simultaneous and independent effects of covariates on reproducibility and to compare reproducibility while controlling for potential confounding variables. We also establish a connection between our model and certain Archimedean copula models. This connection not only offers our regression framework an interpretation in copula models, but also provides guidance on choosing the functional forms of the regression. Furthermore, it also opens a new way to interpret and utilize these copulas in the context of reproducibility. Using simulations, we show that our method produces calibrated type I error and is more powerful in detecting difference in reproducibility than existing measures of agreement. We illustrate the usefulness of our method using a ChIP-seq study and a microarray study.
A single‐institution retrospective cohort study of first‐line R‐EPOCH chemoimmunotherapy for Richter syndrome demonstrating complex chronic lymphocytic leukaemia karyotype as an adverse prognostic factor
Authors: Rogers Kerry A. , Huang Ying , Ruppert Amy S. , Salem Galena , Stephens Deborah M. , Heerema Nyla A. , Andritsos Leslie A. , Awan Farrukh T. , Byrd John C. , Flynn Joseph M. , Maddocks Kami J. , Jones Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2017

Richter Syndrome, an aggressive lymphoma occurring in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), has a generally poor prognosis and anthracycline‐based chemoimmunotherapy regimens designed to treat de novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma achieve modest clinical benefit. R‐EPOCH (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin) has demonstrated greater activity against aggressive B‐cell histologies but has not been studied in Richter Syndrome. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 46 Richter Syndrome patients treated with first‐line R‐EPOCH at our institution between 1 January 2006 and 31 May 2014. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 3·5 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 2·0–7·6] and median overall survival (OS) was 5·9 months (95% CI: 3·2–10·3). Toxicity was high and 30% of patients died without progression or response. Patients with a complex CLL karyotype had significantly shorter PFS and OS (P = 0·005 and P = 0·002, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified complex CLL karyotype as the most significant predictor of decreased survival [Hazard ratio (HR) 2·72, 95% CI: 1·14–6·52, P = 0·025], adjusting for number of prior CLL treatments (P = 0·036). Richter Syndrome patients with complex CLL karyotype experience poor survival with R‐EPOCH treatment and novel approaches are needed for these patients. In contrast, survival of patients without a complex CLL karyotype was similar to patients with de novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.
The exomic landscape of t(14;18)‐negative diffuse follicular lymphoma with 1p36 deletion
Authors: Zamò Alberto , Pischimarov Jordan , Horn Heike , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas , Leich Ellen
Published: November 2017

Predominantly diffuse t(14;18) negative follicular lymphoma (FL) with 1p36 deletion shows distinctive clinical, morphological and molecular features that distinguish it from classical FL. In order to investigate whether it possesses a unique mutation profile, we performed whole exome sequencing of six well‐characterised cases. Our analysis showed that the mutational landscape of this subtype is largely distinct from classical FL. It appears to harbour several recurrent mutations, affecting STAT6, CREBBP and basal membrane protein genes with high frequency. Our data support the view that this FL subtype should be considered a separate entity from classical FL.
Exploring the inbound and outbound strategies enabled by user generated big data: Evidence from leading smartphone applications
Authors: Trabucchi Daniel , Buganza Tommaso , Dell'Era Claudio , Pellizzoni Elena
Published: November 2017

The Open Innovation paradigm has been increasingly considered as a relevant approach to innovation. Among the different sources, end users are particularly meaningful. Scholars have highlighted several methods and strategies to involve them in the innovation process by asking, observing, and giving them the chance to actually co‐create. Digital technologies are expanding the span of opportunities in this direction, gathering a huge amount and variety of data, while the end user enjoys a digital product; these data can be called “user generated big data” (UGBD). The aim of this research is to understand whether UGBD can contribute in user innovation and to highlight the enabled strategies to create value through them. Leveraging on a multiple case study (Twitter, Spotify, Strava, and Deliveroo), the paper first classifies UGBD among the methods to foster user centered innovation, and then it defines two strategies to create value relying on UGBD. First, companies can leverage on a “using data” strategy—addressing both the end user or other player in the ecosystem—fostering service innovation through an inbound approach. Second, a “selling data” strategy can be pursued, addressing new clients and fostering business model innovation, enlarging the company's value chain in an outbound perspective.
Donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies are not associated with nonanastomotic biliary strictures but both are independent risk factors for graft loss after liver transplantation
Authors: den Dulk Anne Claire , Shi Xiaolei , Verhoeven Cornelia. J. , Dubbeld Jeroen , Claas Frans H. J. , Wolterbeek Ron , Brand‐Schaaf Simone H. , Verspaget Hein W. , Sarasqueta Arantza Fariña , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Metselaar Herold J. , van Hoek Bart , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Roelen Dave L.
Published: November 2017

