bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomorphic hazards in south‐west Saudi Arabia: The human–environmental nexus
Authors: Sidle Roy C. , Al‐Shaibani Abdulaziz M. , Kaka SanLinn I.
Published: November 2018

Despite limited attention to geomorphic hazards in Saudi Arabia, the mountainous region in the south‐west portion of the Kingdom has experienced a series of devastating debris flows, landslides, rockfalls, and debris floods during the past several decades. While undisturbed hillslopes are relatively stable, many rock slides, rockfalls and landslides are associated with cut and fill slopes of mountain roads and other disturbances in this steep terrain. These human‐induced geomorphic hazards act synergistically to exacerbate downslope and downstream disasters, such as debris flows and debris floods. The progressive sediment loading in low‐gradient channels (wadis) together with large convective rainfall events, have caused episodic evacuation of these ephemeral channels. As such, hydrogeomorphic linkages between hillslope and channel mass wasting processes may be temporally separated as wadis accumulate sediment, posing challenges for prediction of the timing of damaging debris flows. Furthermore, there is little appreciation of the extent to which human‐related disturbances (e.g., mountain roads, construction sites, overgrazing) contribute to these downstream disasters or the vulnerability of passengers, residents, or herders to these anthropogenically induced hazards. Such knowledge and information is needed to develop effective hazard mitigation and real‐time warning systems for this and similar dry mountain regions that experience episodic storms. Here we demonstrate the need for improved road location, construction practices, and land management in this steep terrain as well as better appreciation of the hillslope and in‐channel hazard nexus to reduce downstream impacts of geomorphic disasters.
Comparing adolescent and parent reports of externalizing problems: A longitudinal population‐based study
Authors: Robinson Monique , Doherty Dorota A. , Cannon Jeffrey , Hickey Martha , Rosenthal Susan L. , Marino Jennifer L. , Skinner S. Rachel
Published: November 2018

Adolescent and parent reports of adolescent mental health problems often correlate poorly, and understanding this discrepancy has clinical importance. Yet contextual factors have only been inconsistently explained. At the 14‐ and 17‐year follow‐ups of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, 1,596 parent–child dyads completed the parent‐reported Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the adolescent‐rated Youth Self‐Report (YSR). Maternal, family, adolescent, and parent factors were examined as potential predictors of discrepancies. When adolescent YSR scores were in the clinical range but parents’ CBCL ratings were not, adolescents were more likely to report alcohol intoxication in the last 6 months, illicit drug use, low school motivation, and depression. When parents reported externalizing behaviour in the clinical range but adolescents did not, the characteristics associated with this were a younger maternal age, receiving social security benefit, stress related to parenting, depression, and poor family functioning. These new results will inform clinical management and research with adolescents who present with behavioural disorders.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

We know that adolescent and parent reports of adolescent mental health problems often correlate poorly, but little is known about which contextual factors lead to disagreement.

Understanding the factors that influence agreement is clinically relevant for predicting and identifying externalizing behavioural disorders.

This is a large‐scale study with the ability to assess the impact of numerous psychosocial factors on instrument disagreement.

What the present study adds

We found that substance use, depression and low school motivation impacted on discrepancy in externalizing behaviour scores for 14‐year‐old male adolescents and their parents.

Parental depression, stress, low family income, and family dysfunction also led to a higher likelihood of discrepancy in scores.
High‐resolution quantification of earthworm calcite granules from western European loess sequences reveals stadial–interstadial climatic variability during the Last Glacial
Authors: Prud'homme Charlotte , Moine Olivier , Mathieu Jerome , Saulnier‐Copard Segolene , Antoine Pierre
Published: November 2018

High concentrations of calcite fossil granules produced by earthworms (ECG) have been identified in most of the stratigraphical units along the loess‐palaeosol reference sequence of Nussloch (Germany). They are particularly abundant in interstadial brown soils and in tundra gley horizons, the latter reflecting short‐term phases of aggradation then degradation of permafrost. These granules are characterized by a radial crystalline structure produced in the earthworms by specific bio‐mineralization processes. In our study, we used this biological indicator combined with 14C and OSL dating, and sedimentological parameters to characterize millennial‐time scale climatic variations recorded in loess sequences. The approach is based on high‐resolution counts of ECG throughout a 17‐m‐thick loess sequence (332 samples). Strong increases in granule and mollusc concentrations suggest warmer climate conditions during palaeosol formation phases, associated with increasing biodiversity, biological activity and vegetation cover. Decreased granule concentrations occur within primary loess deposits, indicating a strong correlation with palaeoenvironmental conditions and demonstrating the reliability of ECG concentration variations as a new palaeoenvironmental proxy. Finally, this pattern is also recorded in loess sequences located about 600 km westward in northern France demonstrating the large‐scale validity of this new palaeoclimatic proxy.
One pot multi‐component synthesis of functionalized spiropyridine and pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine scaffolds and their potent in‐vitro anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant investigations
Authors: Lavanya Mallu , Asharani Indira Viswambaran , Thirumalai Dhakshanamurthy
Published: November 2018

