bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three‐wave longitudinal assessment of socioemotional development in a year‐long school‐based ‘gap year’
Authors: Clerkin Aidan
Published: February 2019

Background

Transition Year (TY) is a quasi‐gap year offered midway through post‐primary education in Ireland. TY is intended to provide a low‐stakes environment to promote maturity and social skills, and to prepare students for adult life. Previous interview‐based research has found that TY is seen as a positive experience by many students and teachers. However, no study has sought to quantify the extent to which TY participation may be associated with socioemotional development.

Aims

To gather baseline data before TY and then examine differences in socioemotional outcomes over a 2‐year period (three waves of data collection) between students who went on to take part in TY and those who did not.

Sample

A total of 1,563 Grade 9 students ‎(47% female, mean age = 15.4 years) in 20 schools were randomly sampled to provide a nationally representative sample.

Methods

Outcome measures were selected to reflect (1) the intended aims of TY and (2) outcomes consistently identified through qualitative research as being associated with TY. These include student–teacher relations, self‐reliance, subjective age, school satisfaction, and social self‐efficacy. Latent growth curve models were used to examine differences in students’ development over time, controlling for initial (baseline) status and background covariates.

Results

TY participants reported significantly higher increases in subjective age and (for boys) self‐reliance over three waves than non‐participants. However, expected differences were not observed for other measures.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report longitudinal quantitative analyses of socioemotional outcomes in TY. The results highlight a tension between broadly positive qualitative reports of TY outcomes and the limited quantitative evidence, to date, of same. Some directions for future research are suggested.
Mechanisms of hypertension in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Taylor Erin B. , Wolf Victoria L. , Dent Elena , Ryan Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus have an increased prevalence of hypertension. There is now a large body of evidence showing that the immune system is a key mediator in both human primary hypertension and experimental models. Many of the proposed immunological mechanisms leading to primary hypertension are paralleled in autoimmune rheumatic disorders. Therefore, examining the link between autoimmunity and hypertension can be informative for understanding primary hypertension. This review examines the prevalent hypertension, the immune mediators that contribute to the prevalent hypertension and their impact on renal function and how the risk of hypertension is potentially influenced by common hormonal changes that are associated with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc
The histidine decarboxylase model of tic pathophysiology: a new focus on the histamine H3 receptor
Authors: Pittenger Christopher
Published: February 2019

Histamine dysregulation was implicated as a rare cause of Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders a decade ago by a landmark genetic study in a high density family pedigree, which implicated a hypomorphic mutation in the histidine decarboxylase (Hdc) gene as a rare but high penetrance genetic cause. Studies in Hdc knockout (KO) mice have confirmed that this mutation causes tic‐relevant behavioural and neurochemical abnormalities that parallel what is seen in patients and thus validate the KO as a potentially informative model of tic pathophysiology. Recent studies have focused on the potential role of the histamine H3 receptor in this model, and by association in tic disorders and related neuropsychiatric conditions. The H3 receptor is up‐regulated in the striatum in Hdc KO mice. As the H3 receptor has constitutive activity in the absence of ligand, this receptor up‐regulation may have significant cellular effects despite the absence of neurotransmitter histamine in these mice. Activation in vivo of H3 receptors in wild type mice regulates signalling in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that interacts non‐linearly with dopamine receptor signalling. Baseline signalling alterations in MSNs in Hdc KO mice resemble those seen after H3 receptor agonist treatment in wild type animals. H3 receptor agonist treatment in the KOs further accentuates most of these signalling abnormalities and produces behavioural stereotypy. Together, these data suggest the intriguing hypothesis that constitutive signalling by up‐regulated H3 receptors explains many of the molecular and behavioural abnormalities seen in these animals.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Uses for 21st Century. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.3/issuetoc
Drug interactions with dementia‐related pathophysiological pathways worsen or prevent dementia
Authors: Barus Romain , Béné Johana , Deguil Julie , Gautier Sophie , Bordet Régis
Published: February 2019

Many risk factors are known to induce or precipitate dementia. Drugs acting via different mechanisms can modulate cognitive performance and exert either beneficial or deleterious effects on cognition through functional or neuropathological mechanisms. This review discusses the association between several classes of drugs and cognitive impairment and dementia risk. These drugs can be divided into drugs targeting CNS disorders (e.g., anticholinergic drugs, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and opioids) and drugs targeting non‐CNS disorders (e.g., antidiabetics, antihypertensives, proton pump inhibitors, and statins). Furthermore, we sought to highlight the pharmacological mechanisms underlying their possible detrimental or beneficial effects on cognition. Anticholinergic and antiepileptic drugs were excluded from this review because their effects on cognition are well known. Studies investigating benzodiazepines have revealed an increased risk of dementia. Conclusions on dementia risk or cognitive impairment regarding opioids and antipsychotic drugs are difficult to draw. These different classes appear to impair cognition not by a single clear mechanism of action specific to each class but by several relatively interdependent and interconnected mechanisms (e.g., impaired neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, oxidative stress, or interactions with dementia‐related pathways). The dementia risk initially associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors might have been overestimated. In contrast, statins, antihypertensive medications, and antidiabetics could potentially decrease the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment by acting in ways opposite to the mechanisms cited above.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc
Effects of micro/nano strontium‐loaded surface implants on osseointegration in ovariectomized sheep
Authors: Liu Fuwei , Li Yongfeng , Liang Jianfei , Sui Wen , Bellare Anuj , Kong Liang
Published: February 2019

