bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unbiased estimator for the ellipticity from image moments
Authors: Tessore Nicolas
Published: July 2017

An unbiased estimator for the ellipticity of an object in a noisy image is given in terms of the image moments. Three assumptions are made: (i) the pixel noise is normally distributed, although with arbitrary covariance matrix; (ii) the image moments are taken about a fixed centre; and (iii) the point spread function is known. The relevant combinations of image moments are then jointly normal and their covariance matrix can be computed. A particular estimator for the ratio of the means of jointly normal variates is constructed and used to provide the unbiased estimator for the ellipticity. Furthermore, an unbiased estimate of the covariance of the new estimator is also given.
Association Between the Order of Macrolide and Cephalosporin Treatment and Outcomes of Pneumonia
Authors: Metersky Mark L , Priya Aruna , Mortensen Eric M , Lindenauer Peter K
Published: July 2017

Background

Many patients hospitalized with pneumonia are treated with combination macrolide/cephalosporin therapy. Macrolides have immunomodulatory effects and do not directly cause bacterial lysis. These effects suggest the possibility that initial treatment with a macrolide before a cephalosporin could improve patient outcomes by preventing the inflammatory response to rapid bacterial lysis that can be caused by cephalosporin treatment. This study explores whether initial treatment for pneumonia with a macrolide before a cephalosporin is associated with better patient outcomes than treatment with a cephalosporin before a macrolide.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study using a clinically rich database derived from electronic health records of 71 hospitals. We compared outcomes for pneumonia patients who received intravenous treatment with a macrolide at least 1 hour before a cephalosporin, versus patients who received a cephalosporin at least 1 hour before a macrolide. Propensity matching was performed for 527 patients in each group.

Results

Among the propensity-matched cohorts, for the macrolide first group, in-hospital mortality was 4.2% vs 5.5% for the cephalosporin first group (P = .31), combined in-hospital mortality/hospice discharge was 6.3% vs 9.3% (P = .06), median hospital length of stay was 101.5 hours vs 109.5 hours (P = .09), and 30-day readmission was 12.9% vs 10.6% (P = .27).

Conclusions

Treatment of pneumonia with a macrolide before a cephalosporin was not associated with significantly improved outcomes when compared with treatment with a cephalosporin first; however, the lower rate of mortality/discharge to hospice and the large confidence intervals allow for the possibility of a clinically significant benefit.
An Unusual Cause of a Prostatic Abscess
Authors: Majumdar Rohit , Crum-Cianflone Nancy F.
Published: July 2017

Prostatic abscesses are most commonly caused by bacterial uropathogens, but may also be due to fungi or mycobacteria. We present a case of disseminated tuberculous infection presenting as a prostatic abscess. Genitourinary tract tuberculous is an uncommon clinical entity, with prostatic involvement being the least common form. Diagnosis is by acid-fast bacilli smear and culture of prostatic fluid/tissue, with polymerase chain reaction as an emerging tool for the early recognition of these infections. Treatment is with prostatic debridement and initiation of standard 4-drug antituberculosis medications.
Most red flags for malignancy in low back pain guidelines lack empirical support: a systematic review
Authors: Verhagen Arianne P. , Downie Aron , Maher Chris G. , Koes Bart W.
Published: July 2017

Clinicians do not want to miss underlying serious pathology, but it is still unclear which red flags are relevant. We aimed to evaluate the origin and evidence on diagnostic accuracy of red flags for malignancy for management of low back pain (LBP) in primary care. We performed a comprehensive overview and searched the literature using snowballing techniques and reference checking for evidence on red flags endorsed in clinical guidelines for identifying patients with higher likelihood of malignancy. We selected studies including people with LBP without any restriction on study design. We extracted data on prevalence and diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, we assessed the methodological quality of studies evaluating diagnostic accuracy. We identified 13 red flags endorsed in a total of 16 guidelines and 2 extra red flags not endorsed in any guideline. We included 33 publications varying from systematic reviews to case reports. The origin of many red flags was unclear or was sourced from case reports. The incidence of malignancy in patients presenting with LBP in primary care varied between 0% and 0.7%. Seven studies provided diagnostic accuracy data on red flags. We found 5 red flags with accuracy data from 2 or more studies, with 2 (“history of malignancy” and “strong clinical suspicion”) considered informative. In conclusion, the origin and diagnostic accuracy of many red flags endorsed in guidelines are unclear. A “history of malignancy” and “strong clinical suspicion” are the only red flags with empirical evidence of acceptably high diagnostic accuracy.
The Adult Male Rape Victim
Authors: Casali Michelangelo Bruno , Palazzo Elisa , Blandino Alberto , Battistini Alessio , Motta Francesca , Kustermann Alessandra , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: July 2017