A new series of functionalized fused pyridines 4(a–i) and fused pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines 8(a–c) were designed and synthesized through a multi‐component reaction where in pyridine ring formation step plays a key role. All the newly formed compounds were well characterized by spectral techniques such as FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HRMS and XRD. The potential therapeutic activities such as anti‐inflammatory activity by protein denaturation and RBC membrane stabilization methods, and anti‐oxidant activity by DPPH scavenging method of the newly synthesized compounds were studied. Interestingly, in‐vitro testing of these compounds reveals that the compounds 4d, 4g, 4i, 8a and 8b showed comparable anti‐inflammatory activity with respect to the standard drug, diclofenac. Similarly, fused pyridine 4f showed excellent anti‐oxidant activity when compared with the standard, ascorbic acid.
A new ultrasound nomogram for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules
Authors: Chen Ling , Zhang Jianxing , Meng Lingcui , Lai Yunsi , Huang Wenyuan
Published: November 2018

Objective

The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) is commonly used for risk stratification of thyroid nodules. However, this system has a poor sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to build a new model based on TI‐RADS for evaluating ultrasound image patterns that offer improved efficacy for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Design and Patients

The study population consisted of 1092 participants with thyroid nodules.

Measurements

The nodules were analysed by the TI‐RADS and the new model. The prediction properties and decision curve analysis of the nomogram were compared between the two models.

Results

The proportions of thyroid cancer and benign disease were 36.17% and 63.83%. The new model showed good agreement between the prediction and observation of thyroid cancer. The nomogram indicated excellent prediction properties with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.946, sensitivity of 0.884 and specificity of 0.917 for training data as well as a high sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value for the validation data also. The optimum cut‐off for the nomogram was 0.469 for predicting cancer. The decision curve analysis results corroborated the good clinical applicability of the nomogram and the TI‐RADS for predicting thyroid cancer with wide and practical ranges for threshold probabilities.

Conclusions

Based on the TI‐RADS, we built a new model using a combination of ultrasound patterns including margin, shape, echogenic foci, echogenicity and nodule halo sign with age to differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules, which had high sensitivity and specificity.
Hochregulation der SLURP1‐Immunfärbung in Läsionen von Psoriasis‐vulgaris‐Patienten entspricht dem Schweregrad der Erkrankung
Authors: Assaf Magda , Salah Eman
Published: November 2018

Hintergrund und Ziele

Die genaue Pathogenese der Psoriasis ist immer noch ungeklärt. Da SLURP1 wichtig ist für die normale Differenzierung von Keratinozyten, könnte es bei Psoriasis eine Rolle spielen. In dieser Studie untersuchten wir die immunhistochemische Färbung von SLURP1 bei Patienten mit Psoriasis vulgaris und deren möglichen Zusammenhang mit der Pathogenese der Erkrankung.

Patienten und Methoden

Es wurden Hautproben von 20 Patienten mit Psoriasis vulgaris, von 20 Patienten mit psoriasiformer Dermatitis sowie 20 normale Hautproben untersucht. Der Schweregrad der Psoriasis wurde anhand einer Kombination von PASI‐ und DLQI‐Scores gemessen. Bei allen Psoriasis‐Patienten wurden Biopsate aus läsionalen und aus nichtläsionalen Hautpartien entnommen. Bei psoriasiformer Dermatitis und Kontrollen wurde jeweils nur ein Hautbiopsat entnommen. Alle Schnitte wurden, entsprechend des Hersteller‐Protokolls, einer SLURP1‐Immunfärbung unterzogen.

Ergebnisse

Hinsichtlich der SLURP1‐Immunfärbung wurden zwischen läsionalen und nichtläsionalen Biopsaten von Psoriasis‐Patienten sowie zwischen läsionalen Biopsaten von Psoriasis‐Patienten und Patienten mit psoriasiformer Dermatitis signifikante Unterschiede festgestellt. Die Unterschiede zwischen nichtläsionalen Biopsaten von Psoriasis‐Patienten und normalen Hautproben waren jedoch nicht signifikant. Darüber hinaus war der Grad der SLURP1‐Immunanfärbung proportional zum Schweregrad der Psoriasis.

Schlussfolgerungen

Bei Psoriasis vulgaris ist die SLURP1‐Immunfärbung in läsionaler Haut signifikant erhöht, nicht jedoch bei psoriasiformer Dermatitis. Dies spricht für eine Rolle von SLURP1 bei der Pathogenese der Psoriasis. SLURP1 lässt sich möglicherweise als biologischer Marker für den Schweregrad der Psoriasis einsetzen, wobei diese Hypothese noch weiterer Untersuchungen bedarf.
Comorbidity of localized scleroderma and primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Bali Gábor , Szilvási Anikó , Inotai Dóra , Varga Ágnes , Sárdy Miklós , Kárpáti Sarolta , Medvecz Márta , Szegedi Anna , Hidvégi Bernadett
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives

Morphea is frequently associated with other autoimmune disorders. Little is known about the association of morphea and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The objective of this case series was to study the possible association of morphea with PBC and to identify risk factors.

Patients and methods

Patients with morphea were screened for anti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) by indirect immunofluorescence and/or immunoblot. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping and deep sequencing for the HLA DRB1 subgroup were confirmed in AMA‐positive patients.

