bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Characteristics and Controlling Factors of the Strike‐slip Fault Zones in the Northern Slope of Tazhong Uplift, Tarim Basin: Insight from 3D Seismic Data
Authors: HAN Xiaoying , TANG Liangjie , DENG Shang , CAO Zicheng
Published: July 2019

The detailed characteristics of the Paleozoic strike‐slip fault zones developed in the northern slope of Tazhong uplift are closely related to hydrocarbon explorations. In this study, five major strike‐slip fault zones that cut through the Cambrian‐Middle Devonian units are identified, by using 3D seismic data. Each of the strike‐slip fault zones is characterized by two styles of deformation, namely deeper strike‐slip faults and shallower en‐echelon faults. By counting the reverse separation of the horizon along the deeper faults, activity intensity on the deeper strike‐slip faults in the south is stronger than that on the northern ones. The angle between the strike of the shallower en‐echelon normal faults and the principal displacement zone (PDZ) below them is likely to have a tendency to decrease slightly from the south to the north, which may indicate that activity intensity on the shallower southern en‐echelon faults is stronger than that on the northern ones. Comparing the reverse separation along the deeper faults and the fault throw of the shallower faults, activity intensity of the Fault zone S1 is similar across different layers, while the activity intensity of the southern faults is larger than that of the northern ones. It is obvious that both the activity intensity of the same layer in different fault zones and different layers in the same fault zone have a macro characteristic in that the southern faults show stronger activity intensity than the northern ones. The Late Ordovician décollement layer developed in the Tazhong area and the peripheral tectonic events of the Tarim Basin have been considered two main factors in the differential deformation characteristics of the strike‐slip fault zones in the northern slope of Tazhong uplift. They controlled the differences in the multi‐level and multi‐stage deformations of the strike‐slip faults, respectively. In particular, peripheral tectonic events of the Tarim Basin were the dynamic source of the formatting and evolution of the strike‐slip fault zones, and good candidates to accommodate the differential activity intensity of these faults.
Coalbed Methane Enrichment Regularity and Major Control Factors in the Xishanyao Formation in the Western Part of the Southern Junggar Basin
Authors: YUAN Yuan , SHAN Yansheng , TANG Yue , CAO Daiyong
Published: July 2019

There are abundant coal and coalbed methane (CBM) resources in the Xishanyao Formation in the western region of the southern Junggar Basin, and the prospects for CBM exploration and development are promising. To promote the exploration and development of the CBM resources of the Xishanyao Formation in this area, we studied previous coalfield survey data and CBM geological exploration data. Then, we analyzed the relationships between the gas content and methane concentration vs. coal seam thickness, burial depth, coal reservoir physical characteristics, hydrogeological conditions, and roof and floor lithology. In addition, we briefly discuss the main factors influencing CBM accumulation. First, we found that the coal strata of the Xishanyao Formation in the study area are relatively simple in structure, and the coal seam has a large thickness and burial depth, as well as moderately good roof and floor conditions. The hydrogeological conditions and coal reservoir physical characteristics are also conducive to the enrichment and a high yield of CBM. We believe that the preservation of CBM resources in the study area is mainly controlled by the structure, burial depth, and hydrogeological conditions. Furthermore, on the basis of the above results, the coal seam of the Xishanyao Formation in the synclinal shaft and buried at depths of 700–1000 m should be the first considered for development.
Distribution Features of the Nanhua‐Sinian Rifts and their Significance to Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Tarim Basin
Authors: BAI Zhongkai , CHENG Minghua , CHEN Cheng , HUO Junzhou , ZHANG Junfeng , ZHOU Xingui , GAO Yongjin , ZHAO Bo , QIU Haijun , HAN Miao , YANG Youxing , SUN Zhichao , MIAO Miaoqing , ZHANG Jinhu , LI Qingyao
Published: July 2019

