bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Genome‐Scale Modeling Approach to Quantify Biofilm Component Growth of Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Ribaudo Nicholas , Li Xianhua , Davis Brett , Wood Thomas K. , Huang Zuyi (Jacky)
Published: December 2016

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is an extremely dangerous foodborne bacterium that infects both animal and human subjects, causing fatal diseases around the world. Salmonella's robust virulence, antibiotic‐resistant nature, and capacity to survive under harsh conditions are largely due to its ability to form resilient biofilms. Multiple genome‐scale metabolic models have been developed to study the complex and diverse nature of this organism's metabolism; however, none of these models fully integrated the reactions and mechanisms required to study the influence of biofilm formation. This work developed a systems‐level approach to study the adjustment of intracellular metabolism of S. typhimurium during biofilm formation. The most advanced metabolic reconstruction currently available, STM_v1.0, was 1st extended to include the formation of the extracellular biofilm matrix. Flux balance analysis was then employed to study the influence of biofilm formation on cellular growth rate and the production rates of biofilm components. With biofilm formation present, biomass growth was examined under nutrient rich and nutrient deficient conditions, resulting in overall growth rates of 0.8675 and 0.6238 h−1 respectively. Investigation of intracellular flux variation during biofilm formation resulted in the elucidation of 32 crucial reactions, and associated genes, whose fluxes most significantly adapt during the physiological response. Experimental data were found in the literature to validate the importance of these genes for the biofilm formation of S. typhimurium. This preliminary investigation on the adjustment of intracellular metabolism of S. typhimurium during biofilm formation will serve as a platform to generate hypotheses for further experimental study on the biofilm formation of this virulent bacterium.
Frequency Distribution in Domestic Microwave Ovens and Its Influence on Heating Pattern
Authors: Luan Donglei , Wang Yifen , Tang Juming , Jain Deepali
Published: December 2016

In this study, snapshots of operating frequency profiles of domestic microwave ovens were collected to reveal the extent of microwave frequency variations under different operation conditions. A computer simulation model was developed based on the finite difference time domain method to analyze the influence of the shifting frequency on heating patterns of foods in a microwave oven. The results showed that the operating frequencies of empty and loaded domestic microwave ovens varied widely even among ovens of the same model purchased on the same date. Each microwave oven had its unique characteristic operating frequencies, which were also affected by the location and shape of the load. The simulated heating patterns of a gellan gel model food when heated on a rotary plate agreed well with the experimental results, which supported the reliability of the developed simulation model. Simulation indicated that the heating patterns of a stationary model food load changed with the varying operating frequency. However, the heating pattern of a rotary model food load was not sensitive to microwave frequencies due to the severe edge heating overshadowing the effects of the frequency variations.
Revisiting the determinants of futures contracts success: the role of market participants
Authors: Bekkerman Anton , Tejeda Hernan A.
Published: December 2016

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange introduced a futures contract for distillers’ dried grains (DDGs) in early 2010, but the market became inactive only four months after its inception. While many new futures contracts do not develop into high‐volume traders, interest from DDG cash market participants indicated that this contract could be successful. Prompted by the unexpected lack of trading activity in this new futures market, we empirically revisit the question of what factors contribute to a futures contract's success and extend the literature by investigating the roles of market participants and the significance of supporting futures markets. Estimation results indicate that the market participant type—hedger or speculator—affects futures contract trade volume. More importantly, we find that the viability of new futures contracts for commodities that are jointly produced with other commodities is impacted by hedgers’ trade volume of the related futures contract. These results provide important additions into the portfolio of indicators used by commodity exchanges to more cost‐effectively evaluate new futures contract products.
Protective features of resveratrol on human spermatozoa cryopreservation may be mediated through 5’ AMP‐activated protein kinase activation
Authors: Shabani Nashtaei M. , Amidi F. , Sedighi Gilani M. A. , Aleyasin A. , Bakhshalizadeh Sh. , Naji M. , Nekoonam S.
Published: December 2016