Donor‐specific alloantibodies (DSA) have been associated with rejection and shorter graft survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We examined the role of DSA in nonanastomotic biliary strictures (NAS) after OLT. Patients receiving first OLT who developed NAS (n = 68) and a control group without NAS (n = 83), with pre‐OLT and 12 months post‐OLT serum samples, were included. DSA were specified using the Luminex single antigen test. Risk factors for NAS and graft survival were analyzed. The presence of preformed DSA was not significantly different between patients with NAS and controls (P = .89). After 12 months, 26.5% of NAS patients and 16.9% of controls had generated de novo DSA (P = .15). Neither de novo class I DSA nor de novo class II DSA were associated with NAS. De novo DSA generally developed after the diagnosis of NAS. Time‐dependent regression analysis identified both NAS (aHR 8.05, CI 3.28 – 19.77, P < .01) and de novo class II DSA (aHR 2.84, CI 1.38 – 5.82, P < .01) as independent risk factors for graft loss. Preformed or de novo DSA were not associated with the development of NAS. However, NAS as well as de novo class II DSA were independent risk factors for graft loss after OLT.
Inflammatory and Physiological Consequences of Debridement of Fibrous Tissue after Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury
Authors: Corona Benjamin T. , Rivera Jessica C. , Greising Sarah M.
Published: November 2017

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries present chronic loss of muscle fibers followed by expansive fibrotic tissue deposition. Regenerative medicine therapies are under development to promote regeneration. However, mitigation of the expansive fibrous tissue is required for integration with the remaining muscle. Using a porcine VML model, delayed debridement of injury fibrosis was performed 3 months post‐VML and observed for an additional 4 weeks. A second group underwent the initial VML and was observed for 4 weeks, allowing comparison of initial fibrosis formation and debrided groups. The following salient observations were made: (i) debridement neither exacerbated nor ameliorated strength deficits; (ii) debridement results in recurrent fibrotic tissue deposition of a similar magnitude and composition as acute VML injury; and (iii) similarly upregulated transcriptional fibrotic and transcriptional pathways persist 4 weeks after initial VML or delayed debridement. This highlights the need for future studies to investigate adjunctive antifibrotic treatments for the fibrosed musculature.
Red tattoo‐related mycosis fungoides‐like CD8+ pseudolymphoma
Authors: King Brian J. , Lehman Julia S. , Macon William R. , Sciallis Gabriel F.
Published: November 2017

Cutaneous reactions to red tattoo pigment rarely manifest as pseudolymphomatous reactions. We describe an exceedingly rare case of red tattoo‐related T‐cell predominant pseudolymphoma microscopically mimicking mycosis fungoides. Careful clinicopathological correlation was required to obtain the correct diagnosis and aid in an effective treatment course.
Optimal Outsourcing Strategies When Capacity Is Limited
Authors: Ghamat Salar , Pun Hubert , Yan Xinghao
Published: November 2017

Outsourcing the production of selected components to competitors is becoming more common among original brand manufacturers (OBMs); however, OBMs’ increased attention to outsourcing and the growing demand in many markets can result in capacity allocation conflicts for the contract manufacturers. In this study, we consider a scenario in which the OBM decides whether to outsource to a third‐party supplier or to a competitive contract manufacturer (CCM) who has the option of producing a competing product and also has limited capacity. This setting consists of two levels of competition: competition in the component market between the CCM and the spot market, and competition in the final‐product market between the OBM and the CCM. The CCM first chooses the wholesale price and decides whether or not to sell a competing product to the customers. Next, the OBM decides the proportion of its component demand to outsource to the CCM, and then firms set the retail prices. We are interested in investigating the impacts of the CCM's capacity and the impacts of these two levels of competition. We show that the OBM might multisource its component demand only when competition in the final‐product market is intense. We also find that when the CCM's capacity increases, demand may decrease, while the retail price may increase. Moreover, the CCM can be worse off from having more capacity, even when the CCM's capacity is available for free. Our results also show that demand may increase when competition in the final‐product market becomes more intense. Finally, we find that the value of having a third‐party supplier to produce the component decreases amid the intensity of competition in the final‐product market.
Diagnostic accuracy of early magnetic resonance imaging to determine motor outcomes in infants born preterm: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: George Joanne M , Pannek Kerstin , Rose Stephen E , Ware Robert S , Colditz Paul B , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: November 2017