A retrospective analysis on 57 adult male victims of sexual violence has been performed. Age, nationality and anamnesis of the victims, location of the assault, type of violence, number and identity of the assailants, presence of physical injuries, lapse of time between the assault and the request of medical assistance, and toxicological and semen detection tests were analyzed. Victims were mostly in the 31- to 40-year age group. Ten victims referred themselves as either active homosexuals or bisexuals. Forced oral and/or anal penetration was registered in 86.8% of cases, mostly performed by a single assailant. Anogenital injuries were recorded in 61.4% of cases, whereas extragenital injuries in 35.1%: abrasions and perianal reddening were the most frequent acute anogenital marks, whereas the head and lower limbs were the body parts most commonly affected by blunt trauma. No clinically severe injuries were found. Anal and perianal swabs for semen detection tested positive in less than 20% cases, whereas oral swabs always tested negative. When performed, nearly 50% of cases tested positive in drug tests, above all for psychoactive substances. No definite forensic diagnosis in terms of confirmation of rape was possible on the basis of type and topography of injuries.
T2*-Correction in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Glioblastoma From a Half Dose of High-Relaxivity Contrast Agent
Authors: Filice Silvano , Crisi Girolamo , Erb Gunter
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the arterial input function (AIF) and tissue enhancement time curve (tissue function [TF]) obtained after the administration of a half-dose gadobenate dimeglumine (0.05-mmol/kg body weight [bw]) compared with a full dose (0.1-mmol/kg bw) of a standard-relaxivity contrast agent.

Methods

We enrolled 40 adult patients with glioblastoma in an interindividual comparative study. Patients were randomized to 1 of the 2 study arms: 20 patients received 0.1-mmol/kg bw of gadoterate; the other 20 patients received 0.05-mmol/kg bw of gadobenate. The patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Arterial input function, tissue enhancement time curve (TF), tumor transfer rate (Ktrans), and tumor extracellular-extravascular volume fraction (Ve) were calculated for each patients. Averaged AIF, TF, Ktrans, and Ve of both groups were compared.

Results

A significant difference (P = 0.001) between the peak AIF values obtained with the 2 different gadolinium-based contrast agents was observed. No difference was found between TFs (P = 0.35). Comparison on kinetic parameters revealed a significant difference for Ktrans (P = 0.047) but no difference for Ve (P = 0.74).

Conclusions

The administration of half dose of the high-relaxivity contrast agent gadobenate is effective in improving AIF by reducing T2*-shortening effects on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and ensuring at the same time an adequate signal enhancement in tumor tissue. The use of 0.05-mmol/kg bw of gadobenate not only is feasible but also can lead to a better estimation of Ktrans based on a more accurate AIF assessment.
The Influence of Contrast Agent's Osmolarity on Iodine Delivery Protocol in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: Comparison Between Iso-Osmolar Iodixanol-320 and Low-Osmolar Iomeprol-370
Authors: Yang Xiaohan , Huang Weiwei , Liu Wangyan , Zhu Yinsu , Xu Yi , Yang Guanyu , Tang Lijun , Zhu Xiaomei
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This study aims to assess whether iodine-contained contrast agents with different osmolarity affect iodine delivery protocol during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods

Patients who underwent CCTA were randomized to receive contrast media either iodixanol-320 (iso-osmolar group) or iopromide-370 (low-osmolar group). Contrast protocols were recorded. Tube voltage of 100 kV was chosen for patients with body mass index of less than or equal to 25 (n = 224) and tube voltage of 120 kV for patients with body mass index of greater than 25 (n = 165). Both groups applied automatic current modulation technique. Mean contrast enhancement of the ascending aorta, left main coronary artery, and descending aorta was calculated. Simulated contrast flow rate and iodine delivery rate (IDR) to reach a mean contrast enhancement level of 350 HU were calculated.

Results

A total of the 389 patients were enrolled in the study. To achieve the same contrast enhancement of 350 HU, iso-osmolar group required higher simulated contrast flow rate (3.90 vs 3.62 mL/s, P = 0.017) but lower simulated IDR (1.34 vs 1.25 g/s, P = 0.024) compared with low-osmolar group.

Conclusions

To maintain a similar level of contrast enhancement during CCTA, iodixanol-320 needs larger contrast flow rate with lower IDR compared with low-osmolar iopromide-370.
A methodology to assess the economic impact of power storage technologies
Authors: El-Ghandour Laila , Johnson Timothy C.
Published: July 2017

We present a methodology for assessing the economic impact of power storage technologies. The methodology is founded on classical approaches to the optimal stopping of stochastic processes but involves an innovation that circumvents the need to,
ex ante
, identify the form of a driving process and works directly on observed data, avoiding model risks. Power storage is regarded as a complement to the intermittent output of renewable energy generators and is therefore important in contributing to the reduction of carbon-intensive power generation. Our aim is to present a methodology suitable for use by policy makers that is simple to maintain, adaptable to different technologies and easy to interpret. The methodology has benefits over current techniques and is able to value, by identifying a viable optimal operational strategy, a conceived storage facility based on compressed air technology operating in the UK.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Energy management: flexibility, risk and optimization’.
Procuring load curtailment from local customers under uncertainty
Authors: Mijatović Aleksandar , Moriarty John , Vogrinc Jure
Published: July 2017

