bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Associations Between Acculturation and Alcohol Use Outcomes Among Hispanic Americans
Authors: Lui P. Priscilla , Zamboanga Byron L.
Published: July 2018

Acculturation has been studied as one key sociocultural determinant that helps explain ethnic disparities in alcohol use outcomes among Hispanic Americans. Primary studies and other systematic reviews have found between‐study inconsistencies regarding the extent to which acculturation is associated with alcohol use outcomes among Hispanic Americans. To better examine whether acculturation is distinctly linked to drinker status, drinking frequency, volume, intensity, binge drinking, and hazardous alcohol use/drinking problems, and to identify individual and methodological factors that moderate these associations, we conducted a comprehensive research synthesis. A systematic review was conducted on research pertaining to the associations between acculturation and alcohol use among Hispanics. We included 88 independent study samples (N = 68,282) coded from 68 manuscripts published in 1987 to 2017. Standard and robust variance estimation (RVE) meta‐analyses were conducted to calculate the correlations between acculturation and overall alcohol use. We also conducted a series of analyses to examine the weighted mean correlations between acculturation and 6 specific drinking outcomes. We found a statistically significant correlation between acculturation and overall alcohol use (r = 0.09, p < 0.001). Acculturation was associated with drinker status (r = 0.10, p < 0.001), drinking intensity (r = 0.09, p = 0.001), binge drinking (r = 0.05, p = 0.006), and hazardous alcohol use/drinking problems (r = 0.06, p = 0.006), but not drinking frequency (r = 0.02, p = 0.56) or volume (r = 0.01, p = 0.73). Gender, acculturation dimension, acculturation domain, age group, and sampling settings were found to explain between‐study variability in some of these associations. Findings show small relations between acculturation and various alcohol use outcomes, but the effects are relatively more robust among Hispanic women, adults, and when studies measured U.S. cultural orientation, linguistic acculturation, and behavioral practices.
The soluble isoform of human FcɛRI is an endogenous inhibitor of IgE‐mediated mast cell responses
Authors: Moñino‐Romero S. , Erkert L. , Schmidthaler K. , Diesner S. C. , Sallis B. F. , Pennington L. , Jardetzky T. , Oettgen H. C. , Bohle B. , Fiebiger E. , Szépfalusi Z.
Published: July 2018

Background

The soluble isoform of FcɛRI, the high‐affinity IgE receptor (sFcεRI), is a protein of the IgE network with poorly defined functions.

Objective

To define cellular sources and signals that result in the production of human sFcεRI and study its in vivo functions.

Methods

FcεRI‐transfected human cell lines (MelJuso), human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDCs), and murine bone marrow‐derived mast cells (MC) were stimulated by FcεRI cross‐linking and release of sFcεRI was analyzed (ELISA, Western Blot). Lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1 degranulation assays and human basophil activation tests (BATs) were used to study IgE‐dependent activation. Recombinant sFcεRI (rsFcεRI) was used to assess its role in murine models of anaphylaxis with WT (wild‐type) and IgE−/− (IgE‐deficient) mice.

Results

Antigen‐specific cross‐linking of IgE‐loaded FcɛRI on MelJuso cells that express the trimeric or tetrameric receptor isoform induced the production of sFcεRI. Using MCs and moDCs, we confirmed that IgE/FcɛRI activation induces sFcɛRI release. We demonstrated that generation of sFcɛRI requires Src phosphorylation and endo/lysosomal acidification. In experimental mouse models, sFcɛRI diminishes the severity of IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis. BATs confirmed that, comparable to the anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody omalizumab, sFcɛRI is an inhibitor of the human innate IgE effector axis, implying that sFcɛRI and omalizumab potentially inhibit each other in vivo.

Conclusion

sFcɛRI is produced after antigen‐specific IgE/FcɛRI‐mediated activation signals and functions as an endogenous inhibitor of IgE loading to FcɛRI and IgE‐mediated activation. Our results imply, therefore, that sFcɛRI contributes to a negative regulatory feedback loop that aims at preventing overshooting responses after IgE‐mediated immune activation.
Protruded retinal layers within the optic nerve head neuroretinal rim
Authors: Torres Lucas A. , Vianna Jayme R. , Jarrar Faisal , Sharpe Glen P. , Araie Makoto , Caprioli Joseph , Demirel Shaban , Girkin Christopher A. , Hangai Masanori , Iwase Aiko , Liebmann Jeffrey M. , Mardin Christian Y. , Nakazawa Toru , Quigley Harry A. , Scheuerle Alexander F. , Sugiyama Kazuhisa , Tanihara Hidenobu , Tomita Goji , Yanagi Yasuo , Burgoyne Claude F. , Chauhan Balwantray C.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To determine the frequency with which retinal tissues other than the nerve fibre layer, hereafter referred to as protruded retinal layers (PRL), are a component of optical coherence tomography (OCT) neuroretinal rim measurements.