Aim

To examine the diagnostic ability of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; <36wks postmenstrual age) to detect later adverse motor outcomes or cerebral palsy (CP) in infants born preterm.

Method

Studies of infants born preterm with MRI earlier than 36 weeks postmenstrual age and quantitative motor data or a diagnosis of CP at or beyond 1 year corrected age were identified. Study details were extracted and meta‐analyses performed where possible. Quality of included studies was evaluated with the QUADAS‐2 (a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies).

Results

Thirty‐one articles met the inclusion criteria, five of which reported diagnostic accuracy and five reported data sufficient for calculation of diagnostic accuracy. Early structural MRI global scores detected a later diagnosis of CP with a pooled sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86–100) and a specificity of 93% (95% CI 59–100). Global structural MRI scores determined adverse motor outcomes with a pooled sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 44–100) and a specificity of 98% (95% CI 90–100). White matter scores determined adverse motor outcomes with a pooled sensitivity of 33% (95% CI 20–48) and a specificity of 83% (95% CI 78–88).

Interpretation

Early structural MRI has reasonable sensitivity and specificity to determine adverse motor outcomes and CP in infants born preterm. Greater reporting of diagnostic accuracy in studies examining relationships with motor outcomes and CP is required to facilitate clinical utility of early MRI.

What this paper adds

Early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has reasonable sensitivity and specificity to determine later adverse motor outcomes and cerebral palsy (CP).

Detection of infants who progressed to CP was stronger than motor outcomes.

Global MRI scores determined adverse motor outcomes more accurately than white matter scores.

Few studies report diagnostic accuracy of early MRI findings.

Diagnostic accuracy is required to draw clinically meaningful conclusions from early MRI studies.
THE SWINGS OF U.S. INFLATION AND THE GIBSON PARADOX
Authors: Casares Miguel , Vázquez Jesús
Published: November 2017

In recent business cycles, U.S. inflation has experienced a reduction of volatility and a severe weakening in the correlation to the nominal interest rate (Gibson paradox). We examine these facts in an estimated dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with money. Our findings point at a flatter New Keynesian Phillips Curve (higher price stickiness) and a lower persistence of markup shocks as the main explanatory factors. In addition, a higher interest‐rate elasticity of money demand, an increasing role of demand‐side shocks, and a less systematic behavior of Fed's monetary policy also account for the recent patterns of U.S. inflation dynamics. (JEL E32, E47)
Accumulation of rest deficiency precedes sudden death of epileptic Kv1.1 knockout mice, a model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Iyer Shruthi H. , Matthews Stephanie A. , Simeone Timothy A. , Maganti Rama , Simeone Kristina A.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Chronic sleep deficiency is associated with early mortality. In the epileptic population, there is a higher prevalence of sleep disorders, and individuals with severe refractory epilepsy are at greater risk of premature mortality than the general population. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy affects 1:1000 cases of epilepsy each year. Ketogenic diet (KD) treatment is one of the few effective options for refractory seizures. Despite KD reducing seizures and increasing longevity in Kv1.1 knockout (KO) mice, they still succumb to sudden death. This study aims to determine whether (1) the rest profiles of KO and KD‐treated KO (KOKD) mice resemble each other as a function of either age or proximity to death and (2) the timing of death correlates with acute or chronic changes in rest.

Methods

Noninvasive actimetry was used to monitor rest throughout the lives of KO and wild‐type (WT) littermates administered standard diet or KD.