Demand side response (DSR) provides a flexible approach to managing constrained power network assets. This is valuable if future asset utilization is uncertain. However there may be uncertainty over the process of procurement of DSR from customers. In this context we combine probabilistic modelling, simulation and optimization to identify economically optimal procurement policies from heterogeneous customers local to the asset, under chance constraints on the adequacy of the procured DSR. Mathematically this gives rise to a search over permutations, and we provide an illustrative example implementation and case study.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Energy management: flexibility, risk and optimization’.
The Evolution of Fair Offers with Low Rejection Thresholds in the Ultimatum Game
Authors: Schank Jeffrey C. , Miller Matt L. , Smaldino Paul E.
Published: July 2017

The ultimatum game (UG) is widely used in economic and anthropological research to investigate fairness by how one player proposes to divide a resource with a second player who can reject the offer. In these contexts, fairness is understood as offers that are more generous than predicted by the subgame perfect Nash equilibrium (SPNE). A surprising and robust result of UG experiments is that proposers offer much more than the SPNE. These results have spawned many models aimed at explaining why players do not conform to the SPNE by showing how Nash equilibrium strategies can evolve far from the SPNE. However, empirical data from UG experiments indicate that players do not use Nash equilibrium strategies, but rather make generous offers while rejecting only very low offers. To better understand why people behave this way, we developed an agent-based model to investigate how generous strategies could evolve in the UG. Using agents with generic biological properties, we found that fair offers can readily evolve in structured populations even while rejection thresholds remain relatively low. We explain the evolution of fairness as a problem of the efficient conversion of resources into the production of offspring at the level of the group.

Significance Statement

Human generosity is widespread and far exceeds that of other social animals. Generosity is often studied experimentally with the ultimatum game, in which a proposer offers a split and a responder can either accept it or cancel the whole deal. A surprising result of ultimatum game experiments is that players are much more generous than predicted while only rejecting very low offers. This has presented a theoretical puzzle, since mathematical models have generally relied on high rejection levels—just below offer levels—to maintain generosity. Using evolutionary simulations, we explain both generous offers and the rejection of only low offers as a solution to the problem of how groups can efficiently convert resources into the production of offspring.
Rapid Detection of Norovirus Using Paper-based Microfluidic Device
Authors: Weng Xuan , Neethirajan Suresh
Published: July 2017

Noroviruses (NoV) are the leading cause of outbreak of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. A substantial effort has been made in the development of analytical devices for rapid and sensitive food safety monitoring via the detection of foodborne bacteria, viruses and parasites. Conventional analytical approaches for noroviruses suffer from some critical weaknesses: labor-intensive, time-consuming, and relatively low sensitivity. In this study, we developed a rapid and highly sensitive biosensor towards point-of-care device for noroviruses based on 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) labeled aptamer and nanomaterials, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO). In an assay, the fluorescence of 6-FAM labeled aptamer was quenched by MWCNTs or GO via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In the presence of norovirus, the fluorescence would be recovered due to the release of the 6-FAM labeled aptamer from MWCNTs or GO. An easy-to-make paper-based microfluidic platform made by nitrocellulose membrane was used to conduct the assay. The quantitative detection of norovirus virus-like particles (NoV VLPs) was successfully performed. A linear range of 0-12.9 μg/mL with a detection limit of 40 pM and 30 pM was achieved for the MWCNTs and GO based paper sensors, respectively. The results suggested the developed paper-based microfluidic device is simple, cost-effective and holds the potential of rapid in situ visual determination for noroviruses with remarkable sensitivity and specificity, which provides a new way for early identification of NoV and thereby an early intervention for preventing the spread of an outbreak.
A Comparison of Methods for Estimating Substitution Rates from Ancient DNA Sequence Data
Authors: Tong K. Jun , Duchêne David A. , Duchêne Sebastián , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Ho Simon Y.W.
Published: July 2017

The estimation of evolutionary rates from ancient DNA sequences can be negatively affected by among-lineage rate variation and non-random sampling. Using a simulation study, we compared the performance of three phylogenetic methods for inferring evolutionary rates from time-structured data sets: root-to-tip regression, least-squares dating, and Bayesian inference. Our results show that these methods produce reliable estimates when the substitution rate is high, rate variation is low, and samples of similar ages are not phylogenetically clustered. The interaction of these factors is particularly important for Bayesian estimation of evolutionary rates. We also inferred rates for time-structured mitogenomic data sets from six vertebrate species. Root-to-tip regression estimated a different rate from least-squares dating and Bayesian inference for mitogenomes from the horse, which has high levels of among-lineage rate variation. We recommend using multiple methods of inference and testing data for temporal signal, among-lineage rate variation, and phylo-temporal clustering.
The non-homologous end joining factor Ku orchestrates replication fork resection and fine-tunes Rad51-mediated fork restart
Authors: Teixeira-Silva Ana , Saada Anissia Ait , Iraqui Ismail , Nocente Marina Charlotte , Fréon Karine , Hardy Julien , Lambert Sarah
Published: July 2017