Background

Poor osseointegration of dental implants often occurs in osteoporotic patients and processed implant surfaces could help to improve the dilemma.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effects of different titanium (Ti) surfaces on bone‐implant osseointegration in ovariectomized (OVX) sheep.

Materials and Methods

Four groups were included: smooth titanium (ST) was merely polished Ti; micro titanium (MT) was treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 30 minutes; strontium‐loaded nano titanium (NT‐Sr) was formed by magnetron sputtering; strontium‐loaded micro/nano titanium (MNT‐Sr) was fabricated by HF etching combined with magnetron sputtering. The biological responses were evaluated by human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) experiments in vitro. Osseointegration was evaluated in vivo after each surface implant was inserted into OVX sheep’ mandibles.

Results

The numbers of adhered and mineralized hBMMSCs increased significantly in the MNT‐Sr group. The bone‐implant contact and the maximal pull‐out force increased significantly with MNT‐Sr surface. The bone volume ratio and trabecular number of the MNT‐Sr group were significantly higher than others, whereas trabecular separation decreased.

Conclusions

These results indicated that an MNT‐Sr surface promotes the differentiation of hBMMSCs in vitro and enhances bone‐implant osseointegration in vivo, which may be a promising option for clinical implants in osteoporotic patients.
Prospective controlled clinical study investigating long‐term clinical parameters, patient satisfaction, and microbial contamination of zirconia implants
Authors: Lorenz Jonas , Giulini Nino , Hölscher Werner , Schwiertz Andreas , Schwarz Frank , Sader Robert
Published: February 2019

Background

Dental implants made of zirconia ceramics experienced a renaissance in the past years. However, there is still a lack in reliable long‐term clinical data.

Purpose

Aim of the present prospective clinical study was to analyze the dental implants made from zirconia, regarding their clinical performance compared to natural teeth (control).

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐three zirconia implants in 28 adults were analyzed after 7.8 years of integration. Approximal plaque index (API), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), and creeping or recession (CR/REC) of the mucosa/gingiva were analyzed. Changes in the marginal bone level (MBL) have been determined by comparing radiographs recorded immediately after implant placement and at the follow‐up investigation. Furthermore, the pink esthetic score (PES), Periotest values (PTV), microbial colonization of the implant/dental sulcus fluid, and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Results

The survival rate of zirconia implants was 100%, however one implant presented a profound peri‐implantitis, resistant to therapies. No statistical significance was observed between implants and teeth regarding SBI and PAL. Statistical significance was detected regarding API and CR/REC with significantly less plaque accumulation and recession in the study group. Significantly higher values for PPD were obvious in the zirconia implant group. PES of 9 ± 2.7 indicate a rather average esthetic result. Analysis of MBL revealed a mean peri‐implant bone resorption of 1.2 mm. Microbial analysis revealed a nonstatistically significant higher colonization of bacteria in the study group, whereas single bacteria species were detected in statistically significant higher amounts.

Conclusion

The investigated one‐piece zirconia dental implants presented favorable long‐term clinical results, comparable to natural teeth (SBI and PAL), and, regarding adhesion of plaque and creeping attachment (CR/REC), even superior. The microbial investigation revealed a shift in peri‐implant colonization around zirconia implants over years, mainly without clinical effect on peri‐implantitis.
Ten years follow‐up retrospective study on implant survival rates and prevalence of peri‐implantitis in implant‐supported full‐arch rehabilitations
Authors: Francetti Luca , Cavalli Nicolò , Taschieri Silvio , Corbella Stefano
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The aim of the present paper was to present medium‐ and long‐term data on implant survival and on the prevalence of peri‐implantitis in a cohort of patients treated with full‐arch rehabilitations.

Materials and methods

Clinical records of all patients treated with immediately loaded full‐arch rehabilitation in the Dental Clinic of the IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan, Italy, supported by moderately rough implants were retrospectively examined to calculate survival curves for implant loss and for the occurrence of peri‐implantitis (both at implant‐ and at patient level). Regression methods were used to evaluate the correlation between the presence of periodontitis and smoking habits with the outcomes.

Results

A total of 384 implants placed in 77 patients (96 rehabilitations) were evaluated for a mean period of 8.0 years (range 1.0–13.7 years) from loading. After 10 years, the cumulative survival rate was 96.11% (95% CI: 99.17%–93.05%; 84 implants) while the cumulative rate of implants free from peri‐implantitis was 86.92% (95% CI: 82.14%, 91.71%; 60.69% [95% CI: 44.19%, 77.19%] at patient level). The cumulative proportion of implants without peri‐implantitis after 10 years was significantly higher in mandible (89.76%, 95% CI: 84.49%, 95.03%) than in maxilla (81.71%, 95% CI: 71.91%, 91.51%; p = 0.028). No correlation was found between periodontal and smoking status and outcomes.