Results

As KO mice age, rest is reduced (P < .0001). Rest is significantly improved in KDKO mice (P < .0001), resembling WT values at several ages. When age is removed as a variable and data are realigned to the day of death, the rest profiles of KO and KOKD groups worsen to similar degrees as a function of proximity to death. The amount of rest acutely is not sensitive to the timing of death, whereas chronic rest deficiency profiles (10‐15 days prior to death) of both groups were indistinguishable. Chronic accumulation of rest deficiency over the final 15 days was associated with 75% of deaths.

Significance

Our data suggest that the accumulated rest deficiency is associated with sudden death in Kv1.1 KO mice. These data (1) support the proposed clinical hypothesis that chronic sleep deficiency may be associated with early mortality in epileptic patients and (2) warrant future preclinical and clinical studies on sleep monitoring in epileptic patients.
The triune of intestinal microbiome, genetics and inflammatory status and its impact on the healing of lower gastrointestinal anastomoses
Authors: Lee Jou A. , Chico Timothy J. A. , Renshaw Stephen A.
Published: November 2017

Gastrointestinal resections are a common operation and most involve an anastomosis to rejoin the ends of the remaining bowel to restore gastrointestinal (GIT) continuity. While most joins heal uneventfully, in up to 26% of patients healing fails and an anastomotic leak (AL) develops. Despite advances in surgical technology and techniques, the rate of anastomotic leaks has not decreased over the last few decades raising the possibility that perhaps we do not yet fully understand the phenomenon of AL and are thus ill‐equipped to prevent it. As in all complex conditions, it is necessary to isolate each different aspect of disease for interrogation of its specific role, but, as we hope to demonstrate in this article, it is a dangerous oversimplification to consider any single aspect as the full answer to the problem. Instead, consideration of important individual observations in parallel could illuminate the way forward towards a possibly simple solution amidst the complexity. This article details three aspects that we believe intertwine, and therefore should be considered together in wound healing within the GIT during postsurgical recovery: the microbiome, the host genetic make‐up and their relationship to the perioperative inflammatory status. Each of these, alone or in combination, has been linked with various states of health and disease, and in combining these three aspects in the case of postoperative recovery from bowel resection, we may be nearer an answer to preventing anastomotic leaks than might have been thought just a few years ago.
Comparison of passive and active leisure activities and life satisfaction with aging
Authors: Cho Dongwook , Post Jay , Kim Sung Kyeom
Published: November 2017

Aim

Many older adults face limitations to participating in active leisure activities as a result of their physical constraints from aging. Passive leisure activities become alternative leisure activities for older adults as a result of limited physical capacity. The present study sought to determine whether there exists a difference in the frequency of participation in passive and active leisure activities, and the effect of participation in passive and active leisure activities on the life satisfaction level of old adults.

Methods

A total of 460 participants aged 60–95 years were randomly selected from 21 sites in the USA. The Life Satisfaction Index – Z and the Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment were analyzed to examine older adults' life satisfaction and frequency of active or passive activities.

Results

The results showed that participation in passive leisure activities, such reading, talking on the telephone and watching TV/listening to the radio, is more frequent among older adults (P = 0.000). The regression coefficient found that club/organization or volunteering (P = 0.008), homemaking/maintenance (P = 0.017) and traveling (P = 0.017) for active leisure activities were statistically significant predictors of Life Satisfaction Index – Z for older adults.

Conclusions

The current study shows that older adults spent much more times participating in passive leisure activities, such as radio/watching TV, talking on the phone and reading. The result also showed that active leisure activities, such as club/organization or volunteering, home making/maintenance and traveling, were significant predictors of life satisfaction for older adults controlling for covariates. The current study suggests marketing and programming plans to overcome the constraints that influence older adults' life satisfaction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 380–386.
Community intervention to increase neighborhood social network among Japanese older adults
Authors: Harada Kazuhiro , Masumoto Kouhei , Katagiri Keiko , Fukuzawa Ai , Chogahara Makoto , Kondo Narihiko , Okada Shuichi
Published: November 2017

Aim

Strengthening neighborhood social networks is important for promoting health among older adults. However, effective intervention strategies aimed at increasing older adults' social networks have not yet been established. The present study examined whether a university‐led community intervention that provided communication opportunities could increase older Japanese adults' neighborhood social networks.