Replication requires Homologous Recombination (HR) to stabilize and restart terminally-arrested forks. HR-mediated fork processing requires single stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps and not necessarily Double Strand Breaks. We used genetic and molecular assays to investigate fork-resection and restart at dysfunctional, unbroken forks inSchizosaccharomyces pombe. We found that fork-resection is a two-step process coordinated by the non-homologous end joining factor Ku. An initial resection mediated by MRN/Ctp1 removes Ku from terminally-arrested forks, generating ~ 110 bp sized gaps obligatory for subsequent Exo1-mediated long-range resection and replication restart. The lack of Ku results in slower fork restart, excessive resection, and impaired RPA recruitment. We propose that terminally-arrested forks undergo fork reversal, providing a single DNA end for Ku binding which primes RPA-coated ssDNA. We uncover an unprecedented role for Ku in orchestrating resection of unbroken forks and in fine-tuning HR-mediated replication restart.

Ku orchestrates a two-steps DNA end-resection of terminally-arrested and unbroken forks

MRN/Ctp1 removes Ku from terminally-arrested forks to initiate fork-resection

a ~110 bp sized ssDNA gap is sufficient and necessary to promote fork restart.

The lack of Ku decreases ssDNA RPA-coating, and slows down replication fork restart.
CRAVAT 4: Cancer-Related Analysis of Variants Toolkit
Authors: Masica David L. , Douville Christopher , Tokheim Collin , Bhattacharya Rohit , Kim RyangGuk , Moad Kyle , Ryan Michael C. , Karchin Rachel
Published: July 2017

Cancer sequencing studies are increasingly comprehensive and well-powered, returning long lists of somatic mutations that can be difficult to sort and interpret. Diligent analysis and quality control can require multiple computational tools of distinct utility and producing disparate output, creating additional challenges for the investigator. The Cancer-Related Analysis of Variants Toolkit (CRAVAT) is an evolving suite of informatics tools for mutation interpretation that includes mutation projecting and quality control, impact prediction and extensive annotation, gene- and mutation-level interpretation including joint prioritization of all nonsilent consequence types, and structural and mechanistic visualization. Results from CRAVAT submissions are explored in an interactive, user-friendly web-environment with dynamic filtering and sorting designed to highlight the most informative mutation, even in the context of very large studies. CRAVAT can be run on a public web-portal, in the cloud, or downloaded for local use, and is easily integrated with other methods for cancer omics analysis.

Conflict of interest

All authors declare no potential conflict of interest.
Settler indigeneity and the eradication of the non‐native: self‐determination and biosecurity in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Authors: Blair James J.A.
Published: July 2017

This article analyses how settlers of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) construct themselves as ‘natives’ through environmental management. Taking a multispecies ethnographic and historical approach to studying the Falkland Islanders’ self‐determination claim, I explore a series of ecological practices that demonstrate how some nonhumans become institutionalized into systems of racial and colonial classification whereas others appear natural. I show how agroindustrial and technoscientific value systems categorize human and nonhuman cohabitants according to degrees of political, economic, and ecological status through particular periods in the Falklands: from the eradication of ‘native pests’ (1833‐1982) to defence against ‘alien invaders’ (1982‐present). Towards a conclusion, I analyse how Islanders have begun to uproot their own ecological imperial past through removal of British‐introduced ‘invasive’ species and native habitat restoration. The article argues that attention to how settlers colonizewithnatives contributes significantly to a critical multispecies anthropology with broader implications for debates on ethnogenesis and indigeneity.
Debt Restructuring and Notions of Fairness
Authors: Paterson Sarah
Published: July 2017

This article examines concern for fairness in the way in which loss is distributed when a company or financial institution facing financial difficulties is restructured. It shows how this concern is often grounded in loose notions of fairness, or generalisations from one situation to another, rather than in detailed analysis. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it builds an analytical frame for the fairness debate in debt restructuring. It shows why rigour is important in identifying fairness concerns, in weighing them against other considerations, and in applying concerns which arise in one scenario to another, and illustrates the types of policy mistake or policy incoherence which can arise if this is not done.
Mixed Messages in Bottles: the European Union, Devolution, and the Future of the Constitution
Authors: Murkens Jo Eric Khushal
Published: July 2017

An unprecedented eleven‐member UK Supreme Court decided R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union on 24 January 2017. The Government's argument, that it could start the process of withdrawing from the EU using a prerogative power instead of an Act of Parliament, was comprehensively defeated by an 8:3 majority. However, the Government also secured a unanimous verdict that it did not need the consent from the devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland before invoking Article 50 of the TEU. I explore the judicial argumentation in light of Philip Bobbitt's six modalities of constitutional argument, five of which feature, and one of which ought to have featured, in this seminal case.
R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union: Three Competing Syllogisms
Authors: Aroney Nicholas
Published: July 2017