Biochemical and physical modifications during the freeze–thaw process adversely influence the restoration of energy‐dependent sperm functions required for fertilization. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, has been introduced to activate 5′ AMP‐activated protein kinase which is a cell energy sensor and a cell metabolism regulator. The cryoprotection of resveratrol on sperm cryoinjury via activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase also remains to be elucidated. Our aim, thus, was to investigate: (i) the presence and intracellular localization of AMP‐activated protein kinase protein; (ii) whether resveratrol may exert a protective effect on certain functional properties of fresh and post–thaw human spermatozoa through modulation of AMP‐activated protein kinase. Spermatozoa from normozoospermic men were incubated with or without different concentrations of Compound C as an AMP‐activated protein kinase inhibitor or resveratrol as an AMP‐activated protein kinase activator for different lengths of time and were then cryopreserved. AMP‐activated protein kinase is expressed essentially in the entire flagellum and the post‐equatorial region. Viability of fresh spermatozoa was not significantly affected by the presence of Compound C or resveratrol. However, although Compound C caused a potent inhibition of spermatozoa motility parameters, resveratrol did not induce negative effect, except a significant reduction in motility at 25 μm for 1 h. Furthermore, resveratrol significantly increased AMP‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation and mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased reactive oxygen species and apoptosis‐like changes in frozen–thawed spermatozoa. Nevertheless, it was not able to compensate decreased sperm viability and motility parameters following cryopreservation. In contrast, Compound C showed opposite effects to resveratrol on AMP‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species, apoptosis‐like changes, mitochondrial membrane potential, and motility parameters. These findings, although preliminary, suggest that resveratrol‐induced improvement of cryopreserved sperm functions may be mediated through activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase, indicating the importance of AMP‐activated protein kinase activity for human spermatozoa functions. Further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanism by which resveratrol ameliorates oxidative stress‐mediated damages in an AMP‐activated protein kinase‐dependent mechanism.
Exploring two novel cases of suspected ictal epileptic headache, a rare form of paediatric epilepsy
Authors: Coci Emanuele G. , Riedel Joachim
Published: December 2016

Aim

Ictal epileptic headache (IEH) is a rare and underestimated epileptic form, characterised by epileptiform discharges and headache attacks without any other ictal sensory‐motor manifestations. IEH is difficult to diagnose, because the epileptiform discharges have to be registered during the headache attack and the headache has to disappear after the intravenous administration of an anti‐epileptic drug, according to the last diagnostic criteria. This study explored the clinical, neuro‐physiological and therapeutic features of IEH in the paediatric population.

Methods

We analysed two novel cases of adolescent female patients with chronic headache and a long history of unsuccessful analgesic oral therapy and without any other ictal sensory‐motor events. We also reviewed the entire literature on paediatric IEH.

Results

The clinical history and diagnostic process led us to highly suspect IEH in both patients, and the successful therapy with oral anti‐epileptic drugs, namely topiramate and ethosuximide, which resolved the chronic headache, enforced our diagnostic hypothesis. Our literature review highlighted the rarity of IEH clinical reports, particularly in the paediatric population, mainly due to the stringent diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion

Our study sheds further light on IEH in the paediatric population and on the importance of diagnostic electroencephalograms in the clinical management of paediatric patients suffering from chronic headache.
Is there potential for therapeutic drug monitoring of biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: Bastida Carla , Ruíz Virginia , Pascal Mariona , Yagüe Jordi , Sanmartí Raimon , Soy Dolors
Published: December 2016

The use of biologics has significantly changed the management of rheumatoid arthritis over the last decade, becoming the cornerstone treatment for many patients. The current therapeutic arsenal consists of just under 10 biologic agents, with four different mechanisms of action. Several studies have demonstrated a large interindividual pharmacokinetic variability, which translates to unpredictability in clinical response among individuals. The present review focuses on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of biologic agents approved for rheumatoid arthritis. The literature relating to their concentration–effect relationship and the use of pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling to optimize drug regimens is analysed. Due to the scarcity and complexity of these studies, the current dosing strategy is based on clinical indexes/aspects. In general, dose individualization for biologics should be implemented increasingly in clinical practice as there is a direct benefit for treated rheumatoid arthritis patients. Moreover, there is an indirect benefit in terms of cost‐effectiveness.
Naloxone Antagonizes Soman‐induced Central Respiratory Depression in Rats
Authors: Škrbić Ranko , Stojiljković Miloš P. , Ćetković Slavko S. , Dobrić Silva , Jeremić Dejan , Vulović Maja
Published: December 2016

The influence of naloxone on respiration impaired by the highly toxic organophosphate nerve agent soman in anaesthetized rats was investigated. Soman, administered in a dose that was ineffective in blocking the electrically induced contractions of the phrenic nerve‐diaphragm preparation in situ, induced a complete block of the spontaneous respiratory movements of the diaphragm, indicating the domination of central over the peripheral effects. Naloxone dose‐dependently antagonized the soman‐induced respiratory blockade. Atropine, at a dose that was per se ineffective in counteracting soman‐induced respiratory depression, potentiated the protective effects of naloxone and completely restored respiration. Naloxone remained completely ineffective in antagonizing respiratory depression induced by the muscarinic receptor agonist the oxotremorine. It is assumed that naloxone antagonizes soman‐induced respiratory inhibition by blocking endogenous opioidergic respiratory control pathways that are independent of the stimulation of muscarinic receptors.
Arbeitsbedingte Synkanzerogenese an der Haut – Zur kombinatorischen Einwirkung zweier Karzinogene der Berufskrankheiten‐Liste
Authors: Dickel Heinrich , Blome Otto , Dickel Beate , Bruckner Thomas , Stockfleth Eggert , Soemantri Silas Paras
Published: December 2016

Hintergrund

Die Synkanzerogenese am Hautorgan, wissenschaftlich unstrittig, spiegelt sich im monokausal geleiteten Berufskrankheiten (BK)‐Recht nicht wider. Nichtmelanozytäre Hauttumoren und deren Vorläuferläsionen können nur nach Einzelprüfung der BK‐Nrn. 5103 und 5102 anerkannt werden.