Methods

The present study used a quasi‐experimental design. Before the intervention, using postal mail, we carried out a baseline questionnaire survey that was sent to all people living in the Tsurukabuto community aged ≥60 years (n = 1769), of whom 1068 responded. For the community intervention, 18 event‐based programs were provided over the course of 1 year at Kobe University. Academic staff at Kobe University organized all the programs. During the program, social interactions among participants were promoted. A follow‐up survey was distributed to those who responded to the baseline survey, and 710 individuals answered the question about their participation in the intervention programs (138 respondents were participants, 572 were non‐participants). The neighborhood social network was measured in both the baseline and follow‐up surveys.

Results

Analysis of covariance showed that the changes in neighborhood social network among participants in the program was significantly higher than the changes among non‐participants (P = 0.046) after adjusting for the baseline score of social network.

Conclusions

The present study found that participants of the intervention expanded their neighborhood social network, but non‐participants did not. This finding shows that community interventions using university resources could increase older adults' neighborhood social networks. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 462–469.
Association between diabetes and mortality in elderly patients admitted for a first episode of acute heart failure
Authors: Formiga Francesc , Chivite David , Montero Abelardo , Petit Irene , Moreno‐González Rafael , Franco Jonathan , Corbella Xavier
Published: November 2017

Aim

To examine whether the presence of a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) influences mortality risk in elderly patients experiencing a first episode of heart failure (HF) hospitalization.

Methods

A total of 677 consecutive patients aged ≥75 years admitted for a first episode of acute decompensated heart failure were evaluated according to the presence or not of DM, and in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality rates were evaluated.

Results

A total of 240 patients (35.4%) had a diagnosis of DM. Overall, 42 patients (6.2%) died during admission; and 205 patients (30.3%) died after 1 year; however, no differences were observed in mortality rates between both groups. Cox univariate analysis did not identify prior DM diagnosis as a risk factor for 1‐year mortality (HR 0.767, P < 0.082). Multivariate analysis identified older age (HR 1.101, P < 0.0001), lower preadmission Barthel Index (HR 0.987, P = 0.002), higher heart rate (HR 1.013, P = 0.02), higher admission serum potassium (HR 1.471, P = 0.016) and non‐prescription of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (HR 1.597, P = 0.018) as independent risk factors for 1‐year mortality.

Conclusions

More than one‐third of elderly patients experiencing a first admission because of acute heart failure decompensation had a prior diagnosis of DM. However, DM did not seem to be associated to a significant 1‐year mortality risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 554–560.
Biological significance of TERT promoter mutation in papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential
Authors: Wang Chung‐Chieh , Huang Chao‐Yuan , Jhuang Yu‐Lin , Chen Chih‐Chi , Jeng Yung‐Ming
Published: November 2017

Aims

Mutations in FGFR3 and the promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been found frequently in urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. However, related data for papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP) are limited. In this study, we investigated the mutation status of the TERT promoter, FGFR3 and HRAS in low‐grade papillary urothelial neoplasms and evaluated their prognostic significance.

Methods and results

The cases included in this study comprised 21 inverted papillomas, 30 PUNLMPs and 34 low‐grade non‐invasive papillary urothelial carcinomas (NIPUCs). TERT promoter mutations were observed in 10 (33%) PUNLMPs and 17 (50%) low‐grade NIPUCs, but not in any inverted papilloma. FGFR3 mutations were observed more frequently in PUNLMP and low‐grade NIPUC than in inverted papillomas (P = 0.009), whereas the opposite trend was noted for HRAS mutations (P < 0.001). Regarding the clinical outcome, TERT promoter mutation was associated with a higher recurrence rate in PUNLMP (P = 0.024) but not in low‐grade NIPUC (P = 0.530). Notably, PUNLMP cases with TERT promoter mutations had a similar recurrence rate to that in low‐grade NIPUC cases (P = 0.487).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the status of the TERT promoter mutation may serve as a biomarker of prognostic stratification in patients with PUNLMP.
COLLECTIVE REPUTATION AND THE DYNAMICS OF STATISTICAL DISCRIMINATION
Authors: Kim Young‐Chul , Loury Glenn C.
Published: November 2017