Results

6 of 91 patients (6.6 %) showed positivity for AMA, and 4 (4.39 %) had PBC. The mean age of AMA‐positive patients was 69.0 years. Of 6 AMA‐positive patients, common predisposing alleles (HLA DRB1*15: 01 and HLA DRB1*08) were detectable in two patients. One patient had predisposing alleles for both diseases (HLA DRB1*03: 01 and HLA DRB1*14). One patient had a PBC‐conferring allele. Female gender, menopause and tendency for remission of morphea were common in all patients.

Conclusion

The coexistence of morphea, AMA positivity and PBC is a rare but possible association. Common predisposing HLA alleles might interact in such a simultaneous manifestation. We suggest AMA screening for female patients with generalized morphea before the initiation of methotrexate.
Childhood disability and how we see the world
Authors: Rosenbaum Peter
Published: November 2018

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhjSoz-DGBE&feature=youtu.be
Epidemiology of cerebral palsy in Bangladesh: a population‐based surveillance study
Authors: Khandaker Gulam , Muhit Mohammad , Karim Tasneem , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Novak Iona , Jones Cheryl , Badawi Nadia
Published: November 2018

Aim

To examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of cerebral palsy (CP) in children in Bangladesh.

Method

The Bangladesh CP Register is an ongoing population‐based surveillance database of children with CP from a geographically defined area in Bangladesh. Cases were defined based on Surveillance of CP in Europe and Australian CP Register criteria after clinical assessments and identification by the key informant's method.

Results

In total, 726 children with CP were identified between January 2015 and December 2016. Mean age was 7 years 7 months (standard deviation [SD] 4y 6mo; range: 4.8mo–18y; median 7y 1.2mo; 61.8% male, 38.2% female). Mean age at CP diagnosis was 5 years 2 months (SD 3.8). Observed prevalence was 3.4 per 1000 children (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–3.7), resulting in an estimated 233 514 children (95% CI: 219 778–254 118) with CP in Bangladesh. The majority (79.6%) had spastic CP. Altogether, 79.6% of the children with CP had at least one associated impairment (speech 67.6%, intellectual 39.0%, epilepsy 23.7%, visual 10.2%, and hearing 10.2%). In total, 78.2% never received rehabilitation.

Interpretation

In Bangladesh, the burden of CP is high, and diagnosis is substantially delayed, limiting opportunities for early intervention. There is a lack of available services and the majority of the children had preventable risk factors.

What this paper adds

Prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) is 3.4 per 1000 children in rural Bangladesh.

There are an estimated 233 514 children with CP in Bangladesh.

The majority have potentially preventable risk factors.

Diagnosis of CP is delayed, limiting opportunities for early intervention.

There is a lack of available services for children with CP in rural Bangladesh.
The validity of early intervention for children with visual impairment
Authors: Deramore Denver Belinda
Published: November 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Dale et al. on pages 697–709 of this issue.
Achieving LDL cholesterol target levels <1.81 mmol/L may provide extra cardiovascular protection in patients at high risk: Exploratory analysis of the Standard Versus Intensive Statin Therapy for Patients with Hypercholesterolaemia and Diabetic Retinopathy study
Authors: Itoh Hiroshi , Komuro Issei , Takeuchi Masahiro , Akasaka Takashi , Daida Hiroyuki , Egashira Yoshiki , Fujita Hideo , Higaki Jitsuo , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Ishibashi Shun , Isshiki Takaaki , Ito Sadayoshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Kato Satoshi , Kitagawa Kazuo , Kitakaze Masafumi , Kitazono Takanari , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Miyauchi Katsumi , Murakami Tomoaki , Murohara Toyoaki , Node Koichi , Ogawa Susumu , Saito Yoshihiko , Seino Yoshihiko , Shigeeda Takashi , Shindo Shunya , Sugawara Masahiro , Sugiyama Seigo , Terauchi Yasuo , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Ueshima Kenji , Utsunomiya Kazunori , Yamagishi Masakazu , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Yo Shoei , Yokote Koutaro , Yoshida Kiyoshi , Yoshimura Michihiro , Yoshimura Nagahisa , Nakao Kazuwa , Nagai Ryozo ,   for the EMPATHY Investigators
Published: November 2018

Aims

To assess the benefits of intensive statin therapy on reducing cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with hyperlipidaemia and retinopathy in a primary prevention setting in Japan. In the intension‐to‐treat population, intensive therapy [targeting LDL cholesterol <1.81 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL)] was no more effective than standard therapy [LDL cholesterol ≥2.59 to <3.10 mmol/L (≥100 to <120 mg/dL)]; however, after 3 years, the intergroup difference in LDL cholesterol was only 0.72 mmol/L (27.7 mg/dL), and targeted levels were achieved in <50% of patients. We hypothesized that the intergroup difference in CV events would have been statistically significant if more patients had been successfully treated to target.

Materials and Methods

This exploratory post hoc analysis focused on intergroup data from patients who achieved their target LDL cholesterol levels. The primary endpoint was the composite incidence of CV events. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for incidence of the primary endpoint in patients who achieved target LDL cholesterol levels in each group.