The Miller case concerned the constitutional requirements for the UK to give notice of its intention to withdraw from the EU pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The parties made submissions in terms of two competing syllogisms. The Government argued that ministers, exercising Crown prerogative, had the power to give notice without statutory authorisation. The Applicants argued that the process required authorisation by Act of Parliament because the UK's withdrawal would deprive people of rights arising under EU law. However, a majority of the Supreme Court decided in favour of the Applicants based on a third and significantly different syllogism, based on the proposition that the European Communities Act had established EU law‐making and law‐interpreting institutions as new ‘sources of law’. This note assesses the three competing syllogisms and examines the constitutional significance of the majority's proposition that these new EU sources of law were integrated into UK domestic law without disrupting the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
Amniotic fluid neutrophils can phagocytize bacteria: A mechanism for microbial killing in the amniotic cavity
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Garcia‐Flores Valeria , Xu Yi , Leng Yaozhu , Alhousseini Ali , Hassan Sonia S. , Panaitescu Bogdan
Published: July 2017

Problem

Neutrophils are capable of performing phagocytosis, a primary mechanism for microbial killing. Intra‐amniotic infection is characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the amniotic cavity. Herein, we investigated whether amniotic fluid neutrophils could phagocytize bacteria found in the amniotic cavity of women with intra‐amniotic infection.

Methods

Amniotic fluid neutrophils from women with intra‐amniotic infection were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (n=6). The phagocytic activity of amniotic fluid neutrophils from women with intra‐amniotic infection and/or inflammation (n=10) or peripheral neutrophils from healthy individuals (controls, n=3) was tested using ex vivo phagocytosis assays coupled with live imaging. Phagocytosis by amniotic fluid neutrophils was also visualized by confocal microscopy (n=10) as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (n=5).

Results

(i) Intra‐amniotic infection‐related bacteria including cocci (eg Streptococcus agalactiae), bacilli (eg Bacteriodes fragilis and Prevotella spp.), and small bacteria without a cell wall (eg Ureaplasma urealyticum) were found inside of amniotic fluid neutrophils; (ii) peripheral neutrophils (controls) rapidly phagocytized S. agalactiae, U. urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Escherichia coli; (iii) amniotic fluid neutrophils rapidly phagocytized S. agalactiae and G. vaginalis; and (iv) amniotic fluid neutrophils slowly phagocytized U. urealyticum and E. coli; yet, the process of phagocytosis of the genital mycoplasma was lengthier.

Conclusion

Amniotic fluid neutrophils can phagocytize bacteria found in the amniotic cavity of women with intra‐amniotic infection, namely S. agalactiae, U. urealyticum, G. vaginalis, and E. coli. Yet, differences in the rapidity of phagocytosis were observed among the studied microorganisms. These findings provide a host defense mechanism whereby amniotic fluid neutrophils can kill microbes invading the amniotic cavity.
Are incident gallstones associated to sex‐dependent changes with age? A cohort study
Authors: Shabanzadeh D. M. , Holmboe S. A. , Sørensen L. T. , Linneberg A. , Andersson A.‐M. , Jørgensen T.
Published: July 2017

Age and female sex have repeatedly been identified as gallstone determinants but the underlying mechanisms are not clarified. The objectives of this study were to determine if changes with age in physiology, lifestyle, or reproductive hormones were associated with incident gallstones. A cohort study of a general population random sample (N = 2366) aged 30–60 years was performed. Participants were ultrasound screened for gallstones in 1982–84 and again in 1993–94. Lifestyle data and blood samples were obtained and re‐analyzed in 2004. Changes with age in physiology (body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids, self‐rated health), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption, dietary habits, physical activity level), and indices of reproductive function (number of births, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, male reproductive hormones) were explored in females and males separately. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed. Incident gallstones (gallstones and cholecystectomy) at ultrasound examination in participants initially free of gallstones at baseline occurred in 9.9% of the study population. In females, increasing alcohol consumption (odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.90; 0.98]) and the cessation of hormone replacement therapy (OR 0.29, 95% CI [0.10; 0.83]) inversely determined incident gallstones. In males, increasing levels of SHBG (OR 0.97, 95% CI [0.94; 0.998]) inversely determined incident gallstones. Other changes with age in physiology, lifestyle, or reproductive hormones were not associated. High baseline free testosterone determined incident gallstones in males (OR 1.15, 95% CI [1.02; 1.30]). To conclude, changes with age in alcohol consumption in females and in reproductive hormones determined incident gallstones. Male reproductive hormones seem to have an impact on incident gallstones. Sex differences should be explored further in future studies.
Autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases: pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Guo Fang , Liu Xinyao , Cai Huaibin , Le Weidong
Published: July 2017

The most prevalent pathological features of many neurodegenerative diseases are the aggregation of misfolded proteins and the loss of certain neuronal populations. Autophagy, as major intracellular machinery for degrading aggregated proteins and damaged organelles, has been reported to be involved in the occurrence of pathological changes in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we summarize most recent research progress in this topic and provide a new perspective regarding autophagy regulation on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the signaling molecules in autophagy‐related pathways as therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases.
Randomized clinical trial for the biological evaluation of two nanostructured biphasic calcium phosphate biomaterials as a bone substitute
Authors: Uzeda Marcelo José , de Brito Resende Rodrigo Figueiredo , Sartoretto Suelen Cristina , Alves Adriana Terezinha Neves Novellino , Granjeiro José Mauro , Calasans‐Maia Mônica Diuana
Published: July 2017

Background

The presence of nonresorbable residual granules of hydroxyapatite (HA) may decrease the bone/implant interface. To balance resorption and bone formation biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics compounds applied at different rates have been studied.