Economists have developed theoretical models identifying self‐fulfilling expectations as an important source of statistical discrimination practices. The static models dominating the literature, however, may leave the false impression that a bad equilibrium is as fragile as a “bubble” and can burst at any moment when expectations flip. By developing a dynamic version of the model, we clarify the limits of expectations‐related fragility. Even if group members can coordinate their expectations about future employer behavior, a group with a poor initial collective reputation may still be unable to recover its reputation, implying that the once‐developed discriminatory outcomes can be long‐standing.
TRADE DISPUTES AND SETTLEMENT
Authors: Maggi Giovanni , Staiger Robert W.
Published: November 2017

We develop a model of trade agreements with renegotiation and imperfectly verifiable information. In equilibrium, trade disputes can occur and can be resolved in a variety of ways: Governments may settle “early” or trigger a court ruling, and in the latter case, they may implement the ruling or reach a post‐ruling settlement. The model yields predictions on how the dispute outcome depends on the contracting environment and how it correlates with the optimal contract form. We find support for a key prediction of our model using data on the outcomes of actual trade disputes in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization.
DO LIES ERODE TRUST?
Authors: Gawn Glynis , Innes Robert
Published: November 2017

Does honesty promote trust and trustworthiness? We investigate how being lied to (versus told the truth) in a Gneezy deception game affects behavior in a subsequent trust game with different players. Using a design that controls for potential treatment effects on payoffs, mood, and beliefs about the overall propensity for honesty in the experiment, we find that the specific experience of being lied to significantly erodes trust and trustworthiness.
Effects of water‐unextractable arabinoxylans on the physicochemical and rheological properties of traditional Chinese youtiao
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Weishi , Zhou Sumei , Wang Li , Qian Haifeng , Li Yan , Zhang Hui , Qi Xiguang
Published: November 2017

The effects of water‐unextractable arabinoxylans (WUAX) on the physicochemical properties of the dough and the final qualities of traditional Chinese youtiao were investigated. The farinographic properties of youtiao dough were slightly affected by extra WUAX, except that the water absorption increased from 56.77% to 64.93%. The extensographic properties varied complexly at different proofing time. The SEM micrographs of dough showed that the uniform starch granule structure could not be formed in youtiao dough with 4% extra WUAX. The specific volume of youtiao with 4% WUAX was only 3.68 cm3 g−1, which was 27.45% lower than that of control. The moisture content increased from 27.17% to 31.74%, and the hardness was almost four times higher than that of control. Most importantly, the total oil content of youtiao with 4% WUAX was only 12.29%, which was 37.31% lesser than the control. These results suggest that WUAX can be used in youtiao production to provide a low‐fat option with improved nutrition.
The associations of illness perception with metabolic control (HbA1c) among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a district hospital†
Authors: Lee Soik Fun , Teh Xin Rou , Malar Louise Santana , Ong Su Ling , James Rita Pauline
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Despite the availability of a wide selection of anti-diabetic treatments, many type 2 DM (T2DM) patients still do not have controlled glucose levels. In addition to pharmacological intervention, patients’ own implicit beliefs about their illness should be targeted for health intervention. Thus, we conducted a quantitative study to evaluate the associations between illness perception (IP) domains and metabolic control (HbA1c) of T2DM patients in Selama Hospital and to identify patients’ perceptions of the causal T2DM factors.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Selama Hospital from October to December 2015. A total of 200 T2DM patients were recruited using systematic random sampling. A self-administered validated questionnaire consisting of three sections was used, and the data were analysed using SPSS version 18. The associations between eight IP domains and HbA1c were evaluated via multiple linear regression. P values <0.05 were considered significant.

Key findings

The analysis included data from 200 respondents with a mean age of 57.7 years (SE = 9.8). The majority were women (64.5%) and Malays (86%) with a primary school education (43.5%) and a family history of diabetes (53.5%). The median duration of illness was 5 years (IQR = 7), and the median HbA1c level was 8.15% (IQR = 3.1). The mean score for the eight IP domains was 33.7 (SE = 8.43) out of a total score of 80. Using multiple linear regression, HbA1c was found to be significantly associated with IP domains of identity symptoms at 0.221 (95% CI 0.083–0.358). Moreover, 79.4% of patients ranked diet and eating behaviour as the main factor for T2DM.