Conclusions

The study reported high 10‐year implant survival rate for full‐arch rehabilitations since implant loss was relatively rare. Peri‐implantitis was relatively frequent in the examined population although the number of subjects available for 10‐year evaluation was limited.
Comparison of 8‐ and 10‐mm diameter fully covered self‐expandable metal stents: A multicenter prospective study in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Kawashima Hiroki , Hashimoto Senju , Ohno Eizaburo , Ishikawa Takuya , Morishima Tomomasa , Matsubara Hiroshi , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Nonogaki Koji , Kanamori Akira , Hara Kazuo , Kuwahara Takamichi , Nakamura Masanao , Miyahara Ryoji , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ando Masahiko , Hirooka Yoshiki ,   The Nagoya Biliary Stent Study (NABIS)‐01 Group
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) of unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction is generally thought to be longer when a self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) with a thicker inner diameter is used for drainage, but the dependence on the inner diameter using a fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) is uncertain. The objective of this multicenter prospective study was to compare TRBO and adverse events, such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis, in treatment of patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction using 8‐ and 10‐mm diameter FCSEMS.

Methods

Eighteen tertiary‐care centers participated in the study. Patients were allocated to the 8‐ and 10‐mm diameter groups. TRBO, non‐inferiority of the 8‐mm FCSEMS, overall survival time, frequency and type of adverse events, and non‐recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rate at the time of death were compared between the two groups.

Results

Median TRBO did not differ significantly between the 8‐mm (n = 102) and 10‐mm (n = 100) groups (275 vs 293 days, P = 0.971). The hazard ratio of the 8‐ to 10‐mm groups was 0.90 (80% confidence interval, 0.77–1.04; upper limit lower than the acceptable hazard ratio [1.33] of the null hypothesis). Based on these findings, the 8‐mm diameter stent was determined to be non‐inferior to the 10‐mm diameter stent. Survival time, incidence of adverse events and non‐RBO rate at the time of death did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Time to RBO with an 8‐mm diameter FCSEMS was non‐inferior to that with a 10‐mm diameter FCSEMS. This finding is important for development of future SEMS.
Mechanisms linking height to early child development among infants and preschoolers in rural India
Authors: Black Maureen M. , Yimgang Doris P. , Hurley Kristen M. , Harding Kimberly B. , Fernandez‐Rao Sylvia , Balakrishna Nagalla , Radhakrishna Kankipati V. , Reinhart Gregory A. , Nair Krishnapillai Madhavan
Published: February 2019

Stunting has been negatively associated with children's development. We examined the range of height by testing hypotheses: (a) height is positively associated with children's development, with associations moderated by inflammation and (b) home environments characterized by nurturance and early learning opportunities is positively associated with children's development over time and attenuate associations with height. Data included 513 infants (mean age 8.6 months) and 316 preschoolers (mean age 36.6 months) in rural India from a randomized controlled trial of multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs). Measures included height (height‐for‐age z‐scores based on WHO standards), inflammation (C‐reactive protein concentration >5 mg/L), nurturance (HOME Inventory), child development (Mullens Scales of Early Learning), and inhibitory control (preschoolers). Linear mixed effects models accounting for repeated measures, clustering, and confounders were used to assess associations between height and child development over time (infants: enrollment, 6 and 12 months; preschoolers: enrollment and 8 months). Moderating effects of inflammation and nurturance were tested with interaction terms. Among infants and preschoolers, height and nurturance were positively associated with all domains of child development over time, with the exception of inhibitory control. Among preschoolers, in the presence of inflammation, height was not associated with child development. Among infants, but not preschoolers, a nurturant home environment attenuated significant associations between height with fine motor and receptive language development. The mechanisms associated with children's development over time are multifactorial and include direct and indirect associations among nutrition, health, and the home environment, as supported by the Nurturing Care Framework.
Heart failure among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: real‐world data of 289 954 people from a diabetes database
Authors: Stoyanova D. , Stratmann B. , Schwandt A. , Heise N. , Mühldorfer S. , Ziegelasch H.‐J. , Zimmermann A. , Tschoepe D. , Holl R. W. ,   the DPV Initiative
Published: January 2019

Aim

Comparing people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without heart failure in terms of metabolic control, therapeutic regimen and comorbidities.

Methods

The Prospective Diabetes Registry (DPV) is a longitudinal documentation system for demographics, medical care and outcome in people with diabetes mellitus. It consists of follow‐up data from people with diabetes mellitus who have agreed to be recorded in the registry. Clinical data are submitted by general practitioners, specialists and clinics throughout Germany and Austria. Some 289 954 people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (years 2000 to 2015) were analysed using demographic statistics and adjustment for confounders based on linear and logistic regression analysis.