Methods

Ninety healthy (30 White, Black and Japanese, respectively) subjects were included in the study. A radial scan pattern (24 B‐scans centred on Bruch's membrane opening [BMO]) was used. For each of the 48 minimum rim width (MRW) measurement points, we determined whether PRL were present, absent or indeterminate. When present, the proportion of PRL within the MRW was quantified.

Results

Protruded retinal layers were present in 503 (11.6%), absent in 3805 (88.1%) and indeterminate in 12 (0.3%) measurement points. Overall, 69 (76.6%) subjects had ≥1 points with PRL, with White subjects having the highest frequency and Japanese the lowest (29 [97%] and 18 [60%], respectively; p < 0.01). PRL were present in one‐third of points in the temporal sector, but ≤5% in other sectors. When present, the median PRL thickness was 53.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 33.0 to 78.5) μm, representing 20.6 (IQR: 13.0 to 28.5)% of MRW. Globally, the median PRL thickness comprised 1.3 (IQR: 0.2 to 3.5)% of the MRW; however, in the temporal sector, it exceeded 30% of MRW in some subjects.

Conclusions

Protruded retinal layers are a component of MRW measurements in most normal subjects, occurring in almost 12% of all measurement points analysed. There were racial variations in the presence of PRL and a significantly higher frequency of PRL in the temporal sector.
One year effectiveness study of intravitreal aflibercept in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Michael Y. , Cheng Jasmine , Etminan Mahyar , Zafari Zafar , Maberley David
Published: July 2018

The current body of evidence on the efficacy and safety of aflibercept for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is steadily growing as large clinical trials and observational studies are continually completed. Our aim was to analyse 1‐year visual acuity (VA) outcomes in response to aflibercept therapy and identify factors affecting treatment response using evidence generated from a pooled analysis of current studies. A literature review of multiple electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, MedMEME) revealed 12 studies meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria for statistical analysis. Treatment posology, baseline patient characteristics, study type, sample size and 12‐month change in VA were pooled in a meta‐analysis with VA change as the main outcome. Data were then stratified by study design and posology in subgroup analyses. A meta‐regression was conducted to regress 12‐month VA change against posology, baseline VA and age. Users of aflibercept experienced an overall increase of 7.37 letters (95% confidence interval: 6.27–8.48, p heterogeneity: <0.001) in VA at 12 months of follow‐up. In subgroup analyses, mean VA change was higher for randomized control trials and cohorts following regular posology (>7 injections/year) compared to observational studies and irregular posology. The meta‐regression showed larger VA gains with regular posology compared to an irregular posology, and decreased effect size as age increased. This meta‐analysis strongly suggests improved VA outcomes at 12 months in patients with wet AMD for 2.0 mg aflibercept, comparable to but slightly lower than landmark trials. Increased injection frequency and younger age demonstrates a trend with improved outcomes.
Comparative morphology of the avian maxillary bone (os maxillare) based on an examination of macerated juvenile skeletons
Authors: Mayr Gerald
Published: July 2018

For the first time, isolated maxillary bones of juvenile neornithine birds are examined and compared. Contrary to the anatomical terminology currently employed, the avian maxillare exhibits five rather than four processes. In addition to the praemaxillary, jugal, nasal, and maxillopalatine processes, all palaeognathous and many neognathous birds also have a palatine process. The occurrence of these processes is, however, variable across different clades and only few taxa exhibit a pentaradiate maxillare with all five processes. Within Neognathae, a great morphological variability exists in the shape of the maxillopalatine process, which is more easily studied in juvenile individuals, in which the bones of the beak and palate are not co‐ossified. In some Neognathae, a caudally facing recess is situated in the junction of the maxillopalatine and jugal processes, which is likely to be homologous to the pneumatic recess of palaeognathous birds. Several derived morphologies of potential phylogenetic significance for the characterization of neognathous clades are identified and major morphological transformations in the lineage leading towards modern birds are highlighted.
Skin resident memory CD8+ T cells are phenotypically and functionally distinct from circulating populations and lack immediate cytotoxic function
Authors: Seidel J A , Vukmanovic-Stejic M , Muller-Durovic B , Patel N , Fuentes-Duculan J , Henson S M , Krueger J G , Rustin M H A , Nestle F O , Lacy K E , Akbar A N
Published: July 2018

The in-depth understanding of skin resident memory CD8+ T lymphocytes (TRM) may help to uncover strategies for their manipulation during disease. We investigated isolated TRM from healthy human skin, which expressed the residence marker CD69, and compared them to circulating CD8+ T cell populations from the same donors. There were significantly increased proportions of CD8+CD45RA−CD27− T cells in the skin that expressed low levels of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1), CD57, perforin and granzyme B. The CD8+ TRM in skin were therefore phenotypically distinct from circulating CD8+CD45RA−CD27− T cells that expressed high levels of all these molecules. Nevertheless, the activation of CD8+ TRM with T cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 or interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-15 in vitro induced the expression of granzyme B. Blocking signalling through the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death 1 (PD)-1 further boosted granzyme B expression. A unique feature of some CD8+ TRM cells was their ability to secrete high levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-2, a cytokine combination that was not seen frequently in circulating CD8+ T cells. The cutaneous CD8+ TRM are therefore diverse, and appear to be phenotypically and functionally distinct from circulating cells. Indeed, the surface receptors used to distinguish differentiation stages of blood T cells cannot be applied to T cells in the skin. Furthermore, the function of cutaneous TRM appears to be stringently controlled by environmental signals in situ.
CRISPR-based reagents to study the influence of the epigenome on gene expression
Authors: Lavender P , Kelly A , Hendy E , McErlean P
Published: July 2018