Conclusion

The IP domain of identity symptoms was significantly correlated with T2DM metabolic control. By understanding patients’ IP, healthcare providers can focus on behavioural approaches to managing T2DM patients. Steps must be taken to educate patients about the importance of diet control in managing T2DM.
Summary of the UAA‐AAUS guidelines for urinary tract infections
Authors: Choe Hyun‐Sop , Lee Seung‐Ju , Yang Stephen S , Hamasuna Ryoichi , Yamamoto Shingo , Cho Yong‐Hyun , Matsumoto Tetsuro ,   the Committee for Development of the UAA‐AAUS Guidelines for UTI and STI
Published: November 2017

Urinary tract infections, genital tract infections and sexually transmitted infections are the most prevalent infectious diseases, and the establishment of locally optimized guidelines is critical to provide appropriate treatment. The Urological Association of Asia has planned to develop the Asian guidelines for all urological fields, and the present urinary tract infections, genital tract infections and sexually transmitted infections guideline was the second project of the Urological Association of Asia guideline development, which was carried out by the Asian Association of Urinary Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection. The members have meticulously reviewed relevant references, retrieved via the PubMed and MEDLINE databases, published between 2009 through 2015. The information identified through the literature review of other resources was supplemented by the author. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendation for each management were made according to the relevant strategy. If the judgment was made on the basis of insufficient or inadequate evidence, the grade of recommendation was determined on the basis of committee discussions and resultant consensus statements. Here, we present a short English version of the original guideline, and overview its key clinical issues.
The nuclear hormone receptor E75A regulates vitellogenin gene (Al‐Vg) expression in the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum
Authors: Tan Y.‐A. , Zhao X.‐D. , Sun Y. , Hao D.‐J. , Zhao J. , Jiang Y.‐P. , Bai L.‐X. , Xiao L.‐B.
Published: November 2017

Apolygus lucorum is the predominant pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in China. 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a key role in the reproduction of this insect. To better understand the mechanism underlying 20E‐regulated reproduction, the nuclear hormone receptor E75 isoform‐A of Ap. lucorum (Al‐E75A) was cloned and its expression analysed. A 2241‐bp sequence of Al‐E75A cDNA encoded an open reading frame of a polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 69.04 kDa. Al‐E75A mRNA was detected in female adult stages of Ap. lucorum with peak expression in 7‐day‐old animals. Al‐E75A was also expressed in several tissues, particularly in the fat body and ovary. A 3.2 kb Al‐E75A mRNA was detected in all tissues by Northern blot. The fecundity and longevity were significantly decreased in female adults treated with Al‐E75A small interfering RNA. The rates of egg incubation rates were considerably lower in the RNA interference‐treated animals compared to the untreated controls. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects described above, vitellogenin (Al‐Vg) was selected for further investigation. The expression pattern of Al‐Vg was similar to that of Al‐E75A and was up‐regulated by 20E. After knockdown of Al‐E75A, the expression profile of Al‐Vg and the protein levels were down‐regulated. These findings suggest that Al‐E75A plays a crucial role in the regulation of Al‐Vg expression in Ap. lucorum.
Measuring Ucrit and endurance: equipment choice influences estimates of fish swimming performance
Authors: Kern P. , Cramp R. L. , Gordos M. A. , Watson J. R. , Franklin C. E.
Published: November 2017

This study compared the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) and endurance performance of three Australian freshwater fish species in different swim‐test apparatus. Estimates of Ucrit measured in a large recirculating flume were greater for all species compared with estimates from a smaller model of the same recirculating flume. Large differences were also observed for estimates of endurance swimming performance between these recirculating flumes and a free‐surface swim tunnel. Differences in estimates of performance may be attributable to variation in flow conditions within different types of swim chambers. Variation in estimates of swimming performance between different types of flumes complicates the application of laboratory‐based measures to the design of fish passage infrastructure.
Case study: Scoliosis in a Bonobo (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Lloyd Hallie Mason Smith , Kirchhoff Claire A.
Published: November 2017