Results

People with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (ICD code: E11) and heart failure (ICD code: I50) (N = 14 723) were older, more often women and presented with longer diabetes duration compared with those without heart failure. After adjustment for age, gender and diabetes duration, people with heart failure showed lower HbA1c, higher BMI and more intense insulin therapy. Analysis revealed that people with heart failure were more often treated with insulin, and more frequently received anti‐hypertensives and lipid‐lowering medication. They presented with lower systolic and diastolic BP. People with heart failure more frequently showed a history of comorbidities.

Conclusion

Heart failure is common in diabetes mellitus, but the prevalence in the DPV is lower frequent than expected. The reason for improved metabolic control in heart failure may be intensified therapy with insulin, lipid‐lowering medication and anti‐hypertensives in this cohort.
Poverty and inequality in Latin America’s research agenda: A bibliometric review
Authors: Amarante Verónica , Brun Martín , Rossel Cecilia
Published: January 2019

Motivation

How is research on social issues shaped in Latin America? How much attention do researchers give to poverty and inequality? What is the focus of research on these issues?

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse the main patterns of academic publications on poverty and inequality in Latin America.

Approach and methods

A bibliometric analysis based on different sources is used to review the main trends of publications on poverty and inequality in the region between 1990 and 2014.

Findings

We find that although Latin America is widely recognized as one of the most unequal regions worldwide, poverty—not inequality—has been at the centre of the region’s research agendas for many years. We detect a gradual shift in research from poverty to inequality, both in the academic literature and in the publications of international organizations.

Policy implications

These findings provide new elements to better understand how and why researchers choose certain topics over others. This understanding is important both to gain knowledge on what researchers are prioritizing, and to shed light on the relationship between those priorities and public policies to combat poverty and inequality.
Decreased glucocorticoid receptor expression during critical illness
Authors: Vassiliou Alice G. , Floros Georgios , Jahaj Edison , Stamogiannos Georgios , Gennimata Sofianna , Vassiliadi Dimitra A. , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Tzanela Marinella , Ilias Ioannis , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Kotanidou Anastasia , Dimopoulou Ioanna
Published: January 2019

Introduction

In critically ill patients, the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis is activated, resulting in increased serum cortisol concentrations. However, in some patients, especially those with sepsis, cortisol levels are relatively low for the degree of illness severity. Therefore, in the present project, we aim to characterize the time course of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) alpha and beta expression in peripheral polymorphonuclear cells of critically ill septic or nonseptic patients using real‐time PCR.

Design

A prospective observational study conducted on 32 critically ill adults not receiving steroids, in a university‐affiliated, multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU). Blood samples were collected for measurement of glucocorticoid receptor expression within 24‐48 hours of admission to the ICU and at days 4, 8 and 13 after admission, reflecting the acute and chronic phase of the illness.

Results

During ICU stay, patients expressed over time reduced levels of both GCR‐α and GCR‐β mRNA. More specifically, GCR‐α mRNA expression was decreased fourfold 4 days after admission (P < 0.0001) and remained low up to 2 weeks after admission (P < 0.001). On the other hand, GCR‐β mRNA levels remained stable shortly after admission, but approx. one week after admission, its levels decreased threefold (P < 0.01) and remained reduced up to 2 weeks after admission (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Our results suggest that critically ill patients have highly variable expression of alpha and beta GCR, and moreover, the levels of both receptors decrease during ICU stay. Taken together, these might explain the differential responsiveness of patients to exogenous steroid administration or to endogenous cortisol secretion.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of density‐dependent dispersal during a population colonisation
Authors: De Bona Sebastiano , Bruneaux Matthieu , Lee Alex E. G. , Reznick David N. , Bentzen Paul , López‐Sepulcre Andrés
Published: February 2019

Predicting population colonisations requires understanding how spatio‐temporal changes in density affect dispersal. Density can inform on fitness prospects, acting as a cue for either habitat quality, or competition over resources. However, when escaping competition, high local density should only increase emigration if lower‐density patches are available elsewhere. Few empirical studies on dispersal have considered the effects of density at the local and landscape scale simultaneously. To explore this, we analyze 5 years of individual‐based data from an experimental introduction of wild guppies Poecilia reticulata. Natal dispersal showed a decrease in local density dependence as density at the landscape level increased. Landscape density did not affect dispersal among adults, but local density‐dependent dispersal switched from negative (conspecific attraction) to positive (conspecific avoidance), as the colonisation progressed. This study demonstrates that densities at various scales interact to determine dispersal, and suggests that dispersal trade‐offs differ across life stages.
Elevational differentiation accelerates trait evolution but not speciation rates in Amazonian birds
Authors: Luzuriaga‐Aveiga Vanessa E. , Weir Jason T.
Published: February 2019