The use of epigenome editing is set to expand our knowledge of how epigenetic landscapes facilitate gene expression capacity within a given cell. As epigenetic landscape profiling in health and disease becomes more commonplace, so does the requirement to assess the functional impact that particular regulatory domains and DNA methylation profiles have upon gene expression capacity. That functional assessment is particularly pertinent when analysing epigenomes in disease states where the reversible nature of histone and DNA modification might yield plausible therapeutic targets. In this review we discuss first the nature of the epigenetic landscape, secondly the types of factors that deposit and erase the various modifications, consider how modifications transduce their signals, and lastly address current tools for experimental epigenome editing with particular emphasis on the immune system.
Experiences of self‐management among young adults with Type 1 diabetes in the context of a structured education programme: a qualitative study
Authors: Sanders T. , Elliott J. , Norman P. , Johnson B. , Heller S.
Published: July 2018

Aims

To explore the experiences of young adults with regard to self‐management of Type 1 diabetes in the context of a structured education programme.

Methods

Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with young adults attending a structured education course promoting a flexible and self‐directed format. Participants attending the structured education courses were recruited using purposive sampling to acquire a broad mix of participants based on age and equal numbers of young men and women. Fifteen interviews were conducted 12 weeks after each course, whilst seven focus groups and observations of the course delivery were conducted at two course sites and were led by nurse/dietitian educators representing two different diabetes centres (paediatric and adult). The interview and focus group data were audio recorded and transcribed, coded, and analysed thematically to identify similarities and differences.

Results

The analysis revealed three themes, ‘we're in it together’, ‘tacit benefits’ and ‘transitions beyond the structured education programme’. The findings show that structured education programmes can facilitate reflective critical thinking and greater engagement with diabetes self‐management if they: a) foster maximal learning from fellow participants to decrease feelings of isolation, b) maximize engagement during the course by delivering the content in a flexible manner, and c) recognize the social and emotional needs of young adults.

Conclusion

Structured education courses can result in improved critical thinking and engagement with diabetes self‐management by empowering young adults through a flexible and self‐directed learning style that encourages peer group discussion.
The Public and Private Marginal Product of Capital
Authors: Lowe Matt , Papageorgiou Chris , Perez‐Sebastian Fidel
Published: July 2018

Why does capital not flow to developing countries as predicted by the neoclassical model? What are the direction and degree of capital misallocation across nations? We revisit these questions by removing public capital from total capital to achieve a more accurate estimate of the marginal productivity of private capital. We calculate marginal product of capital schedules in a large sample of advanced and developing countries. Our main result is that, in terms of the Lucas Paradox, private capital is allocated remarkably efficiently across nations. Tentative estimates of the marginal productivity of public capital suggest that the deadweight loss from public capital misallocation across countries can be much larger than that from private capital.
The Effect of University Fees on Applications, Attendance and Course Choice: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in the UK
Authors: Sá Filipa
Published: July 2018

Over the past two decades, large changes have been introduced to the level of university fees in the UK, with significant variation across countries. This paper exploits this variation to examine the effect of fees on university applications, attendance and course choice. It finds that applications decrease in response to higher fees with an elasticity of demand of about −0.4. Attendance also decreases. The reduction in applications and attendance is larger for courses with lower salaries and employment rates after graduation, for non‐STEM subjects, and for less selective universities.
Giant congenital right atrial epithelioid‐capillary hemangioma with prolonged QT interval: Case report and practical surgical treatment strategy for primary cardiac tumors in children based on 25‐year review of 299 cases
Authors: Malakan Rad Elaheh , Radmehr Hassan , Vasei Mohammad , Rahimi Rastgoo Babak
Published: July 2018