Purpose

The aim of this trial was to compare the clinical, histological, and histomorphometric responses of two new biphasic calcium phosphate biomaterials in fresh dental sockets after 3 and 6 months.

Materials and methods

Forty‐eight volunteers were divided randomly and double‐blindly into 4 groups of 12 individuals: Clot (C), BoneCeramic (BC), Biomaterial 1 (B1), and Biomaterial 2 (B2) groups. Three and six months later, samples were obtained, and histological and histomorphometric sections were evaluated, focusing on the presence of fibrous connective tissue (CT) and newly formed bone. Statistical analysis was performed (P < .05%).

Results

The quantification of crystalline phases showed B1 composed of HA (60.28%) and β‐TCP (39.72%); B2 composed of HA (78.21%) and β‐TCP (21.79%); and BC composed of HA (61%) and β‐TCP (39%). The B1 group showed the most newly formed bone (69.3% ± 6.03%), followed by the BC (51.6 ± 12.34%), B2 (46.6 ± 7.66%), and C groups (45.4 ± 7.98%), and less connective tissue and biomaterial remained in the B1 group after 6 months.

Conclusion

B1 group showed the greatest amount of newly formed bone after 6 months.
Associations between cardiovascular disease and its risk factors with hearing loss—A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Tan H.E. , Lan N.S.R. , Knuiman M.W. , Divitini M.L. , Swanepoel D.W. , Hunter M. , Brennan‐Jones C.G. , Hung J. , Eikelboom R.H. , Santa Maria P.L.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Participants were recruited between May 2010 and December 2015 and answered a health and risk factor questionnaire. Physical and biochemical assessments were performed.

Setting

A community‐based population.

Participants

A total of 5107 participants born within the years 1946‐1964 enrolled in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study.

Main outcome measures

Hearing was assessed behaviourally through the best ear pure‐tone average (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz), low‐frequency average (250, 500, 1000 Hz) and high‐frequency average (4000, 8000 Hz). Self‐reported hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis were assessed via questionnaire. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed via a patient‐completed questionnaire and objective measurements including blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin.

Results

Of the participants, 54% were female, with the mean age of 58 years (range 45‐69 years). Age, sex and family history of hearing loss were consistently strong determinants of hearing loss outcomes. After adjusting for these, obesity, current smoking, peripheral arterial disease and history of cardiovascular disease were significantly associated with pure‐tone, low‐frequency and high‐frequency hearing loss. In addition, high blood pressure, triglyceride and glycated haemoglobin were significantly associated with low‐frequency hearing loss. There was a graded association between hearing loss and Framingham Risk Score for cardiovascular risk (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Established cardiovascular disease and individual and combined cardiovascular disease risk factors were found to be associated with hearing loss. Future research should prospectively investigate whether targeting cardiovascular disease can prevent hearing loss.
Urban Expansion, Agrarian Shifts, and Decentralized Governance in Thailand's Isaan Region
Authors: Gullette Gregory , Singto Sayamon
Published: July 2017

The Thai government has increasingly sought to expand urban growth in provinces characterized by agricultural production. However, urbanization's structural changes alter natural resource availabilities, encumbering agrarian families, and constraining livelihood options. In an effort to map state development and urban growth objectives to local conditions, the Thai state has supported regional autonomy by decentralizing decision‐making powers to localities. Here, we seek to explore the ways in which decentralized governance provides avenues for agrarian families located in urbanizing spaces to negotiate anxieties and desires with the Thai state, including broad concerns of sustainability, livelihood rights, and market opportunities. We consider how agrarian households understand the economic and ecological effects of urbanization, shifting the focus to agrarian families’ agency—how families diversify household livelihoods and employ migration to enhance economic portfolios. Ultimately, by doing so, we examine the intersections between urbanization, development, and agrarian livelihoods, situated within practical and theoretical discussions of decentralized governance in Thailand.
Foundations of infants' social group evaluations
Authors: Pun Anthea , Ferera Matar , Diesendruck Gil , Kiley Hamlin J. , Baron Andrew Scott
Published: July 2017

Previous research has suggested that infants exhibit a preference for familiar over unfamiliar social groups (e.g., preferring individuals from their own language group over individuals from a foreign language group). However, because past studies often employ forced‐choice procedures, it is not clear whether infants' intergroup preferences are driven by positivity toward members of familiar groups, negativity toward members of unfamiliar groups, or both. Across six experiments, we implemented a habituation procedure to independently measure infants' positive and negative evaluations of speakers of familiar and unfamiliar languages. We report that by 1 year of age, infants positively evaluate individuals who speak a familiar language, but do not negatively evaluate individuals who speak an unfamiliar language (Experiments 1 and 2). Several experiments rule out lower‐level explanations (Experiments 3–6). Together these data suggest that children's early social group preferences may be shaped by positive evaluations of familiar group(s), rather than negative evaluations of unfamiliar groups.
Geometrical study of phyllotactic patterns byBernoulli spiral lattices
Authors: Sushida Takamichi , Yamagishi Yoshikazu
Published: July 2017

Geometrical studies of phyllotactic patterns deal with the centric or cylindrical models produced by ideal lattices. van Iterson (Mathematische und mikroskopisch – anatomische Studien über Blattstellungen nebst Betrachtungen über den Schalenbau der Miliolinen, Verlag von Gustav Fischer, Jena, 1907) suggested a centric model representing ideal phyllotactic patterns as disk packings of Bernoulli spiral lattices and presented a phase diagram now called Van Iterson's diagram explaining the bifurcation processes of their combinatorial structures. Geometrical properties on disk packings were shown by Rothen & Koch (J. Phys France, 50(13), 1603‐1621, 1989). In contrast, as another centric model, we organized a mathematical framework of Voronoi tilings of Bernoulli spiral lattices and showed mathematically that the phase diagram of a Voronoi tiling is graph‐theoretically dual to Van Iterson's diagram. This paper gives a review of two centric models for disk packings and Voronoi tilings of Bernoulli spiral lattices.
Neither Hypocrisy Nor Replication: A Protestant Account of Imitating Christ as Moral Exemplar
Authors: Vos Pieter
Published: July 2017

In this article a Protestant view of the imitation of Christ is offered as part of participation in Christ and as taking place in ordinary life (Luther, Calvin). Imitating Christ as moral exemplar does not mean copying him, as a human effort to emulate a high moral ideal, but loving the neighbour as he did in the particularities of one's own life. It is a striving rooted in Christ's lowliness, which makes imitation an achievable though demanding ethical requirement for each individual (Kierkegaard, Bonhoeffer). Imitation is a ‘putting on Christ’ that is neither a hypocritical pretending nor a pretentious replication but a striving to re‐present Christ in an authentic Christian existence.
Can an eel be a flatfish? Observations on enigmatic asymmetrical heterenchelyids from the Guinea coast of West Africa
Authors: Martinez C. M. , Stiassny M. L. J.
Published: July 2017

Morphological asymmetry is described in the heterenchelyid mud eel Pythonichthys cf. macrurus from inshore coastal waters of Guinea, West Africa. The intensity of asymmetry differs between two examined specimens, with the more extreme case exhibiting strong asymmetry in both external and internal features, including unilateral depigmentation, reductive degeneration and embedding of a blind‐side eye, skewed jaws with reduced dentition and tooth loss. The extent and nature of asymmetry suggests that this individual probably lived primarily on its left lateral side, not unlike sinistral pleuronectiform flatfishes.
Media Representations of Breech Birth: A Prospective Analysis of Web‐Based News Reports
Authors: Petrovska Karolina , Sheehan Athena , Homer Caroline S.E.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Recent research has demonstrated that the media presentation of childbirth is highly medicalized, often portraying birth as risky and dramatic. Media representation of breech presentation and birth is unexplored in this context. This study aimed to explore the content and tone of news media reports relating to breech presentation and breech birth.

Methods

Google alerts were created using the terms breech and breech birth in online English‐language news sites over a 3‐year period from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015. Alerts were received daily and filed for analysis, and data were analyzed to generate themes.

Results

A total of 138 web‐based news reports were gathered from 9 countries. Five themes that arose from the data included the problem of breech presentation, the high drama of vaginal breech birth, the safe option of cesarean birth versus dangers of vaginal breech birth, the defiant mother versus the saintly mother, and vaginal breech birth and medical misadventure.

Discussion

Media reports in this study predominantly demonstrated negative views toward breech presentation and vaginal breech birth. Cesarean birth was portrayed as the safe option for breech birth, while vaginal breech birth was associated with poor outcomes. Media presentations may impact decision making about mode of birth for pregnant women with a breech fetus. Health care providers can play an important role in balancing the media depiction of planned vaginal breech birth by providing nonjudgmental, evidence‐based information to such women to facilitate informed decision making for birth.
Use of multicriteria decision analysis for assessing the benefit and risk of over-the-counter analgesics
Authors: Moore Andrew , Crossley Anne , Ng Bernard , Phillips Lawrence , Sancak Özgür , Rainsford K D
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To test the ability of a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) model to incorporate disparate data sources of varying quality along with clinical judgement in a benefit–risk assessment of six well-known pain-relief drugs.

Methods

Six over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics were evaluated against three favourable effects and eight unfavourable effects by seven experts who specialise in the relief of pain, two in a 2-day facilitated workshop whose input data and judgements were later peer-reviewed by five additional experts.

Key findings

Ibuprofen salts and solubilised emerged with the best benefit–risk profile, followed by naproxen, ibuprofen acid, diclofenac, paracetamol and aspirin.

Conclusions

Multicriteria decision analysis enabled participants to evaluate the OTC analgesics against a range of favourable and unfavourable effects in a group setting that enabled all issues to be openly aired and debated. The model was easily communicated and understood by the peer reviewers, so the model should be comprehensible to physicians, pharmacists and other health professionals.
Assessing the influence of media composition and ionic strength on drug release from commercial immediate-release and enteric-coated aspirin tablets
Authors: Karkossa Frank , Klein Sandra
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The objective of this test series was to elucidate the importance of selecting the right media composition for a biopredictive in-vitro dissolution screening of enteric-coated dosage forms.

Methods

Drug release from immediate-release (IR) and enteric-coated (EC) aspirin formulations was assessed in phosphate-based and bicarbonate-based media with different pH, electrolyte composition and ionic strength.

Key findings

Drug release from aspirin IR tablets was unaffected by media composition. In contrast, drug release from EC aspirin formulations was affected by buffer species and ionic strength. In all media, drug release increased with increasing ionic strength, but in bicarbonate-based buffers was delayed when compared with that in phosphate-based buffers. Interestingly, the cation species in the dissolution medium had also a clear impact on drug release. Drug release profiles obtained in Blank CarbSIF, a new medium simulating pH and average ionic composition of small intestinal fluid, were different from those obtained in all other buffer compositions studied.

Conclusions

Results from this study in which the impact of various media parameters on drug release of EC aspirin formulations was systematically screened clearly show that when developing predictive dissolution tests, it is important to simulate the ionic composition of intraluminal fluids as closely as possible.
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia in Border Terriers: Clinical, Epidemiological, and Genetic Investigations
Authors: Stassen Q.E.M. , Koskinen L.L.E. , van Steenbeek F.G. , Seppälä E.H. , Jokinen T.S. , Prins P.G.M. , Bok H.G.J. , Zandvliet M.M.J.M. , Vos‐Loohuis M. , Leegwater P.A.J. , Lohi H.
Published: July 2017

Background

In the last decade, a disorder characterized by episodes of involuntary movements and dystonia has been recognized in Border Terriers.

Objectives

To define clinical features of paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD) in a large number of Border Terriers and to study the genetics of the disease.

Animals

110 affected and 128 unaffected client‐owned Border Terriers.

Methods

A questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics of PD was designed at Utrecht University and the University of Helsinki. Thirty‐five affected Border Terriers underwent physical examination and blood testing (hematology and clinical biochemistry). Diagnostic imaging of the brain was performed in 17 affected dogs and electroencephalograms (EEG) between episodes were obtained in 10 affected dogs. A genomewide association study (GWAS) was performed with DNA of 110 affected and 128 unaffected dogs.

Results

One hundred forty‐seven questionnaires were included in the study. The most characteristic signs during episodes were dystonia, muscle fasciculations, and falling over. The majority of owners believed that their dogs remained conscious during the episodes. A beneficial effect of anti‐epileptic therapy was observed in 29 of 43 dogs. Fifteen owners changed their dogs’ diet to a hypoallergenic, gluten‐free diet, and all reported reasonable to good improvement of signs. Clinical examinations and diagnostic test results were unremarkable. The GWAS did not identify significantly associated chromosome regions.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The survey results and EEG studies provided further evidence that the observed syndrome is a PD rather than epilepsy. Failure to achieve conclusive results by GWAS indicates that inheritance of PD in Border Terriers probably is complex.
Amelioration of oxidative stress using N‐acetylcysteine in canine parvoviral enteritis
Authors: Gaykwad C. , Garkhal J. , Chethan G. E. , Nandi S. , De U. K.
Published: July 2017

Previously, antioxidants have not been evaluated for treatment of parvoviral diarrhea in dogs. In this study, antioxidant potential of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in dogs infected with canine parvovirus with a nonblinded randomized clinical trial has been carried out. A total 18 parvo‐infected dogs were randomly divided into two groups: nine parvo‐infected dogs were treated with supportive treatment and nine parvo‐infected dogs were treated with NAC along with supportive treatment. Simultaneously, nine healthy dogs were kept as healthy control. In parvo‐infected dogs, marked hemoconcentration, leucopenia, neutropenia and oxidative stress were noticed compared to healthy dogs. The NAC treatment progressively improved the leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts over the time in parvovirus‐infected dogs compared to dogs that received only supportive treatment. In addition, NAC treatment significantly improved glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity and decreased nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations on day 3 and 5 compared to supportive treatment in parvo‐infected dogs. However, supportive treatment alone failed to ameliorate oxidative stress in the infected dogs till day 5. The results of this study suggest that NAC represents a potential additional treatment option that could be considered to improve the health condition and minimize the duration of hospitalization in case of canine parvoviral diarrhea.