The importance of ecologically mediated divergent selection in accelerating trait evolution has been poorly studied in the most species‐rich biome of the planet, the continental Neotropics. We performed macroevolutionary analyses of trait divergence and diversification rates across closely related pairs of Andean and Amazonian passerine birds, to assess whether the difference in elevational range separating species pairs – a proxy for the degree of ecological divergence – influences the speed of trait evolution and diversification rates. We found that elevational differentiation is associated with faster divergence of song frequency, a trait important for pre‐mating isolation, and several morphological traits, which may contribute to extrinsic post‐mating isolation. However, elevational differentiation did not increase recent speciation rates, possibly due to early bursts of diversification during the uplift of the eastern Andes followed by a slow‐down in speciation rate. Our results suggest that ecological differentiation may speed up trait evolution, but not diversification of Neotropical birds.
Acquired neuromyotonia in thymoma‐associated myasthenia gravis: a clinical and serological study
Authors: Gastaldi M. , De Rosa A. , Maestri M. , Zardini E. , Scaranzin S. , Guida M. , Borrelli P. , Ferraro O. E. , Lampasona V. , Furlan R. , Irani S. R. , Waters P. , Lang B. , Vincent A. , Marchioni E. , Ricciardi R. , Franciotta D.
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

Acquired neuromyotonia can occur in patients with thymoma, alone or in association with myasthenia gravis (MG), but the clinical prognostic significance of such comorbidity is largely unknown. The clinico‐pathological features were investigated along with the occurrence of neuromyotonia as predictors of tumour recurrence in patients with thymoma‐associated myasthenia.

Methods

A total number of 268 patients with thymomatous MG were studied retrospectively. Patients with symptoms of spontaneous muscle overactivity were selected for autoantibody testing using immunohistology for neuronal cell‐surface proteins and cell‐based assays for contactin‐associated protein 2 (CASPR2), leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1), glycine receptor and Netrin‐1 receptor antibodies. Neuromyotonia was diagnosed according to the presence of typical electromyography abnormalities and/or autoantibodies against LGI1/CASPR2.

Results

Overall, 33/268 (12%) MG patients had a thymoma recurrence. Five/268 (2%) had neuromyotonia, four with typical autoantibodies, including LGI1 (n = 1), CASPR2 (n = 1) or both (n = 2). Three patients had Netrin‐1 receptor antibodies, two with neuromyotonia and concomitant CASPR2+LGI1 antibodies and one with spontaneous muscle overactivity without electromyography evidence of neuromyotonia. Thymoma recurrence was more frequent in those with (4/5, 80%) than in those without (28/263, 10%, P < 0.001) neuromyotonia. Neuromyotonia preceded the recurrence in 4/5 patients. In univariate analysis, predictors of thymoma recurrence were age at thymectomy [odds ratio (OR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–0.97], Masaoka stage ≥IIb (OR 10.73, 95% CI 2.38–48.36) and neuromyotonia (OR 41.78, 95% CI 4.71–370.58).

Conclusions

De novo occurrence of neuromyotonia in MG patients with previous thymomas is a rare event and may herald tumour recurrence. Neuronal autoantibodies can be helpful to assess the diagnosis. These observations provide pragmatic risk stratification for tumour vigilance in patients with thymomatous MG.
Ecumenical Theology of Hope for the Common Oikos and the Greed Line as Principle of Sustainability
Authors: Andrianos Louk A.
Published: January 2019

The word oikos stems from the Greek, meaning the dwelling place of the human family and the concept of the wider household. Depending on the scale, oikos might be defined locally or globally. In this essay, our common oikos refers to the whole earth, whose sustainability is scientifically recognized as threatened by human greed. The issues of climate change, water crisis, loss of biodiversity, and many other sustainability problems are real challenges that cannot be solved by politics and technology alone. Ecumenical theology can help by catalyzing societal change with active hope. This paper develops the understanding of the ecumenical theology of oikos and extends reflection to a practical ecotheology of greed‐line practice as a principle of sustainability – the greed index. It advocates for the resolute mode of hoping for the oikos and calls everyone to share this hope through ecumenical diakonia for the sake of creation.
Digital energy grade‐based approach for crack path prediction based on 2D X‐ray CT images of geomaterials
Authors: Zhao Zhi , Zhou Xiao‐Ping
Published: February 2019

Cracking is an important phenomenon in the failure of geomaterials. The prediction of crack paths is difficult and challenging because of the randomness and uncertainty in the cracking behaviors of geomaterials. In this paper, to predict crack paths based on 2D X‐ray computed tomography (CT) images, a digital energy grade‐based approach is proposed, and the corresponding energy principle is established. Excellent consistency of crack paths is found between the predicted crack path and the real crack path of the specimen. The numerical results indicate that the proposed approach provides a useful way to predict cracking paths in geomaterials. Meanwhile, the stress and displacement fields before and after the specimen fails can be obtained by combining the proposed method with finite element (FE) analysis. In total, this proposed method can be applied not only to monitoring the health of but also to the stability analysis of engineering structures during engineering activities.
Clearing the air after “dieselgate”: Time for European regulators to experiment with participatory governance
Authors: Palmer James , Schwanen Tim
Published: February 2019