Results

Data were analysed from 1909 patients (intensive: 703; standard: 1206) who achieved target LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol at 36 months was 1.54 ± 0.30 mmol/L (59.7 ± 11.6 mg/dL) in the intensive group and 2.77 ± 0.46 mmol/L (107.1 ± 17.8 mg/dL) in the standard group (P < 0.05). After adjusting for baseline prognostic factors, the composite incidence of CV events or deaths associated with CV events was significantly lower in the intensive than the standard group (HR 0.48; 95% confidence interval 0.28‐0.82; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

This post hoc analysis suggests that achieving LDL cholesterol target levels <1.81 mmol/L may more effectively reduce CV events than achieving target levels ≥2.59 to <3.10 mmol/L in patients with hypercholesterolaemia and diabetic retinopathy.
Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with antiepileptic drugs: An analysis of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Borrelli Eric P. , Lee Erica Y. , Descoteaux Andrew M. , Kogut Stephen J. , Caffrey Aisling R.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and potentially fatal adverse skin reactions that are most commonly triggered by certain medications. One class of medications that has been highly associated with SJS/TEN reactions is antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We sought to quantify the risk of SJS/TEN associated with AEDs as a class, as well as individual AEDs, in the United States.

Methods

An analysis was performed of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from July 2014 through December 2017. Rates of SJS/TEN were calculated for each AED compared with all other non‐AEDs. Reporting odds ratios (RORs), proportional reporting ratios (PRRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using OpenEpi.

Results

With 198 reports, AEDs had more reports of SJS/TEN than any other medication class. AEDs as a class had an ROR of 8.7 (95% CI 7.5‐10.2) and a PRR of 8.7 (95% CI 7.5‐10.2) compared with all other non‐AEDs. The AEDs with the highest risk estimates were zonisamide (ROR 70.2, 95% CI 33.1‐148.7; PRR 68.7, 95% CI 32.9‐143.5), rufinamide (ROR 60.0, 95% CI 8.3‐433.5; PRR 58.9, 95% CI 8.4‐411.5), clorazepate (ROR 56.0, 95% CI 7.8‐404.1; PRR 55.1, 95% CI 7.8‐385.0), lamotrigine (ROR 53.0, 95% CI 43.2‐64.9; PRR 52.2, 95% CI 42.7‐63.7), phenytoin (ROR 26.3, 95% CI 15.5‐44.7; PRR 26.1, 95% CI 15.4‐44.2), and carbamazepine (ROR 24.5, 95% CI 16.0‐37.5; PRR 24.3, 95% CI 16.0‐37.1).

Significance

Although AEDs as a class were associated with 9 times the risk of SJS/TEN compared with non‐AEDs, there were 6 AEDs with risk estimates greater than 20. Increased awareness of this risk among both prescribers and patients, particularly variations in risk among different AEDs, along with education on early recognition of SJS/TEN signs/symptoms, may help mitigate the number and severity of these adverse events.
Anthropogenic mining alters macroinvertebrate size spectra in streams
Authors: Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Warburton Helen J. , Harding Jon S.
Published: November 2018

Food web properties can be used in bioassessment as indicators of ecosystem stress, although logistical constraints restrict their widespread use. Size spectra (body mass–abundance relationships) are easier to produce, still incorporate much of the variation in feeding interactions and indicate the strength of the energy transfer efficiency.

Here we examined the effect of acid mine drainage on the size spectra of stream macroinvertebrate communities in 25 New Zealand streams with a comparative survey. We predicted that the largest organisms would be most susceptible to acid mine drainage, leading to a reduction in their abundances and associated decrease in the range of body sizes present across the gradient, as well as a reduction in total community abundance.

The largest organisms were more sensitive to inputs of acid mine drainage and were absent at the most affected sites. Surprisingly, the smallest body sizes were also removed by acid mine drainage. This led to a reduction of up to two orders of magnitude in the range of body sizes present in mine impacted sites. Total community abundance decreased along the impact gradient.

The changes in size spectra were also associated with changes in the proportion of functional feeding groups, suggesting concomitant changes in food web structure. Specifically, communities became dominated by collector browsers and small bodied predators across the gradient. The simplification of the food web structure suggests that communities may be dominated by a few strong energy pathways, lowering their functionality and stability. However, the loss of large bodied predators also reduces top down pressure, probably increasing community stability. Further research is needed to elucidate the cumulative effects of these interacting processes.
Flood pulse regulation of bacterioplankton community composition in an Amazonian floodplain lake
Authors: de Melo Michaela L. , Bertilsson Stefan , Amaral João Henrique F. , Barbosa Pedro M. , Forsberg Bruce R. , Sarmento Hugo
Published: November 2018

Understanding spatial and temporal dynamics of microbial communities is a central challenge in microbial ecology since microorganisms play a key role in ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical cycles. Amazonian aquatic systems comprise a dynamic mosaic of heterogeneous habits but are understudied and there is limited information about the mechanisms that shape bacterial community composition (BCC).

There is a consensus that environmental selection (species sorting) and dispersal processes (source–sink dynamics) act in concert to shape the composition of these communities, but the relative importance of each mechanism may vary dramatically through time and between systems.

Applying 16S rRNA gene amplicon high‐throughput sequencing, we studied factors and processes that modulate BCC in an Amazonian floodplain lake and used source‐tracking models to trace the main dispersal sources of microorganisms in the whole floodplain system during a full hydrological cycle.

Our source‐tracking models indicated that dispersal processes were predominant, explaining most of the BCC variability throughout the study period. We observed more sources contributing to the sink community during the falling water than rising water period, when contributions from the Solimões River dominated.

There was a clear seasonal pattern in BCC, closely related to environmental variables, suggesting that the successful establishment of dispersing bacteria also depends on environmental filtering that is linked to water flow.

In summary, source–sink dynamics and species sorting were strongly affected by water exchange and connectivity with the main river that varied throughout the flood pulse cycle. Our results demonstrated the influence of lateral transport and temporal dynamics on BCC in Amazonian floodplain lakes that could ultimately impact regional carbon budgets and biogeochemical cycles.
The colour of environmental fluctuations associated with terrestrial animal population dynamics
Authors: Gilljam David , Knape Jonas , Lindén Andreas , Mugabo Marianne , Sait Steven M. , Fowler Mike S.
Published: November 2018

Aim

The temporal structure (colour) of environmental variation influences population fluctuations, extinction risk and community stability. However, it is unclear whether environmental covariates linked to population fluctuations are distinguishable from a purely random process (white noise). We aimed to estimate colour coefficients and relative support for three models commonly representing coloured stochastic processes, in environmental series linked to terrestrial animal population fluctuations.

Location

North America and Eurasia.

Time period

1901–2002.

Major taxa studied

Birds, insects and mammals.

Methods

We analysed multiple abiotic environmental covariates, comparing point estimates and confidence intervals of temporal structure in competing models fitted using white noise, autoregressive [AR(1)] and 1/f processes in the time domain and the frequency domain (where time series were analysed after decomposition into different sinusoidal frequencies and their relative powers). All animal time series were sampled annually for ≤ 50 years, potentially inflating type II errors. We also considered 101‐year series of matched environmental covariates, performing a statistical power analysis evaluating our ability to draw robust conclusions.

Results

Temperature‐related variables were associated with the largest fraction of population fluctuations. Ninety‐three per cent of shorter environmental series were indistinguishable from white noise, limited by time‐series length and associated with wide confidence intervals. The longer environmental series analysed in the time domain offered sufficiently high statistical power to identify correctly colour estimates ≥ |0.27|, indicating that 20% of series were best described by a slightly reddened noise process.

Main conclusions

Focusing on the short time‐scales typically available for ecologists, most environmental variables associated with terrestrial animal population fluctuations are best characterized by white noise processes, although type II errors are common. The correct detection of intermediately coloured noise with power 0.8 requires ≥ 16 data points in the time domain or ≥ 47 points in the frequency domain. Over longer time‐scales, where type II errors are less likely, one‐fifth of populations are associated with coloured (often reddened) variables.
Indigenous marine diatoms as novel sources of bioactive peptides with antihypertensive and antioxidant properties
Authors: Barkia Ines , Al‐Haj Lamya , Abdul Hamid Azizah , Zakaria Mutaharah , Saari Nazamid , Zadjali Fahad
Published: November 2018

Several bioactive compounds from microalgae have demonstrated diverse biological activities with positive effects on human health. However, the potential of bioactive peptides as functional foods is still undervalued. Therefore, the exploration of microalgae strains as sources of bioactive peptides could reveal strong and unique bioactivities, especially when these marine sources have never been explored before. For this aim, protein extracts from six indigenous marine diatoms were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using four proteases (flavourzyme, pepsin, papain and trypsin). The hydrolysates were then tested for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Results showed that papain hydrolysates from all microalgae strains exhibited strong ACE‐inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties. In particular, protein hydrolysates from Bellerochea malleus were found to reduce blood pressure properties of 17 mmHg after 5 days of oral administration to SHR animals. These results revealed the potential of bioactive peptides from indigenous marine diatoms for use as functional foods or nutraceuticals.
Causal dynamics of poverty reproduction in EU countries
Authors: Papanastasiou Stefanos , Papatheodorou Christos
Published: November 2018

This study investigated causal mechanisms of poverty reproduction in EU countries by placing emphasis on the parental background effect on sons’ poverty risk after having controlled for endogeneity among observable and non‐observable effects of the involved mechanisms. The countries under investigation were old EU member states representing the four welfare regimes in the EU. Having employed path models and utilised EU‐SILC 2005 data, the analysis yielded no statistically significant direct effect of parental background on sons’ poverty risk in Denmark. Greece, however, exhibited a statistically significant and quite strong direct effect. Germany and the United Kingdom stood in‐between. Moreover, the analysis found indirect channels through which the parental background affects sons’ poverty risk. These findings are expected to enrich the academic discourse and inform the policy‐making process on poverty reproduction and social protection in the EU.
On Education Level and Terms in Obtaining P2P Funding: New Evidence from China*
Authors: Xu Junhui , Hilliard Jitka , Barth James R.
Published: November 2018

This paper examines the role of education in China's fast‐growing peer‐to‐peer (P2P) lending market. The level of education, as part of a borrower's profile, is an important yet relatively neglected factor that can affect both the demand and supply of credit in an increasingly more technologically oriented marketplace. With this in mind, we test the relationship between a borrower's education level and the interest rate, loan amount, and loan maturity based on more than 10,000 transactions from Renrendai.com. Controlling for a variety of other factors, we find on average that an individual with a higher education level obtains a lower interest rate, larger loan amount, and longer maturity. In contrast, less educated individuals pay higher interest rates, obtain smaller loans, and for shorter time periods.
Perceptions and experiences of diabetic foot ulceration and foot care in people with diabetes: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Coffey Laura , Mahon Conor , Gallagher Pamela
Published: November 2018

Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a common and debilitating complication of diabetes that is preventable through active engagement in appropriate foot‐related behaviours, yet many individuals with diabetes do not adhere to foot care recommendations. The aim of this paper was to synthesise the findings of qualitative papers exploring diabetic people's perceptions and experiences of DFU in order to identify how they could be better supported to prevent ulceration or manage its impact. Five databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science) were searched in May 2016 to identify eligible articles. Findings were synthesised using a meta‐ethnographic approach. Forty‐two articles were eligible for inclusion. Synthesis resulted in the development of five overarching themes: personal understandings of diabetic foot ulceration; preventing diabetic foot ulceration: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours; views on health care experiences; development of diabetic foot ulceration and actions taken; and wide‐ranging impacts of diabetic foot ulceration. The findings highlight various barriers and facilitators of foot care experienced by people with diabetes and demonstrate the significant consequences of ulcers for their physical, social, and psychological well‐being. The insights provided could inform the development of interventions to promote foot care effectively and provide appropriate support to those living with ulceration.
Drought‐induced osmotic adjustment and changes in carbohydrate distribution in leaves and flowers of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Pilon Cristiane , Loka Dimitra , Snider John L. , Oosterhuis Derrick M.
Published: November 2018

Research has indicated osmotic adjustment as a mechanism by which leaves and roots of cotton plants overcome a drought period. However, the relevance of this mechanism in reproductive tissues of modern cultivars under drought has not been fully investigated. The objectives of this study were to measure osmoregulation and carbohydrate balance in reproductive tissues and their subtending leaves grown under water‐deficit conditions. Two cotton cultivars were grown under controlled environment and field conditions. Plants were exposed to water‐deficit stress at peak flowering, approximately 70 days after planting. Measurements included stomatal conductance, proline concentration, soluble carbohydrates and starch concentration, and water potential components. Stomatal conductance of drought‐stressed plants was significantly lower compared to control, while osmotic adjustment occurred in reproductive tissues and their subtending leaves by different primary mechanisms. Pistils accumulated higher sucrose levels, maintaining cell turgor in plants exposed to drought at similar levels to those in well‐watered plants. However, subtending leaves lowered osmotic potential and maintained cell turgor by accumulating more proline. Soluble carbohydrates and starch concentration in leaves were more affected by drought than those of floral tissues, with corresponding reduction in dry matter, suggesting that flowers are more buffered from water‐deficit conditions than the adjacent leaves.
Designating “hot” items in multiple‐choice questions—A strategy for reviewing course materials
Authors: Hsia Yen‐Teh , Jong Bin‐Shyan , Lin Tsong‐Wuu , Liao Ji‐Yang
Published: November 2018

Suppose learners use their free time to go online to review course materials, and they do so by taking optional tests that consist of multiple‐choice questions (MCQs). What will happen if, for every practice question, there is always a choice (out of four possible choices) that is marked as “the (current) hot choice?” Will this make any difference in learning effects? To answer this question, an educational experiment was conducted. It was found that “hot designations” helped the experimental group perform significantly better in both the immediate post‐test exam and a delayed post‐test exam and that learners with higher levels of initial knowledge benefited more from this review strategy. From the results of a follow‐up questionnaire and one‐on‐one interviews, it was found that the proposed review strategy promoted a more thorough thinking style in subjects of the experimental group.
Prediction models for the incidence and progression of periodontitis: A systematic review
Authors: Du Mi , Bo Tao , Kapellas Kostas , Peres Marco A
Published: November 2018

Aims

To comprehensively review, identify and critically assess the performance of models predicting the incidence and progression of periodontitis.

Methods

Electronic searches of the MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, DOSS, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest databases, and hand searching of reference lists and citations were conducted. No date or language restrictions were used. The Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies checklist was followed when extracting data and appraising the selected studies.

Results

Of the 2,560 records, five studies with 12 prediction models and three risk assessment studies were included. The prediction models showed great heterogeneity precluding meta‐analysis. Eight criteria were identified for periodontitis incidence and progression. Four models from one study examined the incidence, while others assessed progression. Age, smoking and diabetes status were common predictors used in modelling. Only two studies reported external validation. Predictive performance of the models (discrimination and calibration) was unable to be fully assessed or compared quantitatively. Nevertheless, most models had “good” ability to discriminate between people at risk for periodontitis.

Conclusions

Existing predictive modelling approaches were identified. However, no studies followed the recommended methodology, and almost all models were characterized by a generally poor level of reporting.
Modification of glass ionomer cements on their physical‐mechanical and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Ching Hii S. , Luddin Norhayati , Kannan Thirumulu P. , Ab Rahman Ismail , Abdul Ghani Nik R. N.
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this review was to provide an insight about the factors affecting the properties of glass ionomer cements and provides a review regarding studies that are related to modification of glass ionomer cements to improve their properties, particularly on physical‐mechanical and antimicrobial activity.

Methods

PubMed and Science Direct were searched for papers published between the years 1974 and 2018. The search was restricted to articles written in English related to modification of glass ionomer cements. Only articles published in peer‐reviewed journals were included. The search included literature reviews, in vitro, and in vivo studies. Articles written in other languages, without available abstracts and those related to other field were excluded. About 198 peer‐review articles in the English language were reviewed.

Conclusion

Based on the finding, most of the modification has improved physical‐mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements. Recently, researchers have attempted to improve their antimicrobial properties. However, the attempts were reported to compromise the physical‐mechanical properties of modified glass ionomer cements.

Clinical significance

As the modification of glass ionomer cement with different material improved the physical‐mechanical and antimicrobial properties, it could be used as restorative material for wider application in dentistry.
Effect of light absence or attenuation on biaxial flexural strength of dual‐polymerized resin cements after short‐ and long‐term storage
Authors: Lima Renally B. W. , Murillo‐Gómez Fabián , Sartori Cristiana G. , De Góes Mário F.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate whether biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of dual resin cements is affected by light absence or attenuation, storage time, or cements' chemical nature.

Materials and methods

One hundred and twenty disk‐shaped specimens were made from each cement (non‐self‐adhesive cement and self‐adhesive cement) using Teflon molds on a controlled temperature surface (35°C). Specimens were polymerized as follows (N = 30): self‐cured, directly light‐cured, light‐cured at a distance of 6 mm between the light tip and the specimen, and through a 6‐mm thick composite resin barrier (indirectly light‐cured). Each group was divided (N = 10) for storage purposes (15 minutes, 24 hours, and 6 months). Specimens were placed into a biaxial‐flexure jig and a vertical load was applied until failure. The BFS values were subjected to generalized linear models statistical analysis and Weibull distributions (α = 0.05).

Results

After 15 minutes aging, neither material achieved enough polymerization to perform the BFS test when polymerized using the self‐curing mode. The self‐adhesive product demonstrated much lower variation in strength with storage time than did the non‐self‐curing cement.

Conclusions

Attenuated/light‐curing reduced BFS values only for 15‐minutes storage period for both materials. Flexural strength of the self‐adhesive cement was less affected by light absence/attenuation and storage time.

Clinical significance

Biaxial flexural strength of a self‐adhesive resin cement is less sensitive to variation in light application and storage time than is a non‐self‐adhesive cement.
SSC prediction of cherry tomatoes based on IRIV‐CS‐SVR model and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Jun Sun , Yating Li , Xiaohong Wu , Chunxia Dai , Yong Chen
Published: November 2018

As one of the most important indexes of internal quality testing of fruit, soluble solids content (SSC) is significant for its rapid and efficient nondestructive testing by using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). In this article, 126 cherry tomatoes were selected as the research object. Reflectance spectra data of 228 bands in cherry tomatoes were acquired by the near infrared spectrometer and SSC was measured by the hand‐held refractometer. Savitzky–Golay (SG) combined with multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) was used to preprocess the spectral data to reduce the effects of light scattering and other noise. Then, the dimensions of spectral data were reduced by iteratively retaining informative variables (IRIV) algorithm and 10 characteristic wavelengths were obtained, which were 1,080.37, 1,113.62, 1,117.3, 1,297.57, 1,301.02, 1,538.32, 1,540.40, 1,590.72, 1,615.94, and 1,636.89 nm, respectively. Subsequently, support vector regression (SVR) and its two optimization models, PSO‐SVR and CS‐SVR, were respectively used to establish SSC prediction models based on full spectra and characteristic spectra. The experimental results showed the IRIV‐CS‐SVR model for SSC prediction achieved the accuracy with of 0.9718 and of 0.9845. Thus, it is feasible to use NIRS with IRIV‐CS‐SVR to make a rapid and efficient nondestructive SSC prediction of cherry tomatoes.

Practical applications

As one of the important testing standards of fruit internal quality, SSC is of great significance for the rapid and efficient nondestructive testing. In this article, an iteratively retaining information variables (IRIV) algorithm is proposed to extract the characteristic wavelengths, and a regression model CS‐SVR is established by combining the optimization algorithm cuckoo search (CS). This study shows that the model IRIV‐CS‐SVR has a certain effect on SSC prediction of cherry tomatoes.
The relationship between a cirrhosis‐specific comorbidity scoring system and healthcare utilization patterns
Authors: Dashputre Ankur A , Nemecek Branden D , Kamal Khalid M , Covvey Jordan R
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Patients with liver cirrhosis are impacted by comorbidities that affect healthcare utilization and survival. The study objective was to assess the relationship between a cirrhosis‐specific comorbidity scoring system (CirCom) and healthcare utilization among patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using electronic medical records from a large academic‐based healthcare network. Patients aged 18–90 years with at least one International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for cirrhosis (571.2/571.5) between 2009 and 2014, and at least 180 pre‐index and 365 days of post‐index electronic medical record data were included. Patients were assigned CirCom scores based on comorbidities observed at/before index cirrhosis diagnosis. All‐cause/cirrhosis‐specific outpatient/hospital utilization was assessed post‐index diagnosis across 1 year. Predictors of utilization (age, sex, race, body mass index, etiology, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease, and CirCom) were assessed using negative binomial and Poisson regression with robust standard errors.

Results

A total of 957 patients were included. Healthcare utilization according to CirCom demonstrated a positive linear relationship for both all‐cause outpatient/hospital utilization, but no relationship was evident for cirrhosis‐specific utilization. Increased CirCom was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause utilization for both outpatient (relative risk [RR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–2.07) and hospital (RR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.38–2.12) utilization. However, CirCom showed a statistically non‐significant association for cirrhosis‐specific outpatient (RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.91–1.29) and cirrhosis‐specific hospital (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.67–1.13) utilization.

Conclusions

CirCom failed to predict cirrhosis‐specific healthcare utilization but did positively predict all‐cause utilization for both outpatient and hospital services and therefore may be useful in risk assessment and management of cirrhosis.
Three‐dimensional analysis of shape variations and symmetry of the fibula, tibia, calcaneus and talus
Authors: Tümer Nazlı , Arbabi Vahid , Gielis Willem Paul , de Jong Pim A. , Weinans Harrie , Tuijthof Gabrielle J. M. , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: November 2018

The bones forming the talocrural joint (TCJ) and subtalar joint (STJ) are often assumed to be bilaterally symmetric. Therefore, the contralateral limb (i.e. the fibula, tibia, calcaneus and talus) is used as a template or an intra‐subject control in clinical and research practice. However, the validity of the symmetry assumption is controversial, because insufficient information is available on the shape variations and bilateral (a)symmetry of the fibula, tibia, calcaneus and talus. Using three‐dimensional spatially dense sampled representations of bone shapes extracted from bilateral computed tomography scans of 66 individuals (55 male, mean age: 61 ± 10 years; 11 female, mean age: 53 ± 15 years), we analyzed whether: (i) similar shape patterns exist in the left and right bones of the same type; (ii) gender has an effect on bone shape variations; (iii) intra‐subject shape variation is smaller than that of inter‐subject for a given shape variance direction. For the first set of analyses, all left and right instances of the same type of bone were considered as two separate groups, and statistically compared with each other on multiple aspects including group location (central tendency), variance‐covariance scale (dispersion) and orientation (covariance structure) using distance‐based permutational tests. For the second and third sets of analyses, all left and right bones of the same type were pooled into one group, and shape variations in the TCJ and STJ bones were extracted using principal component analysis. The effects of gender on age‐adjusted bone shape differences were assessed using an analysis of covariance. Moreover, intra‐class correlation was employed to evaluate intra‐ and inter‐subject bone shape variations. For each bone type, both sides had similar shape patterns (Ppermutational‐values > 0.05). After Bonferroni adjustment, gender led to shape differences, which were mainly in the lateral and medial condyles of the tibia (P = 0.003), the length and height of the calcaneus (P < 0.001), the posterior and anterior talar articular surfaces of the calcaneus (P = 0.001), and in the posterior aspect of the talus (P = 0.001). Intra‐subject shape variations in the tibial tuberosity together with the diameter of the tibia, and the curvature of the fibula shaft and the diameter of the fibula were as high as those of inter‐subject. This result suggests that the shape symmetry assumption could be violated for some specific shape variations in the fibula and tibia.
Fractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment for axillary osmidrosis: A minimally invasive procedure
Authors: Lin Li , Huo Ran , Bi Jianhai , Meng Zhen , Cao Yongqian
Published: November 2018

Background

Axillary osmidrosis is a distressing condition that can reduce quality of life and lead to personal and social problems. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) treatment is a new minimally invasive procedure.

Objective

We sought to assess retrospectively the efficacy and safety of FMR treatment for axillary osmidrosis compared with subcutaneous surgery in a Chinese population.

Methods

In total, 48 and 42 patients receiving FMR treatment and subcutaneous surgery, respectively, were recruited. The treatments were assessed in terms of efficacy, complications, and malodor recurrence. Patient satisfaction and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were also evaluated.

Results

In total, 93.75% of patients in the FMR group and all patients in the surgery group showed good‐to‐excellent improvement in osmidrosis (P > 0.05). The patients’ satisfaction in the FMR group was significantly higher than that in the surgery group at 1 month after treatment, but there were no differences between the two groups at the 3rd and 6th months (P > 0.05). The DLQI score was significantly decreased after both treatments. Two patients in the surgery group experienced hemorrhage complications, and no patients in the FMR group showed severe adverse effects. There was no significant difference in the malodor recurrence rate between the groups.

Conclusions

Fractional microneedling radiofrequency treatment offers a safe and effective method for treating axillary osmidrosis with minimal recovery time and no strict postoperative immobilization.