Methodik

Retrospektive Auswertung von 28 zwischen September 2012 und September 2015 begutachteten Fällen (Altersmedian 72,5 J.) mit nichtmelanozytären Hauttumoren und deren Vorläuferläsionen und arbeitsbedingter Exposition gegenüber natürlicher UV‐Strahlung und polyzyklischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen.

Ergebnisse

In allen 28 Fällen sahen wir die arbeitstechnischen Voraussetzungen nach den BK‐Nrn. 5103 und 5102 als erfüllt an. In 26 Fällen (93 %) empfahlen wir die Hautkrebserkrankung als BK‐Tatbestand nach den Nrn. 5103 und 5102 anzuerkennen. Dem folgte der Unfallversicherungsträger in vier Fällen. Achtmal wurde die Anerkennung nur nach BK‐Nr. 5103, zehnmal nur nach BK‐Nr. 5102 und viermal gar nicht ausgesprochen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Bei nichtmelanozytären Hauttumoren oder deren Vorläuferläsionen an UV‐exponierten Hautarealen mit ausreichend kumulativer arbeitsbedingter natürlicher UV‐Strahlenexposition und bei arbeitsbedingter Exposition gegenüber polyzyklischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen sollten mittels BK‐Anzeige die „BK‐Nrn. 5103 und 5102 im Sinne der Synkanzerogenese“ gemeldet werden. Neben der gerechteren Wiedergabe der Arbeitsplatzrealitäten in einem solchen Feststellungsverfahren kann es dann im Konkreten auch zur Anerkennung von Basalzellkarzinomen kommen, die ansonsten, bei alleiniger Prüfung der BK‐Nr. 5103, herausgerechnet würden.
Audio‐visual speech in noise perception in dyslexia
Authors: van Laarhoven Thijs , Keetels Mirjam , Schakel Lemmy , Vroomen Jean
Published: December 2016

Individuals with developmental dyslexia (DD) may experience, besides reading problems, other speech‐related processing deficits. Here, we examined the influence of visual articulatory information (lip‐read speech) at various levels of background noise on auditory word recognition in children and adults with DD. We found that children with a documented history of DD have deficits in their ability to gain benefit from lip‐read information that disambiguates noise‐masked speech. We show with another group of adult individuals with DD that these deficits persist into adulthood. These deficits could not be attributed to impairments in unisensory auditory word recognition. Rather, the results indicate a specific deficit in audio‐visual speech processing and suggest that impaired multisensory integration might be an important aspect of DD.
Beneficial Coercion in Psychiatric Care: Insights from African Ethico‐Cultural System
Authors: Ewuoso Cornelius Olukunle
Published: December 2016

There is a ‘catch 22’ situation about applying coercion in psychiatric care. Autonomous choices undeniably are rights of patients. However, emphasizing rights for a mentally‐ill patient could jeopardize the chances of the patient receiving care or endanger the public. Conversely, the beneficial effects of coercion are difficult to predict.

Thus, applying coercion in psychiatric care requires delicate balancing of individual‐rights, individual well‐being and public safety, which has not been achieved by current frameworks. Two current frameworks may be distinguished: the civil liberty approach and the Stone model. Both frameworks are restrictive, and not respectful of human dignity. In a civil liberty approach, individuals who are severely mentally‐ill but not dangerous would be denied care because they do not meet the dangerousness threshold or because the use of coercion will not lead to rebirthing of autonomy. This is unsatisfactory. Albeit involuntary interventions such as talk therapies, peer‐support etc., may not always lead to rebirthing of autonomy or free patients from mental illness; they can however help to maintain the dignity of each mentally ill patient.

In place of these frameworks, this study proposes a new ethical framework for applying coercion in psychiatric care that is respectful of human dignity. Specifically, it draws on insights from the African ethico‐cultural system by using the Yoruba concept Omo‐olu‐iwabi to develop this new framework. This way, the study shows that only a more respectful approach for applying coercion in psychiatric care can lead to the careful balancing of the competing interests of individual's rights, individual's well‐being and public safety.
A subjective descriptive study of the warm‐up and turn to a fence, approach, take‐off, suspension, landing and move‐off in 10 showjumpers
Authors: Dyson S. , Tranquille C. , Walker V. , Guire R. , Fisher M. , Murray R.
Published: December 2016