Since it erupted in 2015, the so‐called “dieselgate” scandal has revealed severe shortcomings in car manufacturers’ efforts to reduce the impacts of driving on both global climate change and local air quality. In the European Union context, this controversy has raised questions about the trustworthiness of carmakers, and about the accuracy of the emissions measurements upon which key regulation is currently based. Just as importantly, however, it has also precipitated growing tensions between regulatory authorities situated in municipalities, national governments, and Brussels itself. Thus, even as European lawmakers have responded to the scandal by seeking to revamp and tighten up official “laboratory” vehicle emissions tests, growing citizen concern about the impact of vehicles on urban air quality is already having significant impacts across a multitude of European cities. Municipal authorities in Germany, for example – including in Stuttgart, the hometown of several major carmakers – have recently been compelled by court rulings to introduce outright bans on many older models of diesel vehicle, following legal challenges brought by environmental groups. That such bans have been upheld in Germany's highest court despite opposition from both state and federal governments underlines the need to view dieselgate as a knowledge controversy with distinctly geopolitical dimensions. In this commentary, we contend that questions about the accuracy of vehicle emissions measurements cannot be separated from geopolitical and scalar tensions over regulatory authority. Far from seeing such complexity as a barrier to the effective “closure” of the dieselgate scandal, however, we suggest that European regulators stand to gain much from adopting a more open and responsive position towards citizens’ concerns about vehicle emissions, as well as the plurality of forms of knowledge and experience upon which they are based.
Geocoaching: Memories and habits of learning in practices of ecopedagogy
Authors: Dunkley Ria Ann , Smith Thomas Aneurin
Published: February 2019

Ecopedagogy, or place‐based, experiential, and environmental education, has become a critical part of contemporary environmental and geographic learning, in attempts to tackle perceived moral panics around childhood and environmental crisis. Drawing upon research with children taking part in a “summer club” in the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Wales, this paper critically explores instances of ecopedagogy within the educational landscape of the National Park. We examine the moral geographies of ecopedagogy through our concept of geocoaching, which attempts to explicate the workings of embodied practices, or habits, interwoven with how personal and social memories are brought to bear in outdoor educational activities. We take three examples of geocoaching – a bug hunt; a walk to a standing stone; and an outdoor filming and photography exercise – to explore how past, present, and future selves and fields are co‐produced by educators and children. In doing so, this paper questions the straightforward traceability between ecopedagogy, critical ecological consciousness, and future environmental stewardship.
High variability of teicoplanin concentration in patients with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration
Authors: Lim Seung K. , Lee Sun A. , Kim Cheol‐W. , Kang Eunjeong , Choi Young H. , Park Inwhee
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) may alter teicoplanin pharmacokinetics and increase the risk of incorrect dosing. The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess the effect of CVVHDF on the pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin as maintenance therapy.

Methods: Blood, urine, and dialysate samples were collected to measure teicoplanin levels. CVVHDF clearance (CLCVVHDF), total clearance (CLTOTAL), and volume of distribution (Vd) were calculated by simplex‐linear modeling. The influence of CVVHDF dose on teicoplanin pharmacokinetics was assessed.

Findings: Ten samples from eight patients were studied. Creatinine clearance was 3.4 ± 5.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. Three patients were anuria. The dose for CVVHDF was 32.1 ± 7.0 mL/kg/h. Vd was 1.6 ± 0.7 L/kg. T1/2 was 100.1 ± 42.7 hours. CLTOTAL of teicoplanin was 11.9 ± 5.4 mL/min and CLCVVHDF was 5.8 ± 4.2 mL/min. Contribution of CLCVVHDF to CLTOTAL was 51.2% ± 23.6%. CLCVVHDF of individual teicoplanin varied widely. Large intra‐occasion differences were also observed. Dose of CLCVVHDF did not influence overall CLTOTAL, Vd, or half‐life. The proportion of CLTOTAL due to CLCVVHDF varied widely. It was high in some cases.

Discussion: In patients receiving CVVHDF, there is great variability in teicoplanin pharmacokinetics which complicates empiric approach to dosing, suggesting the need for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Intellectual leadership and academic communities: Issues for discussion and research
Authors: Oleksiyenko Anatoly , Ruan Nian
Published: February 2019

This paper re‐examines intellectual leadership in Higher Education by asking the following questions: What is intellectual leadership? Does intellectual leadership imply a position of formal authority and power? What patterns can be observed in the career paths of intellectual leaders? Does cumulative advantage in science automatically pave the way for intellectual leadership? What hinders women and minority scholars from taking on intellectual leadership in their epistemic communities? Drawing on discussions in the literature of the previous decade, the inquiry aims to re‐energise dialogue that is essential for resistance to anti‐intellectualism and proletarianisation in academe.
An Australian community jury to consider case‐finding for dementia: Differences between informed community preferences and general practice guidelines
Authors: Thomas Rae , Sims Rebecca , Beller Elaine , Scott Anna Mae , Doust Jenny , Le Couteur David , Pond Dimity , Loy Clement , Forlini Cynthia , Glasziou Paul
Published: February 2019

Background

Case‐finding for dementia is practised by general practitioners (GPs) in Australia but without an awareness of community preferences. We explored the values and preferences of informed community members around case‐finding for dementia in Australian general practice.