Differential diagnosis of observed morphological features on an adult male bonobo skeleton was consistent with idiopathic scoliosis. Directional asymmetry was an order of magnitude higher compared with asymptomatic skeletons. This possible case of idiopathic scoliosis contributes to data that suggest a weaker tie between bipedalism and scoliosis than previously hypothesized.
The politics of agrarian change in Bolivia's soy complex
Authors: McKay Ben M.
Published: November 2017

This paper analyses the politics of agrarian change in Bolivia in the context of the development and expansion of the soy complex in Santa Cruz. It attempts to contribute to a better understanding of the nature and role of the state in relation to agrarian change through what is referred to here as the state–society–capital nexus. From an “agrarian” to a “productive” revolution in the countryside, this paper situates the rise of the Movement Toward Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS) to state power and its ability to maintain control over the state apparatus by balancing both accumulation and legitimation interests through its neo‐extractivist development strategy. As extractivist rents fall with the commodities bust and smallholders' exclusion becomes more apparent, the MAS' overextension in facilitating capital accumulation is beginning to show signs of a legitimacy crisis. The politics of agrarian change remain as contested as the dynamics within the state–society–capital nexus.
Experiences of older people following an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A phenomenological study
Authors: Rosa Francesca , Bagnasco Annamaria , Ghirotto Luca , Rocco Gennaro , Catania Gianluca , Aleo Giuseppe , Zanini Milko , Dasso Nicoletta , Hayter Mark , Sasso Loredana
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the experience of patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following hospitalisation due to an acute exacerbation event.

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressively debilitating disease, often with very burdensome symptoms such as acute and chronic breathlessness and fatigue. Acute exacerbation often creates a life‐threatening event. Exacerbation can also have substantial psychological effects including anxiety and depression although this aspect is less well researched—especially amongst people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease recovering from an acute event and facing a return home.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological study.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients recently recovering from an acute exacerbation of their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological framework.

Results

Four themes were identified from the data: a sense of loss and frustration, hopelessness, uncertainty about the future and fear of becoming a burden. Participants expressed quite negative views including a loss of hope, uncertainty about their future care and the burden they may become on their families. They appeared stressed and anxious as a result of the acute event they had experienced.

Conclusions

This study shows that an acute episode of illness can generate a sense of hopelessness and uncertainty about their future care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This occurs as they recover physically and think about the future, often in quite negative terms.

Relevance to clinical practice

For healthcare professionals, it is important to take into account the potential feelings of loss, hopelessness and uncertainty that people can experience following an acute exacerbation of their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ensure that psychological care is available as physical recovery takes place. Such care to include good discharge planning, giving patients time to express concerns and referral to counselling services if appropriate.
Perceptions and experiences of nutritional care following the overwhelming experience of lower extremity amputation: A qualitative study
Authors: Jensen Pia Søe , Green Sue M , Petersen Janne , Andersen Ove , Poulsen Ingrid
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Good nutritional care of people following major lower extremity amputation is essential as poor nutritional status can lead to delayed wound healing. Working with patients to identify their perspectives on food, views on nutritional care and the need for dietary counselling enables the development of optimised nutritional care.

Aims and objectives

To explore hospital patients′ perspectives on food, dietary counselling and their experiences of nutritional care following lower extremity amputation.

Design

A qualitative, explorative study design was employed.

Method

An inductive content analysis of semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of 17 people over 50 years of age, who had recently undergone major lower extremity amputation, was undertaken. The study was reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guideline.

Findings

Three themes emerged: responsible for own dietary intake, diet based on preferences and experiences with dietary counselling and feeling overwhelmed. The participants expressed motivation to ensure their nutritional needs were met but described feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the experience of amputation. They appeared not to expect nursing staff to focus on nutritional issues as they expressed belief that they themselves were solely responsible for their dietary intake. They described being motivated to receive nutritional counselling but indicated advice should be compatible with their lifestyle and eating habits.

Conclusion

Lower extremity amputation can be an overwhelming experience which affects nutritional intake. People appear to consider themselves responsible for their nutritional care and describe not experiencing or expecting nursing staff to engage in this aspect of care. Dietary counselling by nurses who respect and incorporate patient preferences and experiences following amputation has the potential to enhance nutritional care.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study illustrates that nurses caring for people who undergo lower extremity amputation need to recognise that nutritional care is an essential component of nursing and should focus on working in partnership with the patient.