There is limited knowledge about causes of musculoskeletal injury in showjumpers. The objectives were to describe features of the turn, approach and jump in a group of experienced showjumpers believed by their riders to be sound, to relate these findings to clinical findings, and to identify features that may predispose to injury. Ten experienced showjumpers in normal competition training jumped an upright and a parallel fence four times off the left and right reins respectively, after a rider‐defined period of warm‐up. Real‐time and high‐speed motion capture was undertaken. Detailed subjective assessment of the gait was performed during the warm‐up, on the turn and approach to the jump and all phases of the jump. Six horses had thoracolumbar pain or epaxial muscle tension. Six horses exhibited a poor‐quality canter. The mean duration of warm‐up was 7 min (range 5–10 min). All horses had lean of the trunk and hindlimbs >45° on the turn. The inside hindlimb was placed in front of the outside hindlimb in 75% of the turns. Sideways oscillations of the hocks during stance were seen in all horses on the turn and on the straight approach in five horses. The inside hindlimb had greater magnitude of oscillation than the outside hindlimb on the turns. Repeated asynchronous push‐off with the hindlimbs at take‐off was seen in three horses. The hindlimbs drifted to the left or right during the ascent‐phase of suspension in four horses, reflecting asymmetrical push‐off. Only two horses landed consistently with the correct forelimb leading relative to the direction in which the horse had to turn after the fence. Four horses landed seven (n = 2) or eight (n = 2) times each with the left (n = 2) and right (n = 2) forelimbs respectively. Repetitive overload through asymmetrical use of the left and right canter leads, inadequate warm‐up, and limb instability could potentially predispose to injury.
New findings on inhibitor development: from registries to clinical studies
Authors: Peyvandi F. , Ettingshausen C. E. , Goudemand J. , Jiménez‐Yuste V. , Santagostino E. , Makris M.
Published: December 2016

The high incidence of inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates in patients with haemophilia A has encouraged debate as to whether product‐type plays a role. There is debate in the literature as to whether rFVIII concentrates are associated with a higher incidence of inhibitors compared to pdFVIII products. The management of haemophilia in patients with inhibitors includes on‐demand/prophylaxis treatment with bypassing agents, and/or immune tolerance induction (ITI). However, these options create an economic and emotional burden on patients, their families and healthcare practitioners. Although ITI eliminates inhibitors successfully in 60–80% of cases, it is costly. Despite high costs, preliminary data from a decision analytical model have indicated that ITI is economically advantageous compared with on‐demand/prophylactic treatment with bypassing agents. In patients with persistent inhibitors and those who are not candidates for ITI or have failed ITI, bleeding‐related mortality and morbidity increase and quality of life decreases, compared with non‐inhibitor patients. This article provides an update on the risk of inhibitor development and discusses best management approaches for patients with high‐risk factors for inhibitor development.
Symptoms among patients receiving in‐center hemodialysis: A qualitative study
Authors: Cox Kim J. , Parshall Mark B. , Hernandez Stephen H. A. , Parvez Sanah Z. , Unruh Mark L.
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Assessment of dialysis‐related symptoms is not currently a requirement for hemodialysis (HD) providers in the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe patients' perspectives on symptoms associated with end‐stage chronic kidney disease treated with thrice‐weekly, in‐center HD.

Methods: We performed a qualitative study using interpretive description. Interview questions were based on a KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) controversies conference and a literature review. Semi‐structured interviews were analyzed for characterizations of symptoms.

Findings: Fifty participants (48% female; 42% Hispanic; 30% American Indian; 14% Black; 12% non‐Hispanic White) were recruited from six outpatient dialysis centers (four urban, two rural) in the southwestern United States. Median HD duration was 4 years. Of 13 symptoms assessed, nearly all participants reported difficulties with muscle cramping, fatigue, or both. Negotiating fluid removal with dialysis personnel helped to manage cramping. Some participants tried to adjust dialysis days and shift to mitigate fatigue. Most participants reported having experienced depression early in the course of dialysis; for some, it was a persistent or recurrent problem. Relatively few participants reported using antidepressants or counseling to cope with depression. Itching was highly distressing for those who experienced it frequently. Topical treatments, antihistamines, dietary modifications, and phosphate binders were identified as potentially helpful by some participants.

Discussion: The major symptoms attributed to HD treatment by participants were cramping, fatigue, depression, and itching. Greater attention by health care providers to the most common and bothersome symptoms could positively impact daily life for HD patients.
A specific brushing sequence and plaque removal efficacy: a randomized split‐mouth design
Authors: Van der Sluijs E , Slot DE , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Van der Weijden GA
Published: December 2016

Aim

It has been propagated by the dental care professionals to start toothbrushing the lingual aspect of teeth first. In general, it is assumed that these surfaces of teeth are more difficult to clean. The evidence to support this recommendation is sparse.

Method

In this randomized controlled clinical trial using a split‐mouth design, 46 students were included. Before the visit, the participants were requested to refrain from any oral hygiene procedure for 48 h. First, the plaque index (PI) score was assessed full mouth. Two randomly chosen contra‐lateral quadrants were used to start brushing from the lingual aspect first. The opposing two quadrants were used to start brushing from the buccal aspect. After the brushing exercise was completed, full‐mouth PI was scored again. Subanalyses were performed for the buccal, lingual and approximal surfaces.

Results

At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between the two sets of contra‐lateral quadrants (P = 0.770). Starting at the lingual aspect of the lower jaw resulted in a 55% reduction of plaque scores in comparison with 58% when the brushing exercise was started buccally. [Correction added on 16 January 2017, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the percentage reduction of plaque scores when the brushing exercise was started buccally, was previously wrong and has been corrected to 58% throughout this article.] The difference in mean plaque scores between brushing orders was 0.04, which was not significant (P = 0.219). None of the subanalyses revealed any significant differences for the isolated surfaces.

Conclusion

Using a manual toothbrush reduced the plaque scores between 55 and 58% with no difference between brushing from either the lingual or buccal aspect first. Within the limitations of this study, a recommendation to start toothbrushing the lingual aspect is not supported by the outcome in this young student population.
Predicting Institutional Aggression in Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities Using the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide
Authors: Pouls Claudia , Jeandarme Inge
Published: December 2016

Background

One of the most extensively tested risk assessment instruments in offenders with an intellectual disability (OIDs) is the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG). The purpose of this prospective study was to test the ability of this instrument to predict institutional aggression in OIDs.

Method

VRAG scores were collected for 52 OIDs, and staff registered aggressive incidents during a period of 6 months. Predictive accuracy was analysed using several performance indicators.

Results

The VRAG was not able to significantly predict aggressive behaviour, although a trend towards significance was found for interpersonal physical aggression. Furthermore, the VRAG was only accurate in prospectively identifying low‐risk individuals.

Conclusion

Compared to other studies, demonstrating good predictive validity for institutional aggression in OIDs, the VRAG performed poorly in this study. The usefulness of this instrument in identifying high‐risk offenders is questioned. Until further evidence is available from studies using multiple performance indicators, clinicians have to be very careful in relying on the results of a risk assessment tool.
Teaching evidence‐based synthesis: an examination of the development and delivery of two innovative methodologies used at the University of Portsmouth
Authors: Gorczynski Paul , Burnell Karen , Dewey Ann , Costello Joseph T.
Published: December 2016

Evidence based practice (EBP) is a process that involves making conscientious decisions that take into account the best available information, clinical expertise, and values and experiences of the patient. EBP helps empower health care professionals to establish service provisions that are clinically excellent, cost‐effective, and culturally sensitive to the wishes of their patients. With a need for rapid integration of new evidence into EBP, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have become important tools for health care professionals. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses are conducted in a conscientious manner, following an established set of rules where individuals identify studies that address a particular question based on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria along with a predetermined method of analysis. Conducting systematic reviews and meta‐analyses isn't easy nor quick and requires knowledge in a particular subject area, research methods, and statistics. Teaching health care professionals, including undergraduate and graduate students, the processes and skills necessary to carry out systematic reviews and meta‐analyses is essential, yet few teaching resources exist for academic staff to facilitate this endeavor. The purpose of this article is to present two strategies taken by academic staff in the Faculty of Science at the University of Portsmouth, UK to teach evidence synthesis and processes to enhance EBP. One case involves a pedagogical approach used with exercise science masters students while the other details the work of an on‐line postgraduate certificate program that has been developed in collaboration with Cochrane UK.
Reconstructing larval growth and habitat use in an amphidromous goby using otolith increments and microchemistry
Authors: Hogan J. D. , Kozdon R. , Blum M. J. , Gilliam J. F. , Valley J. W. , McIntyre P. B.
Published: December 2016

High‐resolution analysis of growth increments, trace element chemistry and oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) in otoliths were combined to assess larval and post‐larval habitat use and growth of Awaous stamineus, an amphidromous goby native to Hawai‘i. Otolith increment widths indicate that all individuals experience a brief period of rapid growth during early life as larvae and that the duration of this growth anomaly is negatively correlated with larval duration. A protracted high‐growth period early in larval life is associated with a lower ratio of Sr:Ca, which may reflect low salinity conditions in nearshore habitats. A distinct shift in δ18O (range: 4–5‰) is closely associated with the metamorphic mark in otoliths, indicating that larval metamorphosis occurs promptly upon return to fresh water. Strontium and other trace elements are not as tightly coupled to the metamorphosis mark, but confirm the marine‐to‐freshwater transition. Integration of microstructural and microchemical approaches reveals that larvae vary substantially in growth rate, possibly in association with habitat differences. Although time and financial costs make it difficult to achieve large sample sizes, present results show that examining even a small number of individuals can lead to novel inferences about early life history in diadromous fishes and illustrates the value of integrating analyses.
Self‐Reported Hearing Impairment and Incident Frailty in English Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A 4‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Liljas Ann E. M. , Carvalho Livia A. , Papachristou Efstathios , Oliveira Cesar De , Wannamethee S. Goya , Ramsay Sheena E. , Walters Kate
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To examine the association between hearing impairment and incident frailty in older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses with 4‐year follow‐up using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Community‐dwelling individuals aged 60 and older with data on hearing and frailty status (N = 2,836).

Measurements

Hearing impairment was defined as poor self‐reported hearing. Having none of the five Fried frailty phenotype components (slow walking, weak grip, self‐reported exhaustion, weight loss and low physical activity) was defined as not frail, having one or two as prefrail, and having three or more as frail. Participants who were not frail at baseline were followed for incident prefrailty and frailty. Participants who were prefrail at baseline were followed for incident frailty.

Results

One thousand three hundred ninety six (49%) participants were not frail, 1,178 (42%) were prefrail, and 262 (9%) were frail according to the Fried phenotype. At follow‐up, there were 367 new cases of prefrailty and frailty among those who were not frail at baseline (n = 1,396) and 133 new cases of frailty among those who were prefrail at baseline (n = 1,178). Cross‐sectional analysis showed an association between hearing impairment and frailty (age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37–2.01), which remained after further adjustments for wealth, education, cardiovascular disease, cognition, and depression. In longitudinal analyses, nonfrail participants with hearing impairment were at greater risk of becoming prefrail and frail at follow‐up (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.05–1.95), but the association was attenuated after further adjustment. Prefrail participants with hearing impairment had a greater risk of becoming frail at follow‐up (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.07–2.51) even after further adjustment.

Conclusion

Hearing impairment in prefrail older adults was associated with greater risk of becoming frail, independent of covariates, suggesting that hearing impairment may hasten the progression of frailty.
Dietary strategies for achieving adequate vitamin D and iron intakes in young children in Ireland
Authors: Kehoe L. , Walton J. , McNulty B.A. , Nugent A.P. , Flynn A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Inadequate intakes of vitamin D and iron have been reported in young children in Ireland. The present study aimed to identify the main foods determining vitamin D and iron intakes and to model the impact of dietary strategies to improve adequacy of these micronutrients in young children.

Methods

The present study is based on the Irish National Pre‐School Nutrition Survey (NPNS), which estimated food and nutrient intakes in a representative sample (n = 500) of children (aged 1–4 years) using a 4‐day weighed food record. Dietary strategies were modelled using DaDiet© software (Dazult Ltd, Co. Kildare, Republic of Ireland) and the usual intake distribution, prevalence of inadequate intakes and risk of excessive intakes were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method.

Results

Fortified foods and nutritional supplements were the key foods influencing the intakes of vitamin D and iron. Adding a 5 μg day−1 vitamin D supplement, fortifying cow's milk (CM) with vitamin D or replacing CM with growing‐up milk (GUM) would modestly increase intakes of vitamin D. A combined strategy of fortifying CM with vitamin D or replacing CM with GUM plus a 5 μg day−1 vitamin D supplement would increase mean intakes of vitamin D (from 3.5 μg day−1 at baseline to ≥11 μg day−1) and substantially reduce the prevalence of inadequate intakes (from >95% to 12–36%). Fortifying CM with iron or replacing CM with GUM would increase mean intakes of iron (from 7.3 mg day−1 to >10 mg day−1), achieving adequate intakes across all ages.

Conclusions

Based on real food consumption data in a representative sample of Irish children, we have shown that through targeted dietary strategies adequate intakes of iron are achievable and intakes of vitamin D could be greatly improved.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome in France: a nationwide epidemiological analysis based on hospital discharge data (2008–2013)
Authors: Delannoy Alexandra , Rudant Jérémie , Chaignot Christophe , Bolgert Francis , Mikaeloff Yann , Weill Alain
Published: December 2016

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is potentially life threatening and typically occurs after an infection. No detailed information is available concerning the epidemiological characteristics of GBS in France. We estimated age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates (IRs) based on a French nationwide hospital discharge database. All patients hospitalized for GBS between 2008 and 2013 were identified by International Classification of Diseases‐10 code G61.0 as principal diagnosis. Patients previously hospitalized for GBS in 2006 and 2007 were excluded. Sensitivity analyses were performed by considering alternative case definitions, based on more restrictive sets of codes. A total of 9,391 patients were identified, leading to an overall crude IR of 2.42 per 100,000 person‐years (world standardized IR = 2.00). IRs increased with age, reaching a peak in the 70–79‐year age group. IR was 46% higher in men than in women, and 44% higher in winter than in summer. In children, the highest IR was observed at the age of 2 years. These patterns were not modified by the use of alternative case definitions. This French nationwide study showed similar GBS epidemiological patterns in adults to those reported in other countries. We also report a childhood incidence peak around the age of 2 years, as previously observed in Latin American and Chinese populations.
Roles of the gut in the metabolic syndrome: an overview
Authors: Fändriks L.
Published: December 2016