Design, setting and participants

A before and after, mixed‐methods study in Gold Coast, Australia, with ten community members aged 50‐70.

Intervention

A 2‐day citizen/community jury. Participants were informed by experts about dementia, the potential harms and benefits of case‐finding, and ethical considerations.

Primary and secondary outcomes

We asked participants, “Should the health system encourage GPs to practice ‘case‐finding’ of dementia in people older than 50?” Case‐finding was defined as a GP initiating testing for dementia when the patient is unaware of symptoms. We also assessed changes in participant comprehension/knowledge, attitudes towards dementia and participants’ own intentions to undergo case‐finding for dementia if it were suggested.

Results

Participants voted unanimously against case‐finding for dementia, citing a lack of effective treatments, potential for harm to patients and potential financial incentives. However, they recognized that case‐finding was currently practised by Australian GPs and recommended specific changes to the guidelines. Participants increased their comprehension/knowledge of dementia, their attitude towards case‐finding became less positive, and their intentions to be tested themselves decreased.

Conclusion

Once informed, community jury participants did not agree case‐finding for dementia should be conducted by GPs. Yet their personal intentions to accept case‐finding varied. If case‐finding for dementia is recommended in the guidelines, then shared decision making is essential.
An improved determination method for tyramine in foods using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with benzylamine as internal standard
Authors: Zhang Huixiang , Yin Chunli , Xu Leon , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Xu Zhimin
Published: February 2019

Tyramine has been considered a biological hazard for foods and beverages. In this study, an ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC) with benzylamine as an internal standard in dansyl chloride pre‐column derivatisation was developed to determine tyramine in various foods. Different from other tyramine determination methods usually without an internal standard in the pre‐column derivatisation, benzylamine which chemical structure is similar to tyramine was selected as an internal standard. The limits of detection and quantification of this method were 0.05 and 0.25 mg L−1, respectively, while the relative standard deviations of repeatability and reproducibility were 2.1% and 3.1%, respectively. The sensitivity and reliability of this method were also evaluated by determining tyramine in common liquid, pasty and solid foods. The recoveries of tyramine in these foods were between 87.3% and 96.8% by using this method. Overall, it is a fast, inexpensive, reliable and sensitive method to measure tyramine in different food products.
The coverage of social protection in the Global South
Authors: Schmitt Carina
Published: February 2019

About 73% of the global population is not, or is only partly, covered by social protection. Particularly across low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), social protection coverage is highly heterogeneous. What explains the large differences in the inclusiveness of social protection across LMICs? By analysing 100 LMICs using retirement schemes as an example, this study shows that non‐contributory schemes in LMICs are, by far, more inclusive than contributory ones. Surprisingly, democratic institutions characterised by low levels of political corruption only promote the inclusiveness of non‐contributory social protection while reducing the coverage of contributory schemes.
Electric field tuning of magnetization in an antiferroelectric‐based heterostructure: Example of NMG/PLZST/NMG
Authors: Han Liuyang , Ponchel Freddy , Tiercelin Nicolas , Rémiens Denis , Lasri Tuami , Pernod Philippe , Wang Genshui
Published: February 2019

A magnetoelectric (ME) heterostructure was fabricated by depositing a Ni‐Mn‐Ga (NMG) magnetic film on an antiferroelectric (AFE) PLZST—(Pb, La)(Zr, Sn, Ti)O3—ceramic substrate. Significant and reversible electric field‐induced relative magnetization changes (∆M/M0) were firstly observed in this magnetic/AFE heterostructure, and the ∆M/M0 vs electric field loops have been found to correspond well with the strain‐electric field curve of PLZST ceramic. The maximum ∆M/M0 variation can reach 15%, indicating an obvious strain‐mediated converse magnetoelectric (CME) effect. A maximum CME coefficient of 1.14 × 10‐9 s/m was obtained at the switching electric fields of PLZST. The collected results suggest that AFE materials with a large electric‐field‐induced phase transition strain could be alternative candidates in ME coupling heterostructures.
Photoluminescent and scintillant properties of highly transparent [(Y1‐xGdx)0.99Dy0.01]2O3 (x = 0 and 0.4) ceramics
Authors: Lu Bin , Sun Zhigang , Wang Xinyuan , Chen Hongbing , Sakka Yoshio , Li Ji‐Guang
Published: February 2019