Cardiac hemangioma is very rare and accounts for 2%–3% of the primary cardiac tumors. Cardiac epitheloid‐capillary hemangioma has not been reported in the pediatric population so far. We report the fatal outcome of a preterm neonate with a huge congenital right atrial epitheloid‐capillary hemangioma and elevated serum alpha‐fetoprotein, associated with prolonged QT interval. We describe the echocardiographic, computed tomographic (CT) imaging, microscopic and immunohistochemical features of the tumor. Complete resection of the tumor was done at operation necessitating extensive reconstruction of atrial walls. Intramural infiltration of this tumor into the surrounding myocardial walls is a challenging characteristic of cardiac hemangioma. The temptation to complete resection should be avoided in the setting of extensive intramural infiltration and entrapment of the tumoral cells into atrial walls, particularly in a preterm neonate. None of the current classifications for hemangioma was inclusive of our case. Based on a concise literature review of nine published classification systems from 1996 to 2017 , we discuss the shortcomings of the current classifications for hemangioma. We also performed a 25‐year‐review of 299 cases of primary cardiac tumors in neonates and children, from 1993 to May 2018. We suggest a stepwise surgical treatment strategy according to the characteristics of the patient and of the tumor, based on this review. The stepwise strategy includes watchful observation, partial resection, complete resection and cardiac transplantation.
The effect of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors on collagen‐induced platelet aggregation, BTK, and tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC)
Authors: Chen Jun , Kinoshita Taisei , Gururaja Tarikere , Sukbuntherng Juthamas , James Danelle , Lu Daniel , Whang Jennifer , Versele Matthias , Chang Betty Y.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC) are expressed by human platelets. These kinases participate in platelet activation through the collagen receptor glycoprotein VI and may perform overlapping functions. In clinical studies, BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, tirabrutinib, zanubrutinib) have been associated with increased bleeding risk, which may result from inhibition of BTK alone or of both BTK and TEC, although the role of TEC in bleeding risk remains unclear.

Methods

Here, in vitro catalytic and binding activities of ibrutinib and acalabrutinib were determined with four assay systems. Platelet aggregation assays determined inhibitor potency and its relationship to selectivity between BTK and TEC.

Results

Neither inhibitor was substantially more selective for BTK over TEC. The potencies at which BTK inhibitors suppressed platelet aggregation correlated with the potencies in on‐target BTK assays, including those in cells. At clinically relevant plasma concentration, ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and tirabrutinib inhibited collagen‐induced platelet aggregation to a similar extent, despite differing in vitro IC50s.

Conclusions

Our results suggest BTK inhibition is the primary driver for inhibition of platelet aggregation. The subtle differences between these inhibitors suggest only randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical studies can fully address the bleeding risks of different BTK inhibitors.
Stroke outcome prediction: what do we know and where are we going?
Authors: Lattanzi S. , Silvestrini M.
Published: July 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
The expression of inflammatory markers and their potential influence on efflux transporters in drug‐resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy tissue
Authors: Weidner Lora D. , Kannan Pavitra , Mitsios Nicholas , Kang Sun J. , Hall Matthew D. , Theodore William H. , Innis Robert B. , Mulder Jan
Published: July 2018

Objective

The role of neuroinflammation in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), and how it relates to drug resistance, remains unclear. Expression levels of the inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and COX‐2 have been found to be increased in animal models of epilepsy. Knowing the cellular expression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 is the key to understanding their functional role; however, only 3 studies have investigated COX‐2 expression in epilepsy in humans, and there are no reports on COX‐1. In addition, previous studies have shown that certain inflammatory proteins up‐regulate ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter expression (thought to be responsible for drug resistance), but this relationship remains unclear in human tissue. This study sought to measure the expression of COX‐1, COX‐2, and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO, an inflammation biomarker acting as a positive control), as well as ABC transporters P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), in brain tissue samples from people with drug‐resistant MTLE.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded surgical brain tissue was obtained from 33 patients with drug‐resistant MTLE. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used to quantify the expression and distribution of COX‐1, COX‐2, TSPO, P‐gp, and BCRP.

Results

COX‐1 was expressed in microglia, and COX‐2 and TSPO were expressed in microglia and neurons. BCRP density correlated significantly with TSPO density, suggesting a potential relationship between inflammatory markers and efflux transporters.

Significance

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to measure the cellular expression of COX‐1, COX‐2, and TSPO in microglia, astrocytes, and neurons in surgical brain tissue samples from patients with drug‐resistant MTLE. Further research is needed to determine the effects of the COX inflammatory pathway in epilepsy, and how it relates to the expression of the ABC transporters P‐gp and BCRP.
History of introduction and distribution of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in the European part of the Russian Federation and in the Ukraine
Authors: Afonin A. N. , Luneva N. N. , Fedorova Y. A. , Kletchkovskiy Yu. E. , Chebanovskaya A. F.
Published: July 2018

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) is an invasive alien plant (IAP) in the European part of the Russian Federation and in the Ukraine. Ragweed was introduced into the territory of Western Europe between 1860 and 1870 together with red clover seeds delivered from America, and has since spread and become a nuisance weed in agricultural land and disturbed habitats. This study presents a detailed overview of the history of introduction and distribution of this IAP in the territory of Russia and neighbouring countries. A map has been created to show species distribution dynamics in the European part of Russia and neighbouring countries from initial foci of introduction to date. A detailed map of current distribution in Russia and the Ukraine has also been created. The rate of expansion during the different time periods was calculated and compared with recent species distribution modelling allowing future spatial spread of ragweed to be forecast. In the European part of Russia, and in the Ukraine, the species has almost reached the edge of its environmental limitations and further expansion to the northern regions is expected to slow down.
Coralline algal skeletal mineralogy affects grazer impacts
Authors: McCoy Sophie J. , Kamenos Nicholas A.
Published: July 2018

In macroalgal‐dominated systems, herbivory is a major driver in controlling ecosystem structure. However, the role of altered plant–herbivore interactions and effects of changes to trophic control under global change are poorly understood. This is because both macroalgae and grazers themselves may be affected by global change, making changes in plant–herbivore interactions hard to predict. Coralline algae lay down a calcium carbonate skeleton, which serves as protection from grazing and is preserved in archival samples. Here, we compare grazing damage and intensity to coralline algae in situ over 4 decades characterized by changing seawater acidity. While grazing intensity, herbivore abundance and identity remained constant over time, grazing wound width increased together with Mg content of the skeleton and variability in its mineral organization. In one species, decreases in skeletal organization were found concurrent with deeper skeletal damage by grazers over time since the 1980s. Thus, in a future characterized by acidification, we suggest coralline algae may be more prone to grazing damage, mediated by effects of variability between individuals and species.
Assessing the sensitivity of bivalve populations to global warming using an individual‐based modelling approach
Authors: Thomas Yoann , Bacher Cédric
Published: July 2018

Climate change exposes benthic species populations in coastal ecosystems to a combination of different stressors (e.g., warming, acidification and eutrophication), threatening the sustainability of the ecological functions they provide. Thermal stress appears to be one of the strongest drivers impacting marine ecosystems, acting across a wide range of scales, from individual metabolic performances to geographic distribution of populations. Accounting for and integrating the response of species functional traits to thermal stress is therefore a necessary step in predicting how populations will respond to the warming expected in coming decades. Here, we developed an individual‐based population model using a mechanistic formulation of metabolic processes within the framework of the dynamic energy budget theory. Through a large number of simulations, we assessed the sensitivity of population growth potential to thermal stress and food conditions based on a climate projection scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway; RCP8.5: no reduction of greenhouse gas emissions). We focused on three bivalve species with contrasting thermal tolerance ranges and distinct distribution ranges along 5,000 km of coastline in the NE Atlantic: the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas), and two mussel species: Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis. Our results suggest substantial and contrasting changes within species depending on local temperature and food concentration. Reproductive phenology appeared to be a core process driving the responses of the populations, and these patterns were closely related to species thermal tolerances. The nonlinear relationship we found between individual life‐history traits and response at the population level emphasizes the need to consider the interactions resulting from upscaling across different levels of biological organisation. These results underline the importance of a process‐based understanding of benthic population response to seawater warming, which will be necessary for forward planning of resource management and strategies for conservation and adaptation to environmental changes.
Groundwater drawdown drives ecophysiological adjustments of woody vegetation in a semi‐arid coastal ecosystem
Authors: Antunes Cristina , Chozas Sergio , West Jason , Zunzunegui Maria , Diaz Barradas Maria Cruz , Vieira Simone , Máguas Cristina
Published: July 2018

Predicted droughts and anthropogenic water use will increase groundwater lowering rates and intensify groundwater limitation, particularly for Mediterranean semi‐arid ecosystems. These hydrological changes may be expected to elicit differential functional responses of vegetation either belowground or aboveground. Yet, our ability to predict the impacts of groundwater changes on these ecosystems is still poor. Thus, we sought to better understand the impact of falling water table on the physiology of woody vegetation. We specifically ask (a) how is woody vegetation ecophysiological performance affected by water table depth during the dry season? and (b) does the vegetation response to increasing depth to groundwater differ among water‐use functional types? We examined a suite of physiological parameters and water‐uptake depths of the dominant, functionally distinct woody vegetation along a water‐table depth gradient in a Mediterranean semi‐arid coastal ecosystem that is currently experiencing anthropogenic groundwater extraction pressure. We found that groundwater drawdown did negatively affect the ecophysiological performance of the woody vegetation. Across all studied environmental factors, depth to groundwater was the most important driver of ecophysiological adjustments. Plant functional types, independent of groundwater dependence, showed consistent declines in water content and generally reduced C and N acquisition with increasing depths to groundwater. Functional types showed distinct operating physiological ranges, but common physiological sensitivity to greater water table depth. Thus, although differences in water‐source use exist, a physiological convergence appeared to happen among different functional types. These results strongly suggest that hydrological drought has an important impact on fundamental physiological processes, constraining the performance of woody vegetation under semi‐arid conditions. By disentangling the functional responses and vulnerability of woody vegetation to groundwater limitation, our study establishes the basis for predicting the physiological responses of woody vegetation in semi‐arid coastal ecosystems to groundwater drawdown.
Comparison of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy between 5‐fluorouracil‐based continuous infusion chemotherapy and low‐dose cisplatin monotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kawaoka Tomokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tomoki , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Ohya Kazuki , Kodama Kenichiro , Nishida Yuno , Daijo Kana , Osawa Mitsutaka , Teraoka Yuji , Inagaki Yuki , Honda Fumi , Hatooka Masahiro , Morio Kei , Morio Reona , Fujino Hatsue , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Baba Yasutaka , Awai Kazuo , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) between 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐based continuous infusion chemotherapy and low‐dose cisplatin (CDDP) monotherapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Patients were grouped according to HAIC regimen (5‐FU group, n = 317/CDDP group, n = 66). A two‐to‐one match was created using propensity score analysis (5‐FU group, n = 102/CDDP group, n = 51). After matching, response rate (RR) and adverse events as primary end‐points, and survival and progression‐free survival as secondary end‐points, were analyzed.

Results

In the analysis of primary end‐points, the RR in the 5‐FU group was significantly higher than in the CDDP group (32.4% vs. 15.7%, P = 0.033). In patients with a Child–Pugh (CP) score of 5–7, the RR in the 5‐FU group was significantly higher than that in the CDDP group (36.1% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.020). In those with a CP score of 8–9, there was no significant difference in RR between the two groups (15.8% vs. 16.6%, P = 1.000). The reservoir system‐related complications were 9.8% in the 5‐FU group, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events between the two matched groups (P > 0.05).

In terms of secondary end‐points, the median survival time was 9.1 and 8.7 months for the 5‐FU and CDDP groups, respectively (P = 0.4917). Progression‐free survival was 3.9 months for the 5‐FU group and 4.9 months for the CDDP group (P = 0.4).

Conclusions

5‐Fluorouracil‐based continuous infusion chemotherapy could be suitable for advanced HCC patients with a CP score of 5–7 considering the treatment response.
Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein predicts early occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained virologic response by direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus
Authors: Yasui Yutaka , Kurosaki Masayuki , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Takada Hitomi , Tamaki Nobuharu , Watakabe Keiya , Okada Mao , Wang Wan , Shimizu Takao , Kubota Yohei , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yuka , Itakura Jun , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this study is to clarify the value of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) by therapy with interferon‐free, direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study that included 567 patients who underwent antiviral therapy with an interferon‐free DAA regimen and achieved SVR. Serum WFA+‐M2BP was measured after SVR. Factors predictive of HCC occurrence and recurrence were analyzed in the patients after stratification by previous treatment history of HCC.

Results

Among 518 patients who had no history of HCC, 13 developed HCC. Post‐SVR WFA+‐M2BP ≥1.75 cut‐off index (C.O.I., P < 0.001) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level ≥6 ng/mL (P = 0.01) were significant predictors of HCC development. Multivariate analysis showed that post‐SVR WFA+‐M2BP ≥1.75 C.O.I. was an independent factor significantly associated with the development of HCC (hazard ratio [HR] 6.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8–19.4; P = 0.003). Among 49 patients who had a previous history of HCC, 22 had recurrence after SVR. Post‐SVR AFP ≥6 ng/mL was the only factor associated with recurrence‐free survival (HR 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3–7.5; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Post‐SVR WFA+‐M2BP is a predictive factor for the development of HCC in patients with no previous HCC history and treated with DAAs. Post‐SVR AFP was predictive for HCC recurrence after DAA therapy.
Engaging “seldom heard” groups in research and intervention development: Offender mental health
Authors: Taylor Charlie , Gill Laura , Gibson Andy , Byng Richard , Quinn Cath
Published: July 2018

Background

People subject to the criminal justice system often have substantially different life‐experiences from the general population. Patient and public involvement (PPI) of “seldom heard” groups provides valuable experiential knowledge, enhancing research.

Objective

To share our jointly developed techniques to ensure the meaningful engagement and contribution of people with lived experience of the criminal justice system (PWLECJS) in research, trial science, intervention theory development and dissemination.

Methods

Commitment to adequate financial resources, appropriate staff skills and adequate time were combined with previous learning. PWLECJS were approached through local community organizations. A group was established and met fortnightly for ten months in an unthreatening environment and had a rolling membership. Ongoing engagement was promoted by the group taking responsibility for the rules, interactive and accessible activities, feeding back tangible impacts, ongoing contact, building a work ethic, joint celebrations, sessions with individual academic researchers and pro‐actively managed endings.

Results

The Peer Researchers contributed to study documents, training academic researchers, research data collection and analysis, intervention delivery and theory development and trial science. The Peer Researchers gained in confidence and an improved sense of self‐worth. The Academic Researchers gained skills, knowledge and an increased openness to being challenged.

Discussion and conclusions

PWLECJS can be meaningful included in health research and intervention development. The key elements required are listed. Challenges included differences in priorities for timescales and dissemination, resource limitations and the use of Peer Researchers’ names. Further research is required to understand what might be of relevance for other “seldom heard” groups.
Dentine decalcification and smear layer removal by different ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 1‐hydroxyethane‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid species
Authors: Deari S. , Mohn D. , Zehnder M.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To compare solutions of di‐ and tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1‐hydroxyethane‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid (HEDP) regarding their ability to solubilize calcium from dentine and remove smear layer.

Methodology

Solutions with a molarity corresponding to that of 17% Na2EDTA (pH adjusted to 8.5) were prepared by dissolving Na2 and Na4 salts of HEDP (etidronate), or Na4EDTA in deionized water. Standardized root dentine discs covered by a smear layer were prepared from human third molars. These discs (n = 10 per group) were immersed in test solutions or phosphate‐buffered saline for 1 min. The dissolved Ca2+ was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy, apparently opened dentinal tubules by laser scanning microscopy and automated image analysis. Ca2+ values were compared between groups by parametric, tubular areas by nonparametric methods, α = 0.05.

Results

Solutions prepared from the tetrasodium salts were alkaline (pH 11.3–11.4), whilst counterparts made from the disodium salts were acidic. The EDTA solutions dissolved more calcium than the HEDP counterparts (P < 0.05); solutions prepared with the disodium salts dissolved more calcium than those made from the tetrasodium salts (P < 0.05). There was a high correlation between dissolved calcium and the apparently opened tubular areas (Spearman's ρ = 0.81). Differences between groups regarding opened tubules were similar to those observed regarding the Ca2+ values, with a slightly reduced discerning power due to high variance.

Conclusion

Calcium chelation and thus smear layer removal by EDTA and HEDP are influenced by pH.
Impact of technology development costs on licensing form in a differentiated Cournot duopoly
Authors: Kitagawa Tatsuya , Masuda Yasushi , Umezawa Masashi
Published: July 2018

We investigate how the type of innovation, either of product or process, influences the licensing scheme. For product innovation, we consider a licensing scheme for a patent holder of a new product facing a potential rival who may invest in technology innovation and enter the market for the new product. The alternative forms of licensing schemes considered are fixed fees and royalties. We then compare this licensing scheme for product innovation with that for process innovation studied in the literature.
Adolescent Development and the Emergence of Sexuality
Authors: Petersen Anne C. , Leffert Nancy , Graham Barbara L.
Published: July 2018

Adolescence is a time of significant opportunity and significant challenge. Challenges can be difficult for some adolescents, which may result in problems that are expressed as affective disturbances or by the adolescent's participation in risk‐taking behaviors. This review emphasizes the changes in biopsychosocial development during adolescence. We specifically address aspects of individual change during the adolescent decade (e.g., biological, cognitive, psychosocial, and sexual development) as well as the effects of context on normal development and responses to challenges during this period. Predispositions or vulnerabilities present prior to a developmental transition may be exacerbated by the transition. Adolescents can become healthy adults with the encouragement to develop gradually by limiting the simultaneous changes they experience, where possible, and by supporting healthy development through developmentally appropriate activities and supportive relationships with adults and peers.
Sexual Orientation and Developmental Challenges Experienced by Gay and Lesbian Youths
Authors: Rotheram‐Borus Mary Jane , Fernandez M. Isabel
Published: July 2018

Youths with a homosexual orientation face different developmental challenges during adolescence than those faced by heterosexual youths or individuals who recognize their homosexual orientation later in life. We discuss the impact of “coming out,” or defining a homosexual orientation, on the development and identity formation of youths who come out during adolescence. The process of coming out is presented as entailing four broad dimensions: recognizing oneself as lesbian or gay; exploring one's sexual orientation through the gay and lesbian community; disclosing one's sexual orientation to others; and becoming more comfortable with one's sexual orientation. Some of the major challenges faced by these youths are described, and future directions for research efforts are discussed.
Risk Factors for Adolescent Suicide and Suicidal Behavior: Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Family Environmental Factors, and Life Stress
Authors: Brent David A.
Published: July 2018

This review focuses on psychopathologic risk factors for adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior, namely, affective, disruptive, substance abuse, psychotic, and personality disorders. The interaction of psychopathology with age and gender is discussed. The role of family environmental risk factors and stress events in suicide and suicidal behavior, both alone, and in interaction with psychopathology are reviewed. Research reviewed will include psychological; autopsy studies, longitudinal studies examining predictors of suicide, and epidemiologic studies of suicide attempts.
Sexual Orientation in Adolescents Who Commit Suicide
Authors: Shaffer David , Fisher Prudence , Hicks R. H. , Parides Michael , Gould Madelyn
Published: July 2018

It has been suggested that there is a strong relationship between suicidal behavior and homosexuality in adolescence. It has been further suggested that it is due to the stigmatization and feelings of isolation that are experienced by many gay adolescents. Much of the literature that has given support to these hypotheses has been conducted on uncontrolled nonrepresentative samples and its generalizability is open to question. An opportunity to examine the relationship in an unselected sample arose in a case control, psychological autopsy study of 120 of 170 consecutive suicides under age 20 and 147 community age, sex, and ethnic matched controls living in the Greater New York City area. Homosexuality was defined as having had homosexual experiences or having declared a homosexual orientation. Three teenagers and no controls met these criteria. The difference was not significant. The circumstances of death were examined and are described. In no instance did suicide directly follow an episode of stigmatization. All three suicides had evidence of significant psychiatric disorder before death. In spite of opportunities for biased reporting, it is concluded that this study finds no evidence that suicide is a common characteristic of gay youth, or that when suicide does occur among gay teenagers, that it is a direct consequence of stigmatization or lack of support.
Suicide and Sexual Orientation: A Critical Summary of Recent Research and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Muehrer Peter
Published: July 2018

Research on the hypothesized relationship between sexual orientation and suicide is limited both in quantity and quality. National or statewide data on the frequency and causes of completed suicide in gay and lesbian people in the general population, including youth, do not exist. Similarly, national or statewide data on the frequency of suicide attempts among the general population or among gay and lesbian people, including youth, do not exist. Methodological limitations in the small research literature include a lack of consensus on definitions for key terms such as suicide attempt and sexual orientation, uncertain reliability and validity of measures for these terms, nonrepresentative samples, and a lack of appropriate nongay and/or nonclinical control groups for making accurate comparisons. These numerous methodological limitations prevent accurate conclusions about the role sexual orientation might play in suicidal behavior; the limitations also suggest opportunities for future research. Furthermore, recent evaluations of some school suicide‐awareness programs suggest that these programs are ineffective and may actually have unintended negative effects. The premature dissemination of unproven programs is unwarranted.
Ultralow temperature cofired BiZn2VO6 dielectric ceramics doped with B2O3 and Li2CO3 for ULTCC applications
Authors: Xiang Huaicheng , Bai Yang , Varghese Jobin , Li Chunchun , Fang Liang , Jantunen Heli
Published: July 2018

In this paper, BiZn2VO6 doped with sintering aids of B2O3 and Li2CO3 is investigated in order to broaden the options for ultralow temperature cofired ceramics (ULTCC). The sintering behavior, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties are studied. In combination with 1 wt% B2O3 and 5 wt% Li2CO3 dopants, the sintering temperature of the BiZn2VO6 ceramics was reduced from 780°C to 600°C. The co‐doped BiZn2VO6 ceramics exhibited a low relative permittivity (εr) of 8.9 and a quality factor (Q × f) of 13 000 GHz at a microwave‐range frequency of 9 GHz. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) was measured to be −97 ppm/°C. The average linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was 7.2 ppm/°C. With the low sintering temperature, the co‐doped BiZn2VO6 ceramics are compatible to be cofired with cost‐effective aluminum electrodes. This was proven in a reaction test between the BiZn2VO6‐B2O3‐Li2CO3 and aluminum powders, in which no chemical interaction could be detected. These promising properties make the B2O3‐Li2CO3 co‐doped BiZn2VO6 an ideal candidate for ULTCC applications.
Pressure dependence of interfacial resistance in pellets made from GeS2‐Ga2S3‐Li2S‐LiI glass powder
Authors: Fan Bo , Xue Bai , Luo Zhongkuan , Zhang Xianghua , Ma Hongli , Calvez Laurent
Published: July 2018

The interfacial resistance and capacitance in pellets made from GeS2‐Ga2S3‐Li2S‐LiI glass powder are studied under uniaxial compression. By varying the pressure, remarkable change in the geometric dimension of the interfacial resistance and capacitance is observed. Assuming that the interfacial resistance and capacitance arise from the contact region between the powder particles, a quantitative model is established that well describes the geometric dimension change in the interfacial resistance and capacitance. This work emphasizes that ameliorating the contact between the particles is one of the most important methods to reduce the interfacial resistance in the powder‐type ionic‐conduction devices made from highly‐conductive sulfide solid electrolyte powders.
Technological evolution of ceramic glazes in the renaissance: In situ analysis of tiles in the Alcazar (Seville, Spain)
Authors: de Viguerie Laurence , Robador Maria D. , Castaing Jacques , Perez‐Rodriguez Jose L. , Walter Philippe , Bouquillon Anne
Published: July 2018

The Alcazar Palace (Seville, Spain) is famous for its ceramic decorations; 16th century wall tiles of different typologies have been analyzed in order to relate the manufacturing process of their colored glazes to the evolving technologies of the Renaissance. Chemical and mineralogical compositions have been determined in situ by nondestructive X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray diffraction onaristaceramics in theCenador de Carlos Quinto, andmajolicaceramics in thePalacio Goticoand the Royal oratory. Thearistastyle belongs to the local Hispano‐Moresque ceramic tradition.Majolicatiles have the complex microstructures of glazes from Italy. The two types are clearly differentiated by their typology, morphology (curved vs flat surface), and also microstructure (single vs multi‐layers), glaze chemistry, and use of different coloring agents. Moreover, we found different glaze chemistries in the investigatedmajolicas,which correspond to different artists and/or practices.