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors (central obesity, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and arterial hypertension), indicating an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. The gastrointestinal tract is seldom discussed as an organ system of principal importance for metabolic diseases. The present overview connects various metabolic research lines into an integrative physiological context in which the gastrointestinal tract is included. Strong evidence for the involvement of the gut in the metabolic syndrome derives from the powerful effects of weight‐reducing (bariatric) gastrointestinal surgery. In fact, gastrointestinal surgery is now recommended as a standard treatment option for type 2 diabetes in obesity. Several gut‐related mechanisms that potentially contribute to the metabolic syndrome will be presented. Obesity can be caused by hampered release of satiety‐signalling gut hormones, reduced meal‐associated energy expenditure and microbiota‐assisted harvest of energy from nondigestible food ingredients. Adiposity per se is a well‐established risk factor for hyperglycaemia. In addition, a leaky gut mucosa can trigger systemic inflammation mediating peripheral insulin resistance that together with a blunted incretin response aggravates the hyperglycaemic state. The intestinal microbiota is strongly associated with obesity and the related metabolic disease states, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Enterorenal signalling has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and postprandial triglyceride‐rich chylomicrons; in addition, intestinal cholesterol metabolism probably contributes to atherosclerosis. It is likely that in the future, the metabolic syndrome will be treated according to novel pharmacological principles interfering with gastrointestinal functionality.
Socio‐economic status and quality of life in children with chronic disease: A systematic review
Authors: Didsbury Madeleine S , Kim Siah , Medway Meredith M , Tong Allison , McTaggart Steven J , Walker Amanda M , White Sarah , Mackie Fiona E , Kara Tonya , Craig Jonathan C , Wong Germaine
Published: December 2016

Reduced quality of life (QoL) is a known consequence of chronic disease in children, and this association may be more evident in those who are socio‐economically disadvantaged. The aims of this systematic review were to assess the association between socio‐economic disadvantage andQoLamong children with chronic disease, and to identify the specific socio‐economic factors that are most influential.MEDLINE, Embase andPsycINFOwere searched to March 2015. Observational studies that reported the association between at least one measure of social disadvantage in caregivers and at least oneQoLmeasure in children and young people (age 2–21 years) with a debilitating non‐communicable childhood disease (asthma, chronic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus and epilepsy) were eligible. A total of 30 studies involving 6957 patients were included (asthma (six studies,n= 576), chronic kidney disease (four studies,n= 796), epilepsy (14 studies,n= 2121), type 1 diabetes mellitus (six studies,n= 3464)). A total of 22 (73%) studies reported a statistically significant association between at least one socio‐economic determinant andQoL. Parental education, occupation, marital status, income and health insurance coverage were associated with reducedQoLin children with chronic disease. The quality of the included studies varied widely and there was a high risk of reporting bias. Children with chronic disease from lower socio‐economic backgrounds experience reducedQoLcompared with their wealthier counterparts. Initiatives to improve access to and usage of medical and psychological services by children and their families who are socio‐economically disadvantaged may help to mitigate the disparities and improve outcomes in children with chronic illnesses.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS IN THE WEST DIKIRNIS AND EL‐TAMAD FIELDS, ONSHORE NILE DELTA, EGYPT: INTERPRETATION OF POTENTIAL SOURCE ROCKS
Authors: Leila M. , Moscariello A.
Published: December 2016

Crude oil in the West Dikirnis field in the northern onshore Nile Delta, Egypt, occurs in the poorly‐sorted Miocene sandstones of the Qawasim Formation. The geochemical composition and source of this oil is investigated in this paper. The reservoir sandstones are overlain by mudstones in the upper part of the Qawasim Formation and in the overlying Pliocene Kafr El‐Sheikh Formation. However TOC and Rock‐Eval analyses of these mudstones indicate that they have little potential to generate hydrocarbons, and mudstone extracts show little similarity in terms of biomarker compositions to the reservoired oils. The oils at West Dikirnis are interpreted to have been derived from an Upper Cretaceous – Lower Tertiary terrigenous, clay‐rich source rock, and to have migrated up along steeply‐dipping faults to the Qawasim sandstones reservoir. This interpretation is supported by the high C29/C27 sterane, diasterane/sterane, hopane/sterane and oleanane/C30 hopane ratios in the oils. Biomarker‐based maturity indicators (Ts/Tm, moretanes/hopanes and C32 homohopanes S/S+R) suggest that oil expulsion occurred before the source rock reached peak maturity. Previous studies have shown that the Upper Cretaceous – Lower Tertiary source rock is widely distributed throughout the on‐ and offshore Nile Delta.

A wet gas sample from the Messinian sandstones at El‐Tamad field, located near to West Dikirnis, was analysed to determine its molecular and isotopic composition. The presence of isotopically heavy δ13 methane, ethane and propane indicates a thermogenic origin for the gas which was cracked directly from a humic kerogen. A preliminary burial and thermal history model suggests that wet gas window maturities in the study area occur within the Jurassic succession, and the gas at El‐Tamad may therefore be derived from a source rock of Jurassic age.
QMLE for Quadratic ARCH Model with Long Memory
Authors: Grublytė Ieva , Surgailis Donatas , Škarnulis Andrius
Published: December 2016

We discuss parametric quasi‐maximum likelihood estimation for quadratic autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) process with long memory introduced in Doukhan emphet al. (2016) and Grublytė and Škarnulis (2016) with conditional variance involving the square of inhomogeneous linear combination of observable sequence with square summable weights. The aforementioned model extends the quadratic ARCH model of Sentana () and the linear ARCH model of Robinson () to the case of strictly positive conditional variance. We prove consistency and asymptotic normality of the corresponding quasi‐maximum likelihood estimates, including the estimate of long memory parameter 0 < d < 1/2. A simulation study of empirical mean‐squared error is included.
Passive acoustic recording of Ophidion rochei calling activity in Calvi Bay (France)
Authors: Kéver Loïc , Lejeune Pierre , Michel Loïc N. , Parmentier Eric
Published: December 2016

Passive acoustic recording (PAR) systems are non‐invasive and allow researchers to collect data over large spatial and/or temporal scales. As fish sounds are species‐specific and repetitive, PAR can provide a large amount of data about spatio‐temporal variation in fish distribution and behaviors. Ophidion rochei, found in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, is a sand‐dwelling species, meaning that the behavior of this cryptic nocturnal fish cannot be observed in the field. Fortunately, male O. rochei produce long, multiple‐pulsed calls that are easy to identify. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not male calls are linked to reproduction behaviors. If so, PAR would allow a detailed description of the seasonal and daily rhythms in O. rochei reproduction behavior. A hydrophone was deployed from 18 July 2011 to 21 June 2012 and from 7 June 2013 to 2 July 2013 on a sandy area (42°34′48′′ N, 8°43′43′′ E) in front of the STARESO research station (NW Corsica). Male sounds were obtained only at night from late spring to early fall. The annual sound production period corresponds to the reproductive season of O. rochei. Sound production followed diel cycles: it was sustained for the entire night at the beginning of the sound production season but limited to shorter periods in the evening during the second half of the season. These differences in daily and seasonal sound production tempo can be used in future recordings to make inter‐annual comparisons and estimate the physiological state of the fish.
Martian cratering 11. Utilizing decameter scale crater populations to study Martian history
Authors: Hartmann W. K. , Daubar I. J.
Published: December 2016

New information has been obtained in recent years regarding formation rates and the production size‐frequency distribution (PSFD) of decameter‐scale primary Martian craters formed during recent orbiter missions. Here we compare the PSFD of the currently forming small primaries (P) with new data on the PSFD of the total small crater population that includes primaries and field secondaries (P + fS), which represents an average over longer time periods. The two data sets, if used in a combined manner, have extraordinary potential for clarifying not only the evolutionary history and resurfacing episodes of small Martian geological formations (as small as one or few km2) but also possible episodes of recent climatic change. In response to recent discussions of statistical methodologies, we point out that crater counts do not produce idealized statistics, and that inherent uncertainties limit improvements that can be made by more sophisticated statistical analyses. We propose three mutually supportive procedures for interpreting crater counts of small craters in this context. Applications of these procedures support suggestions that topographic features in upper meters of mid‐latitude ice‐rich areas date only from the last few periods of extreme Martian obliquity, and associated predicted climate excursions.
A computational model of the effect of capillary density variability on oxygen transport, glucose uptake, and insulin sensitivity in prediabetes
Authors: Sové Richard J. , Goldman Daniel , Fraser Graham M.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to model how CD variability affects tissue oxygenation under resting and exercise conditions. Additionally, we examine how CD impacts glucose and insulin transport in skeletal muscle.

Methods

We applied an established 3D finite difference model of oxygen transport to predict tissue oxygenation using FCD, hemodynamics, and SO2 measurements from a previous study. A 2D finite element model of glucose transport was applied to predict glucose and insulin uptake in PP and fasting conditions using the same range of CD.

Results

Control simulations used CD ranging from 562.5 to 781.3 capillaries/mm2, whereas prediabetic densities ranged from 375.0 to 593.8 capillaries/mm2. Mean tissue PO2 was 30.6±4.6 to 40.5±3.6 mm Hg for rest and 19.6±6.7 to 33.27±4.7 mm Hg for control and prediabetic simulations, respectively. Mean PP glucose concentrations were 5.85±1.13 mmol/L in the control group and 5.11±1.28 in the prediabetic simulations. Glucose uptake rates were 35% lower in the lowest capillary CD case compared to the high CD simulation.

Conclusions

Our simulations predict that CD decreases can have a substantial effect on oxygen delivery and glucose disposal across the observed physiological ranges of capillarization.