High‐optical‐quality ternary [(Y1‐xGdx)0.99Dy0.01]2O3 (x = 0 and 0.4) ceramics were successfully fabricated by vacuum sintering with in‐line transmittances of 71.4%‐75.1% at 574 nm, the wavelength of Dy3+ emission (the 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transition). Substitution of Gd3+ for Y3+ significantly affected the photoluminescent and scintillant properties of the ceramics. Gd3+ addition effectively increased lattice parameters and theoretical densities of the ceramic samples; this contributed to enhanced X‐ray absorption coefficients. Both [(Y1‐xGdx)0.99Dy0.01]2O3 (x = 0 and 0.4) ceramics displayed typical Dy3+ emissions from 4F9/2 → 6HJ (J = 15/2, 13/2, 11/2) transitions under UV and X‐ray irradiations. By incorporating Gd3+ into the lattice, a stronger excitation peak of Gd3+ due to internal f‐f transitions relative to Dy3+ was observed at 276 nm; subsequent ceramics obtained a sharper PL intensity and a warmer hue via effective energy transfer from Gd3+ to Dy3+. Using a Gd3+ dopant generally reduces the total photoluminescence/photoluminescence excitation intensities and light output; it also delays the lifetime and afterglow of the transparent ceramics.
A mixed‐methods, randomized controlled feasibility trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) versus SC alone for DSM‐5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Karatzias Thanos , Brown Michael , Taggart Laurence , Truesdale Maria , Sirisena Chammy , Walley Robert , Mason‐Roberts Susan , Bradley Aoife , Paterson Douglas
Published: February 2019

Objective

To report the results of the first randomized feasibility trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) plus Standard Care (SC) versus SC alone for DSM‐5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A total of 29 participants were randomized to either to EMDR + SC (n = 15) or SC (n = 14). Participants completed measures on traumatic stress (PCL‐C) and comorbid distress at baseline, 1 week post‐treatment and 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

In the EMDR + SC group, 9 (60%) participants at post‐treatment and 7 (47%) participants at 3‐month follow‐up were diagnosis free. In SC, 4 (27%) at post‐treatment and follow‐up were diagnosis free. At post‐treatment, three participants (20%) dropped out from the EMDR + SC group, and 1 (7%) dropped out from the SC group.

Conclusions

It is feasible, acceptable and potentially effective to deliver EMDR in this population group.
Supporting children of parents with intellectual disability: A scoping review
Authors: Gudkova Tatiana , Hedlund Marianne , Midjo Turid
Published: February 2019

Background

Parents with intellectual disability live normal lives and have children, but many of them lose custody of their children. However, little is known about the support, if any, that these children receive. Here, the present authors review the literature on the help and support given to children of parents with intellectual disability.

Method

A scoping review of peer‐reviewed and grey literature was conducted, covering 1997 to November 2017.

Results

Thirteen publications were identified. The children benefited from help and support received through informal networks. They also benefited from formal support if it focused on the children's needs and interests.

Conclusions

The review shows that even though support from informal networks might be an influential factor in supporting children, there is a need for more research addressing the formal support these children receive and how they benefit from it.
Inhibition of pancreatic cancer stem cell characteristics by α‐Mangostin: Molecular mechanisms involving Sonic hedgehog and Nanog
Authors: Ma Yiming , Yu Wei , Shrivastava Anju , Srivastava Rakesh K. , Shankar Sharmila
Published: February 2019

The current investigation was intended to elucidate the molecular mechanism of α‐Mangostin in the regulation of pancreatic cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics. Here, we demonstrate that α‐Mangostin inhibited cell proliferation in pancreatic CSCs and cancer cell lines while it showed no effect on human pancreatic normal ductal epithelial cells. Also, α‐Mangostin inhibited colony formation and induced apoptosis in these cells. Further, α‐Mangostin inhibited the self‐renewal capacity of CSCs isolated from human primary tumours and KrasG12D mice. Furthermore, α‐Mangostin inhibited the invasive and metastatic ability of pancreatic CSCs by suppressing the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) via up‐regulation of E‐cadherin and down‐regulation of mesenchymal phenotype by inhibiting N‐cadherin, Snail and Slug expression. Interestingly, the pluripotency maintaining factors and CSC markers were inhibited by α‐Mangostin thus suggesting that α‐Mangostin can target CSCs to inhibit pancreatic cancer effectively. Gli signalling plays a crucial role in the self‐renewal and pluripotency of CSCs. α‐Mangostin inhibited the Gli transcription and the expression of Gli target genes (Nanog, Oct4, c‐Myc, Sox‐2 and KLF4) in CSCs. Using ChIP assay, we demonstrated that Nanog could directly bind to promoters of Cdk2, Cdk6, FGF4, c‐Myc and α‐Mangostin inhibited Nanog binding to these promoters. Conversely, the inhibitory effects of the α‐Mangostin on CSC proliferation and Gli or Nanog transcription and their targets were abrogated by either enforced activation of sonic hedgehog (Shh) or by the overexpression of Nanog. Taken together, our studies suggest that α‐Mangostin may act as Gli inhibitor and establishes the pre‐clinical significance of α‐Mangostin for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer.