bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the 3D printing of recycled ABS, PLA and HIPS thermoplastics for structural applications
Authors: Kumar Ranvijay , Singh Rupinder , Farina Ilenia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is an established process to print structural parts of metals, ceramic and polymers. Further, multi-material 3DP has the potentials to be a milestone in rapid manufacturing (RM), customized design and structural applications. Being compatible as functionally graded materials in a single structural form, multi-material-based 3D printed parts can be applied in structural applications to get the benefit of modified properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the established low cost 3DP techniques which can be used for printing functional/ non-functional prototypes in civil engineering applications.

Findings

The present study is focused on multi-material printing of primary recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) in composite form. Thermal (glass transition temperature and heat capacity) and mechanical properties (break load, break strength, break elongation, percentage elongation at break and Young’s modulus) have been analysed to observe the behaviour of multi-material composites prepared by 3DP. This study also highlights the process parameters optimization of FDM supported with photomicrographs.

Originality/value

The present study is focused on multi-material printing of primary recycled ABS, PLA and HIPS in composite form.
Effect of the heat treatment on corrosion and mechanical properties of CoCrMo alloys manufactured by selective laser melting
Authors: Zhang Mingkang , Yang Yongqiang , Song Changhui , Bai Yuchao , Xiao Zefeng
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the heat treatment influence on the corrosion resistance, adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and mechanical properties of CoCrMo alloys manufactured by the selective laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

CoCrMo alloys were manufactured using the Dimetal-100 machine. X-ray diffraction (XRD), metallographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical corrosion, Vickers microhardness and tensile tests were used to characterize SLM-produced CoCrMo alloys and compare them with the ones manufactured by casting and with the ASTM F75 standard.

Findings

The electrochemical results showed that SLM900 samples had the best corrosion resistance in artificial saliva. The adhesion results showed least propagation and overall quantity of Streptococcus mutans on the SLM900 sample. The microhardness, tensile and yield strength of As-SLM, SLM900 and SLM1200D samples were measured according to the ASTM F75 standard. The elongation of SLM900 was less than 8 per cent, which does not meet the standard specifications. Analysis of the fracture morphology showed that the fracture mechanisms of As-SLM and SLM1200D belong to the quasi-cleavage fracture type, and the mechanical fracture mechanism of SLM900 can be characterized as brittle fracture.

Originality/value

This paper presents the adhesion properties of Streptococcus mutans on the surface of CoCrMo alloys manufactured by SLM and proposes how to regulate the effect of the heat treatment on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of CoCrMo alloys manufactured by SLM.
The effect of customer citizenship in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on purchase intention: the important role of the CSR image
Authors: Lee Eun-Mi , Yoon Sung-Joon
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the corporate social responsibility (CSR) image of a firm is influenced by consumer citizenship and the consumer’s involvement in CSR and the extent to which this affects purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 304 usable responses were obtained from a sample of 313 consumers who were 18 years of age or older.

Findings

The result of study indicates that consumer citizenship and involvement in CSR activities have significant effects on CSR image, and that consumer citizenship has a significant effect on involvement in CSR activities. CSR image also has a positive effect on product attitude but no significant influence on purchase intention.

Originality/value

The consumer perception of a firm’s CSR image is an important factor to consider while implementing CSR strategies; therefore, it is strategically important to understand the antecedents and consequences of creating a positive CSR image because of its effect on the responsible purchasing behavior of people who adhere to strong consumer citizenship.
Longevity and life history coevolve with oxidative stress in birds
Authors: Vágási Csongor I. , Vincze Orsolya , Pătraș Laura , Osváth Gergely , Pénzes Janka , Haussmann Mark F. , Barta Zoltán , Pap Péter L.
Published: October 2018

The mechanisms that underpin the evolution of ageing and life histories remain elusive. Oxidative stress, which results in accumulated cellular damages, is one of the mechanisms suggested to play a role.

In this paper, we set out to test the “oxidative stress theory of ageing” and the “oxidative stress hypothesis of life histories” using a comprehensive phylogenetic comparison based on an unprecedented dataset of oxidative physiology in 88 free‐living bird species.

We show for the first time that bird species with longer lifespan have higher non‐enzymatic antioxidant capacity and suffer less oxidative damage to their lipids. We also found that bird species featuring a faster pace‐of‐life either have lower non‐enzymatic antioxidant capacity or are exposed to higher levels of oxidative damage, while adult annual mortality does not relate to oxidative state.

These results reinforce the role of oxidative stress in the evolution of lifespan and also corroborate the role of oxidative state in the evolution of life histories among free‐living birds.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Transversus abdominis plane block under laparoscopic guide versus port‐site local anaesthetic infiltration in laparoscopic excision of endometriosis: a double‐blind randomised placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kargar R , Minas V , Gorgin‐Karaji A , Shadjoo K , Padmehr R , Mohazzab A , Enzevaei A , Samimi‐Sadeh S , Kamali K , Khazali S
Published: October 2018

Objective

To compare the efficiency of laparoscopically guided transversus abdominis plane block (LTAP) versus port‐site local anaesthetic infiltration (LAI) in reducing postoperative pain following laparoscopic excision of endometriosis.

Design

A prospective, double‐blind randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A tertiary referral centre for endometriosis and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.

Population

Women undergoing laparoscopic excision of endometriosis from December 2015 through July 2016.

Methods

Participants were randomised to receive: port‐site infiltration with bupivacaine and placebo LTAP (LAI group, n = 21); placebo port‐site infiltration and LTAP with bupivacaine (LTAP group, n = 24); placebo port‐site infiltration and placebo LTAP (placebo group, n = 25).

Main outcome measures

Post‐operative pain at 2–4, 6–8, 10–12 and 24 hours, analgesic requirements, TAP block‐related complications and opioid‐related adverse effects.

Results

There were no differences in patient characteristics between the groups. In comparison with placebo, both LTAP and LAI groups had significantly less pain at 2–4, 6–8, and 10–12 hours (median 3, 3, 3.5 versus 3, 6, 4 versus 8, 8, 7 for LTAP, LAI, and placebo, respectively, P < 0.05). Median differences (and 95% confidence intervals) were as follows; LTAP versus placebo −5 (−6 to −4), −4 (−5 to −3), −3 (−4 to −0.5); LAI versus placebo −4 (−5 to −2), −2 (−3 to −0.5), −1 (−4 to −0.5) at 2–4, 6–8 and 10–12 hours, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the LTAP and LAI groups.

Conclusions

Laparoscopically guided transversus abdominis plane block and LAI both reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic excision of endometriosis, compared with placebo. We found no differences in effect between LTAP and LAI.

Tweetable abstract

TAP block and port‐site local infiltration are both effective in reducing postoperative pain in major gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.
Managing Infrastructure in the Stream Environment
Authors: Sholtes Joel S. , Ubing Caroline , Randle Timothy J. , Fripp Jon , Cenderelli Daniel , Baird Drew C.
Published: October 2018

Riverine infrastructure provides essential services for the operation and development of the world's nations and their economies. When much of this infrastructure was built in the United States, fluvial processes and stream ecology were not well understood, putting it in conflict with and at risk from the stream environment. High maintenance costs are often required to keep such infrastructure viable and some of it has led to the degradation of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. This commentary paper lays the foundation for infrastructure designers and managers to build and manage infrastructure in a manner both resilient to riverine hazards and more compatible with aquatic and riparian ecosystem needs. We introduce fundamental fluvial geomorphic and ecosystem concepts and provide a decision‐making framework to replace or repair existing infrastructure or build new infrastructure. Common management challenges associated with 11 riverine infrastructure types are discussed and we provide suggestions on how each infrastructure type can be better built and managed within stream corridors. We close with a discussion on managing infrastructure under future hydrologic uncertainty and in response to natural disasters.
Race and sex differences in rates of diabetic complications
Authors: Shen Yun , Shi Lizheng , Nauman Elizabeth , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Price‐Haywood Eboni G. , Yin Ping , Bazzano Alessandra N. , Nigam Somesh , Hu Gang
Published: October 2018

Background

Studies on racial differences in diabetic complications are very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the race and sex differences in diabetic complications between African Americans and Whites with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Louisiana.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed of 27 113 African Americans and 40 431 Whites with T2D who were 35 to 95 years of age from three healthcare systems located in south Louisiana. Four major diabetic complications were assessed: coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, stroke, and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Results

The age‐ and sex‐adjusted incident rates per 1000 person‐years and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CHD, heart failure, stroke, and ESRD for African Americans with diabetes were 43.1 (95% CI 41.6‐44.6), 36.6 (95% CI 35.2‐37.9), 29.6 (95% CI 28.4‐30.8), and 38.3 (95% CI 36.9‐39.7), respectively. Cox regression models showed that African American women had a higher risk than White women for heart failure (hazard ratio (HR) 1.26; 95% CI 1.18‐1.34), stroke (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.08‐1.22), and ESRD (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.24‐1.40), whereas African American men had higher risks than White men for heart failure (HR 1.33; 95% CI 1.25‐1.43) and ESRD (HR 1.47; 95% CI 1.37‐1.57) but a lower risk of CHD (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.83‐0.94).

Conclusions

The incidence of major diabetic complications varied among difference race and sex groups. More race‐ or sex‐specific studies on complications in patients with diabetes are needed to see whether incident rates are changing over time.
A comparison of joint species distribution models for presence–absence data
Authors: Wilkinson David P. , Golding Nick , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Tingley Reid , McCarthy Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) account for biotic interactions and missing environmental predictors in correlative species distribution models. Several different JSDMs have been proposed in the literature, but the use of different or conflicting nomenclature and statistical notation potentially obscures similarities and differences among them. Furthermore, new JSDM implementations have been illustrated with different case studies, preventing direct comparisons of computational and statistical performance.

We aim to resolve these outstanding issues by (a) highlighting similarities among seven presence–absence JSDMs using a clearly defined, singular notation; and (b) evaluating the computational and statistical performance of each JSDM using six datasets that vary widely in numbers of sites, species, and environmental covariates considered.

Our singular notation shows that many of the JSDMs are very similar, and in turn parameter estimates of different JSDMs are moderate to strongly, positively correlated. In contrast, the different JSDMs clearly differ in computational efficiency and memory limitations.

Our framework will allow ecologists to make educated decisions about the JSDM that best suits their objective, and enable wider uptake of JSDM methods among the ecological community.
Optimizing release strategies: a stepping‐stone approach to reintroduction
Authors: Lloyd N. A. , Hostetter N. J. , Jackson C. L. , Converse S. J. , Moehrenschlager A.
Published: October 2018

Evaluation of alternative management strategies enables informed decisions to accelerate species recovery. For reintroductions, post‐release survival to reproductive age is a key parameter influencing population growth. Here, we trial a ‘stepping‐stone’ method to maximize the success of captive‐bred animals when the availability of more suitable wild‐born release candidates is limited. Our approach makes use of relatively safe and established wild populations to prepare captive‐bred individuals for eventual translocation to a final release destination, thus building resilience through establishment of multiple populations over time. We developed a novel multievent model integrating encounter history and biotelemetry data to evaluate reintroduction strategies for the critically endangered Vancouver Island marmot Marmota vancouverensis. We compared post‐release survival of 176 individuals (52 wild‐born, 47 captive‐bred marmots released directly to destinations, and 77 captive‐bred marmots released with a stepping‐stone approach). Survival estimates to prime breeding‐age (PBA), were then used to quantify expected success of potential release strategies. Our analysis indicates that post‐release survival varies by source population and release method, as well as age, season, year, and years since release. Conditional on an objective of maximizing survival to PBA, our results suggest that using wild‐born marmots for translocations as often as possible, and stepping‐stone captive‐bred marmots prior to final release, will result in the best outcomes. There was a 0.86 probability that survival to PBA was greater for captive‐bred marmots released as yearlings using a stepping‐stone approach (survival to PBA mode = 0.13, 95% CRI = 0.05–0.30) than for captive‐bred animals that were directly released to destination sites as one‐year‐olds (survival to PBA mode = 0.04, 95% CRI = 0.01–0.24). Consequently, the stepping‐stone approach yields much higher population establishment or growth potential than previous release strategies that used captive‐bred marmots. Optimizing the combination of release candidates, sites and timing can thereby increase the effectiveness of reintroductions.
Assessing the impact of alcohol taxation on rates of violent victimization in a large urban area: an agent‐based modeling approach
Authors: Keyes Katherine M. , Shev Aaron , Tracy Melissa , Cerdá Magdalena
Published: October 2018

Aims

To use simulation to estimate the impact of alcohol taxation on drinking, non‐fatal violent victimization and homicide in New York City (NYC). We simulate the heterogeneous effects of alcohol price elasticities by income, level of consumption and beverage preferences, and examine whether taxation can reduce income inequalities in alcohol‐related violence.

Design

Agent‐based modeling simulation.

Setting

NYC, USA.

Participants

Adult population aged 18–64 years in the year 2000 in the 59 community districts of NYC. The population of 256 500 agents approximates a 5% sample of the NYC population.

Measurements

Agents were parameterized through a series of rules that governed alcohol consumption and engagement in violence. Six taxation interventions were implemented based on extensive reviews and meta‐analyses, increasing universal alcohol tax by 1, 5 and 10%, and beer tax by 1, 5 and 10%.

Findings

Under no tax increase, approximately 12.2% [95% credible interval (prediction interval, PI) = 12.1–12.3%] were heavy drinkers. Taxation decreased the proportion of heavy drinkers; a 10% tax decreased heavy drinking to 9.6% (95% PI = 9.4–9.8). Beer taxes had the strongest effect on population consumption. Taxation influenced those in the lowest income groups more than the highest income groups. Alcohol‐related homicide decreased from 3.22 per 100 000 (95% PI = 2.50–3.73) to 2.40 per 100 000 under a 10% universal tax (95% PI = 1.92–2.94). This translates into an anticipated benefit of ~1200 lives/year.

Conclusion

Reductions in alcohol consumption in a large urban environment such as New York City can be sustained with modest increases in universal taxation. Alcohol tax increases also have a modest effect on alcohol‐related violent victimization. Taxation policies reduce income inequalities in alcohol‐related violence.
Defining peri‐operative anaemia in pregnant women – challenging the status quo
Authors: Ferguson M. T. , Dennis A. T.
Published: October 2018

Peri‐operative anaemia is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Anaemia during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, and postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Caesarean section is an operation incurring moderate risk of bleeding, and rates are rising globally. Recent international consensus guidelines recommend targeting a pre‐operative haemoglobin > 130 g.l−1 for all patients having surgery with moderate‐to‐high risk of bleeding, regardless of sex. It is unclear how this recommendation translates to pregnant women, where anaemia is defined at a much lower haemoglobin level of < 110 g.l−1. Long‐standing definitions of anaemia during pregnancy are likely to be the result of flawed sampling of a so‐called ‘normal’ but anaemic female population, given the high prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia in healthy menstruating women. Contemporary data suggest that haemoglobin values in iron‐replete pregnant women are higher than previously thought. The definition of anaemia has significant clinical implications, particularly for peri‐operative management of women undergoing caesarean section. In addition, we should differentiate between lower reference values and optimal haemoglobin targets. The haemoglobin level associated with optimal obstetric and neonatal outcomes requires further investigation in pregnant women.
Mifepristone mediates anti‐proliferative effect on ovarian mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from female BRCA1−/2− carriers
Authors: Ponandai‐Srinivasan Sakthivignesh , Lalitkumar Parameswaran G. , Garcia Laura , Varghese Suby Jo , Carlson Joseph W. , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Floter Radestad Angelique
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Women with hereditary mutation in breast cancer‐associated genes (BRCA1−/2−) have a higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of mifepristone, a selective progesterone receptor modulator of ovarian mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) from BRCA1−/2− carriers.

Material and methods

Ovarian BRCA1−/2− MSC were positively selected using the markers CD90, CD73 and CD105 from nine healthy women. The effect of dose response and combination treatment with mifepristone and analogs of progesterone‐ or glucocorticoid‐receptors were investigated on BRCA1−/2− MSC in vitro using a panel of markers for proliferation (ki67, BrdU, CDK2, p21CIP), apoptosis (BAX, BCL2, CASPASE3), tumor suppression (TP53, PTEN) and cell survival (PI3KCA, MAPK3, mTOR).

Results

The dose response with mifepristone treatment suggested an optimal effect with 10 μm mifepristone, exhibiting >90% viability and significantly reducing growth signaling markers (TP53 and MAPK3). Furthermore, combined treatment with progesterone plus mifepristone (PG+MIFE) gave an enhanced anti‐proliferative effect in comparison with hydrocortisone plus mifepristone (HC+MIFE) by significantly reducing markers of proliferation (BrdU+ and Ki67 expression) and tumor suppressors (PTEN, TP53), and increasing the percentage of pro‐apoptotic cells. Consequently, accumulation of p21CIP together with reduced levels of CDK2 confirms growth inhibition by reversibly arresting cell‐cycle progression at the G1‐S phase, not by inducing apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our study showed an anti‐proliferative effect on ovarian BRCA1−/2− MSC on in vitro combined treatment with mifepristone and progesterone. These findings suggest that mifepristone or other selective progesterone receptor modulators could be developed as a preventive treatment and postpone early use of prophylactic salpingo‐oophorectomy as well as reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Follow‐up study of the early, randomised paracetamol trial to preterm infants, found no adverse reactions at the two‐years corrected age
Authors: Juujärvi S , Kallankari H , Pätsi P , Leskinen M , Saarela T , Hallman M , Aikio O
Published: October 2018

Aim

We examined the long‐term outcomes and safety of early intravenous paracetamol for ductus arteriosus closure at a corrected age of two years.

Methods

This was a follow‐up of the 2013–2014 randomised, double‐blind Preterm Infant's Paracetamol Study at Oulu University Hospital, Finland, which recruited 48 very preterm infants within 24 hours of birth. They received intravenous paracetamol or a placebo for four days. In 2015–2017, we followed up 44 infants (92%) at two years of corrected age. This included clinical and neurodevelopmental assessments and a parental medical history questionnaire.

Results

The 44 infants (55% boys) were born at 235–316 weeks of gestation. No differences in the cardiac parameters, including blood pressures and ultrasound scan results, were found. Neurodevelopmental stages, as quantified by the Griffiths test, were similar. No signs of autism were reported. Asthma medication was more common in the control group, but the difference was not significant. Atopy scores, numbers of infections and the use of public health services were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

No long‐term adverse reactions of early intravenous paracetamol were detected two years later. Larger trials are needed on the safety and efficacy of paracetamol prophylaxis for early ductal closure in very preterm infants.
Blue Revolution or Red Herring? Fish Farming and Development Discourse in the Philippines
Authors: Kelly Philip F.
Published: October 2018

This paper argues that the discourses of development underpinning aquaculture as a development strategy are flawed because they neglect the impacts of fish farming on the local resource base and those social groups dependent upon it. The Philippine government has promoted aquaculture for over two decades, viewing it as a key component of national economic recovery. But field work in the Batan municipality of the Philippines reveals that the ‘common sense’ behind aquaculture is severely undermined when its effects on the physical environment and people in the vicinity of fishponds are examined.
Lack of correlation between the costs of anticancer drugs and clinical benefits in Japan
Authors: Satoh Etsuko , Sasaki Yasutsuna , Ohkuma Ryotaro , Takahashi Takehiro , Kubota Yutaro , Ishida Hiroo , Hamada Kazuyuki , Kiuchi Yuji , Tsunoda Takuya
Published: October 2018

Both overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) are primary endpoints of phase III studies of new anticancer drugs. Medical care expenditures, especially oncology drug prices, are rapidly increasing; however, the impact of oncology drug prices on OS and PFS is unclear. We analyzed the relationship between oncology drug prices and clinical outcomes in Japan. The costs of a full course or 1 year of treatment were estimated on the basis of the latest National Health Insurance Drug Price Standards, and the relationship between costs and improvements in OS or PFS obtained with each drug were analyzed. Cost‐effectiveness was compared between new‐class drugs and next‐in‐class drugs. We then developed a simple model for estimating the costs required to prolong OS and PFS by 1 day and used this model to compare cost‐effectiveness. Drug costs were not significantly related to treatment outcomes in terms of PFS or OS. There was no significant difference in the median cost between novel drugs and the next‐in‐class drugs (P = 0.39). The oncology drug cost required to prolong PFS by 1 day was more expensive than the drug cost required for prolong OS by 1 day. Prices of oncology drugs should be decided on the basis of actual clinical benefits for cancer patients, and the drug price evaluation process should be disclosed in Japan.
Developmental Precursors of Relational Aggression From Late Childhood Through Adolescence
Authors: Aizpitarte Alazne , Atherton Olivia E. , Zheng Lucy R. , Alonso‐Arbiol Itziar , Robins Richard W.
Published: October 2018

Relational aggression—a psychological form of aggression—has numerous negative consequences for physical and emotional health. However, little is known about the risk factors that lead youth to engage in relational aggression. Using multimethod data from a longitudinal research of 674 Mexican‐origin youth, this study examined the influence of parents, siblings, and peers on the development of relational aggression. Increases in relational aggression from age 10 to 16 were associated with: (a) low levels of parental monitoring and (b) increased association with deviant peers and siblings. These results held across gender and nativity status. The findings suggest that multiple socialization agents contribute to the development of relational aggression. We discuss the practical implications for reducing relational aggression during adolescence.
Integrating psychosocial support into routine diabetes care: perspectives from participants at the Self‐Management Alliance meeting 2016
Authors: Joensen L. , Fisher L. , Skinner T. , Doherty Y. , Willaing I.
Published: October 2018

Aims

To identify challenges and solutions to integrating psychosocial support into routine diabetes care from the perspective of stakeholders with expertise in diabetes self‐management education and support.

Methods

Ninety‐four people attended the annual international Diabetes Self‐Management Alliance meeting in 2016, which included plenary sessions and workshops on self‐management education, support and prevention. One workshop focused on how to integrate psychosocial support into routine diabetes care; this was run four times consecutively, allowing all conference participants to attend the workshops in groups of 20–25 people.

Results

Challenges and solutions associated with integrating psychosocial support into routine diabetes care concern the patient–provider relationship, the healthcare system and the community. Challenges identified were: lack of time, skills and resources to deal with psychological well‐being; a culture of patient blame and care expectations; the complexity of person‐centred assessment of psychological issues; and the substantial healthcare system focus on productivity and biomedical indicators. Lack of involvement of local communities and of inclusion of social determinants of health were also highlighted as challenging. Solutions identified were more patient–provider dialogue; more training and better skills among care providers; system incentives for psychosocial outcomes; and targeting social determinants of health and involvement of family and peers.

Conclusions

From the perspective of international stakeholders with an expertise in diabetes self‐management and support attending the conference in Denmark, substantial new incentives and systematic cultural changes are needed in healthcare systems to integrate psychosocial support into routine diabetes care, as recommended in international guidelines.
The copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase activity in selected diseases
Authors: Lewandowski Łukasz , Kepinska Marta , Milnerowicz Halina
Published: October 2018

Copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn‐SOD) plays a protective role in various types of tissue protecting them from oxidative damage. Alterations in Cu,Zn‐SOD (SOD1 and SOD3) activity and its expression have been observed in pathological occurrences most prevalent in modern society, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and its implications—diabetes and hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Moreover, several SOD1 and SOD3 gene polymorphisms have been associated with the risk of developing a particular type of disease, or its exacerbation. This article features recent observations in this topic, aiming to show the importance of proper gene sequence and activity of Cu,Zn‐SOD in the aforementioned diseases.
Placebos in the era of open‐label trials: An update for clinicians
Authors: Sagy Iftach , Abres Jonathan , Winnick Ariel , Jotkowitz Alan
Published: October 2018

Placebos have been used extensively by vast numbers of physicians, in a majority of clinical trials. Placebo effects involve behavioural, psychological and genetic factors and have been subject to ethical controversies stemming from the use of deception in treating patients. The patient‐physician encounter, endogenous pharmacological pathways, personality traits and genetic diversity have all been reported to be key players in placebo responses. In the last decade, a new methodological paradigm of placebo research has emerged, using open‐label placebos to investigate their effects which showed promising results for various common medical conditions. In this review, we will summarize the current body of evidence on placebos in clinical practice, with a view to open‐label placebo trials in particular. It is our view that future larger‐scale randomized blinded open placebo trials will benefit physicians and improve patient outcomes.
Scale‐dependent spatial patterns in benthic communities around a tropical island seascape
Authors: Aston Eoghan A. , Williams Gareth J. , Green J. A. Mattias , Davies Andrew J. , Wedding Lisa M. , Gove Jamison M. , Jouffray Jean‐Baptiste , Jones Timothy T. , Clark Jeanette
Published: October 2018

Understanding and predicting patterns of spatial organization across ecological communities is central to the field of landscape ecology, and a similar line of inquiry has begun to evolve sub‐tidally among seascape ecologists. Much of our current understanding of the processes driving marine community patterns, particularly in the tropics, has come from small‐scale, spatially‐discrete data that are often not representative of the broader seascape. Here we expand the spatial extent of seascape ecology studies and combine spatially‐expansive in situ digital imagery, oceanographic measurements, spatial statistics, and predictive modeling to test whether predictable patterns emerge between coral reef benthic competitors across scales in response to intra‐island gradients in physical drivers. We do this around the entire circumference of a remote, uninhabited island in the central Pacific (Jarvis Island) that lacks the confounding effects of direct human impacts. We show, for the first time, that competing benthic groups demonstrate predictable scaling patterns of organization, with positive autocorrelation in the cover of each group at scales < ~1 km. Moreover, we show how gradients in subsurface temperature and surface wave power drive spatially‐abrupt transition points in group dominance, explaining 48–84% of the overall variation in benthic cover around the island. Along the western coast, we documented ten times more sub‐surface cooling‐hours than any other part of the coastline, with events typically resulting in a drop of 1–4°C over a period of < 5 h. These high frequency temperature fluctuations are indicative of upwelling induced by internal waves and here result in localized nitrogen enrichment (NO2 + NO3) that promotes hard coral dominance around 44% of the island's perimeter. Our findings show that, in the absence of confounding direct human impacts, the spatial organization of coral reef benthic competitors are predictable and somewhat bounded across the seascape by concurrent gradients in physical drivers.
Pollen limitation as a main driver of fruiting dynamics in oak populations
Authors: Schermer Éliane , Bel‐Venner Marie‐Claude , Fouchet David , Siberchicot Aurélie , Boulanger Vincent , Caignard Thomas , Thibaudon Michel , Oliver Gilles , Nicolas Manuel , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Delzon Sylvain , Venner Samuel
Published: October 2018

In many perennial wind‐pollinated plants, the dynamics of seed production is commonly known to be highly fluctuating from year to year and synchronised among individuals within populations. The proximate causes of such seeding dynamics, called masting, are still poorly understood in oak species that are widespread in the northern hemisphere, and whose fruiting dynamics dramatically impacts forest regeneration and biodiversity. Combining long‐term surveys of oak airborne pollen amount and acorn production over large‐scale field networks in temperate areas, and a mechanistic modelling approach, we found that the pollen dynamics is the key driver of oak masting. Mechanisms at play involved both internal resource allocation to pollen production synchronised among trees and spring weather conditions affecting the amount of airborne pollen available for reproduction. The sensitivity of airborne pollen to weather conditions might make oak masting and its ecological consequences highly sensitive to climate change.
EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐6D health utility index scores in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Barnett C. , Bril V. , Bayoumi A. M.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Health utilities are a preference‐based method of valuing health states that are used in healthcare research, such as economic evaluations. There are limited health utility valuation data for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of the study was to describe health utilities for patients with MG and different health states, using the EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐6D utility instruments, and to explore clinical and demographic determinants of utilities in this population.

Methods

Patients completed the EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐6D. In addition, patients were assessed with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification, Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index and MG‐QOL15 as disease‐specific measures, and the Neuro‐QoL Fatigue scale. We calculated mean utilities for each Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America severity class. We built regression models for the EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐6D to determine the clinical and demographic factors that determine patients’ valuation of their health state.

Results

Among 254 patients, mean EQ‐5D‐5L health utilities were as follows: Remission, 0.94 ± 0.03; Minimal Manifestations, 0.92 ± 0.04; Class I, 0.89 ± 0.06; Class II, 0.78 ± 0.16; Class III, 0.58 ± 0.24 and Class IV, 0.61 ± 0.22. Mean SF‐6D health utilities were as follows: Remission, 0.83 ± 0.07; Minimal Manifestations, 0.86 ± 0.14; Class I, 0.82 ± 0.14; Class II, 0.67 ± 0.12; Class III, 0.56 ± 0.11 and Class IV, 0.50 ± 0.10. The limb/axial scores were more highly correlated to health utilities than ocular or bulbar scores.

Conclusions

We present estimates of health utilities for patients with MG that can be used in cost‐utility and decision analyses. Limb/axial symptoms had a higher impact on health utilities than ocular or bulbar symptoms, which might reflect the impact of mobility on health valuation.
Developmental and neurodegenerative damage in Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Rezende T. J. R. , Martinez A. R. M. , Faber I. , Girotto Takazaki K. A. , Martins M. P. , de Lima F. D. , Lopes‐Cendes I. , Cendes F. , França M. C.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the most common autosomal‐recessive ataxia worldwide. It is characterized by early onset, sensory abnormalities and slowly progressive ataxia. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based studies have focused on the evaluation of adult patients. Therefore, we designed a cross‐sectional multimodal MRI‐based study to investigate the anatomical substrates involved in the early stages of FRDA.

Methods

We enrolled 37 patients (12 children) and 38 controls. All subjects underwent MRI in a 3T device to assess gray and white matter. We used measures from FreeSurfer and CERES to evaluate the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. The T1 multiatlas assessed deep gray matter. The diffusion tensor imaging multiatlas was used to investigate microstructural abnormalities in brain white matter and SpineSeg was used to assess the cervical spinal cord. All analyses were corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

Comparison with age‐matched controls showed that pediatric patients have spinal cord, inferior cerebellar peduncle and red nucleus damage. In contrast, adult patients showed more widespread white matter damage than pediatric patients. With regard to gray matter, we found cortical thinning at the left central sulcus and volumetric reduction in the thalami and hippocampi only in adult patients. Finally, values of fractional anisotropy in adult patients and radial diffusivity in pediatric patients from the inferior cerebellar peduncle correlated with disease duration and ataxia severity, respectively.

Conclusions

Structural damage in FRDA begins in the spinal cord and inferior cerebellar peduncle as well as the red nucleus, and progresses to cerebral areas in adulthood. These results shed some light on the early stages of FRDA and highlight potential neuroimaging markers for therapeutic trials.
Evaluating fisheries systems: A comprehensive analytical framework and its application to the EU's Common Fisheries Policy
Authors: Belschner Tobias , Ferretti Johanna , Strehlow Harry v. , Kraak Sarah B. M. , Döring Ralf , Kraus Gerd , Kempf Alexander , Zimmermann Christopher
Published: October 2018

Despite regular reforms, problems under the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) persist. In order to identify priorities for future reforms of the policy, we developed an analytical framework consisting of 17 criteria and specifying indicators, derived from scientific, wider fisheries, and common resources literature. We applied the framework to the CFP governance system, its regulations, institutions, and processes at EU as well as member state level. The results show that the CFP does not fully meet any of the 17 criteria for an effective resource policy. Its performance was assessed as “neutral” regarding 10 criteria and “negative” regarding seven criteria. Trend analysis shows that there is a slightly positive trend regarding the CFP's performance, with five criteria trending positively, 11 showing a neutral trend and only one criterion trending negatively (simplicity of rules). The analysis identified five criteria which are performing badly and have not improved over time: simplicity of rules, user‐pays principle, resource efficiency, accountability, and compliance mechanisms. Future reforms of the CFP should first and foremost address these criteria while continuing efforts to improve the CFP's performance regarding other criteria. The evaluation of the CFP demonstrates the applicability of the analytical framework which can also be applied to other multilevel fisheries governance systems. Moreover, the results can inform reforms of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. Like the CFP, these institutions manage transboundary fisheries and have not effectively addressed the issues of resource rent capture and resource efficiency.
Sustainable Yield of a Hydrothermal Area: From Theoretical Concepts to the Practical Approach
Authors: Piscopo Vincenzo , Di Luca Stefano , Dimasi Michele , Lotti Francesca
Published: October 2018

Sustainable use of groundwater in the hydrothermal area of Viterbo (Central Italy) was analyzed. In this area, multipurposes utilization of groundwater coexists: several thermal springs and wells supply spas and public pools, cold and fresh water is used for irrigation and drinking‐water. Starting from theoretical concepts, a management plan has been developed to ensure groundwater sustainability in response to the increased demand of withdrawal from thermal wells, by integrating previous hydrogeological studies, new investigations and a new finite‐difference model. The most stringent constraints considered are: to maintain the quality of thermal and fresh waters, to limit the effects on the hydraulic equilibrium existing between overlapping aquifers, to ensure a significant flow to the natural thermal springs and the quality and flow rate of the spring used for drinking purposes. The practical approach included identification of the maximum pumping rate from the wells of the spas, analysis of the response time of the system under development and drafting of a safeguard and monitoring plan. The case examined takes into account the complexity of the task in defining practical measures for groundwater management on the basis of theoretical concepts of its sustainable use. A participative approach among the different water decision‐makers and adaptive management in the use of groundwater resources with different quality represent the key points to overcome conflicts between different users, with the awareness of the ineludible uncertainties of the hydrogeological model.
Expanding the morphological spectrum of ovarian microcystic stromal tumour
Authors: McCluggage W Glenn , Chong Anne‐Sophie , Attygalle Ayoma D , Clarke Blaise A , Chapman William , Rivera Barbara , Foulkes William D
Published: October 2018

Aims

To expand the morphological spectrum of ovarian microcystic stromal tumour, a rare neoplasm considered to have a relatively constant morphology with microcysts, solid cellular regions and hyalinised fibrous stroma.

Methods and results

We report four ovarian neoplasms in patients aged 45, 56, 61 and 71 years with the characteristic immunophenotype of microcystic stromal tumour (diffuse nuclear positivity with beta‐catenin, cyclin D1 and WT1; diffuse cytoplasmic positivity with CD10; negative inhibin, calretinin, oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor). The tumours had variant morphology (diffuse, nested and corded arrangements in three cases, including one with spindle cell elements; nested, corded and tubular in the other). A CTNNB1 point mutation in exon 3 (c.98C>G,p.S33C; c.100G>A,p.G34R; c.97T>G,p.S33A) was present in the three cases with material available for testing.

Conclusions

We feel that the cases we report are related to microcystic stromal tumour but with variant morphology; as such, the morphological spectrum of ovarian microcystic stromal tumour is broader than hitherto reported.
Balanitis xerotica obliterans: a review of diagnosis and management
Authors: Charlton Olivia A. , Smith Saxon D.
Published: October 2018

Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), or penile lichen sclerosus, is a progressive sclerosing inflammatory dermatosis of the glans penis and foreskin. It is associated with significant morbidity and may result in impaired urinary and sexual function. It was initially described by Stuhmer in 1928, named after its pathological features, and is considered the male equivalent of vulvar lichen sclerosis (LS).3,40 The etiology of BXO is uncertain; however, autoimmune disease, local trauma, and genetic and infective causes have been proposed. BXO occurs most commonly on the prepuce and glans penis. It is considered to have premalignant potential to transform into squamous neoplasia. This postulation rests on retrospective studies and parallels drawn with vulvar LS and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development. Histologically, BXO and vulvar LS are considered the same disease.41 There is a paucity of evidence‐based guidelines to assist with appropriate follow‐up for patients with BXO.
Revisiting acquired aplastic anaemia: current concepts in diagnosis and management
Authors: Clucas Danielle B. , Fox Lucy C. , Wood Erica M. , Hong Frank S. , Gibson John , Bajel Ashish , Szer Jeff , Blombery Piers , McQuilten Zoe K. , Hiwase Devendra , Firkin Frank , Cole‐Sinclair Merrole F. ,   on behalf of the Australian Aplastic Anaemia Registry Steering Committee
Published: October 2018

Acquired aplastic anaemia is a rare, serious, immunologically mediated bone marrow failure syndrome, characterised by marrow hypoplasia of varying severity and significant pancytopenia. Careful attention and investigation, including molecular testing, is required to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other mimicking conditions, such as inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. In a proportion of patients, the disease evolves to myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukaemia and in some there is an association with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. The disease has a major impact on patient quality of life. Haemopoietic stem/progenitor cell transplantation for eligible patients with an available donor is the only current curative therapy. Other patients may receive immunosuppression, most commonly with anti‐thymocyte globulin and cyclosporin. An initial response to immunosuppression is often encouraging, but relapse is common. Supportive care, including management of transfusion requirements and infections, is central to management. Promising new diagnostic tools and emerging therapies will likely transform approaches to this important, chronic and life‐threatening condition.
Different phenotypes of non‐classical monocytes associated with systemic inflammation, endothelial alteration and hepatic compromise in patients with dengue
Authors: Naranjo‐Gómez Juan S. , Castillo Jorge Andrés , Rojas Mauricio , Restrepo Berta N. , Diaz Francisco J. , Velilla Paula A. , Castaño Diana
Published: October 2018

Although dengue can progress to severe stages, the exact causes of this phenomenon are unknown; however, the possibility of monocyte participation is acknowledged. It has been suggested that monocyte subsets (classical, intermediate and non‐classical) play differential roles in dengue immunopathology. Therefore, we determined the count of monocyte subsets and obtained the clinical information of patients with dengue. We noted a significant decrease in the count of non‐classical monocytes in patients compared with controls. With this finding, we focused on studying the phenotype of non‐classical monocytes in the present study. An increase in activation and differentiation markers, such as CD64, CD86, the percentage of tumor necrosis factor‐α+ cells and exposure of phosphatidylserine, were recorded in the non‐classical monocytes of patients compared with controls. Moreover, a significant decrease in the expression of CX3CR1 with a corresponding increase in the expressions of CCR2, CCR5, CD11b and CD54 was detected in the non‐classical monocytes of patients in comparison with that of the controls. Significant increases in the frequency of microparticles from endothelium and in the concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8 and IL‐10 were noted in the plasma of patients. These findings demonstrate that in patients with dengue, non‐classical monocytes are activated, exhibiting a phenotype associated with more differentiation, produces tumor necrosis factor‐α and has a profile of less endothelial surveillance closer to the cellular migration. These changes were associated with hepatic compromise, endothelial alteration and high concentration of circulating cytokines. Hence, alterations of non‐classical monocytes seem to be associated with the immunopathology of dengue infection.