On the basis of reprocessing 34 new two‐dimensional spliced long sections (20,191 km) in the Tarim Basin, the deep structure features of the Tarim Basin were analyzed through interpreting 30,451 km of two‐dimensional seismic data and compiling basic maps. Seismic interpretation and geological analysis conclude that the Nanhua‐Sinian strata are a set of rift‐depression depositional systems according to their tectonic and depositional features. The rift valley formed in the Nanhua Period, and the transformation became weaker during the late Sinian Period, which eventually turned into depression. From bottom to top, the deposited strata include mafic igneous, tillite, mudstone, and dolomite. Three major depocenters developed inside this basin during the rift stage and are distributed in the eastern Tarim Basin, the Awati area, and the southwestern Tarim Basin. Among them, the rift in the eastern Tarim Basin strikes in the near east‐west direction on the plane and coincides with the aeromagnetic anomaly belt. This represents a strong magnetic zone formed by upwelling basic volcanic rock along high, steep normal faults of the Nanhua Period. Controlled by the tectonic background, two types of sedimentary systems were developed in the rift stage and depression stage, showing two types of sequence features in the Sinian depositional stage. The Nanhua System appears as a wedge‐shaped formation, with its bottom in unconformable contact with the base. The rifting event has a strong influence on the current tectonic units in the Tarim Basin, and affects the distribution of source rock in the Yuertus Formation and reservoir beds in the Xiaoerbulake Formation in Lower Cambrian, as well as the gypseous cap rock in Middle Cambrian. The distribution features of the rifts have important and realistic significance for determining the direction of oil and gas exploration in the deep strata of the Tarim Basin. Comprehensive analysis suggests that the Tazhong region is the most favorable zone, and the Kalpin‐Bachu region is the optimal potential zone for exploring sub‐salt oil and gas in deep Cambrian strata.
Characteristics and Natural Gas Origin of Middle–Late Triassic Marine Source Rocks of the Western Sichuan Depression, SW China
Authors: SUN Tengjiao , LUO Xiaoping , QING Hairuo , KOU Xueling , SHENG Zhongming , XU Guosheng , ZUO Yinhui
Published: July 2019

A scientific exploration well (CK1) was drilled to expand the oil/gas production in the western Sichuan depression, SW, China. Seventy‐three core samples and four natural gas samples from the Middle–Late Triassic strata were analyzed to determine the paleo‐depositional setting and the abundance of organic matter (OM) and to evaluate the hydrocarbon‐generation process and potential. This information was then used to identify the origin of the natural gas. The OM is characterized by medium n‐alkanes (nC15–nC19), low pristane/phytane and terrigenous aquatic ratios (TAR), a carbon preference index (CPI) of ∼1, regular steranes with C29 > C27 > C28, gammacerane/C30hopane ratios of 0.15–0.32, and δDorg of −132‰ to −58‰, suggesting a marine algal/phytoplankton source with terrestrial input deposited in a reducing–transitional saline/marine sedimentary environment. Based on the TOC, HI index, and chloroform bitumen “A,” the algal‐rich dolomites of the Leikoupo Formation are fair–good source rocks; the grey limestones of the Maantang Formation are fair source rocks; and the shales of the Xiaotangzi Formation are moderately good source rocks. In addition, maceral and carbon isotopes indicate that the kerogen of the Leikoupo and Maantang formations is type II and that of the Xiaotangzi Formation is type II–III. The maturity parameters and the hopane and sterane isomerization suggest that the OM was advanced mature and produced wet–dry gases. One‐dimensional modeling of the thermal‐burial history suggests that hydrocarbon‐generation occurred at 220–60 Ma. The gas components and C–H–He–Ar–Ne isotopes indicate that the oil‐associated gases were generated in the Leikoupo and Maantang formations, and then, they mixed with gases from the Xiaotangzi Formation, which were probably contributed by the underlying Permian marine source rocks. Therefore, the deeply‐buried Middle–Late Triassic marine source rocks in the western Sichuan depression and in similar basins have a great significant hydrocarbon potential.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the High‐Cr Podiform Chromitite from the Cuobuzha Ophiolite, Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, Western Tibet, China: Implication for its Origin
Authors: ZHAO Hui , YANG Jingsui , LIU Fei , XIONG Fahui , LIAN Dongyang , YAO Hu
Published: July 2019

The Cuobuzha high‐Cr chromitites in the western segment of Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone of Tibet are mainly hosted in the harzburgites as massive type, which are characterized by high concentrations of platinum group elements (PGE) ranging from 380 to 577 ppb, and low Pd/Ir ratios (<0.1). In mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB)‐normalized spidergrams, chromites of the Cuobuzha chromitites are depleted in Al, Ga, V, Mg and Zn, and enriched in Mn and Cr, sharing similar patterns with those of ophiolitic boninites in the Bonin and Thetford Mines. Approximately 20 platinum group mineral (PGM) grains were discovered from the samples, including laurite, erlichmanite, Os‐Fe alloy, cuproiridsite, and irarsite. The PGM assemblages indicate that sulfur fugacity was initially low enough to allow the precipitation of Os‐Fe alloy and increased thereafter, with the fall in temperature. Primary Fe‐Ni and Fe‐Cr alloys, which are stable in a highly reduced environment, occur as inclusions within chromites or clinopyroxenes. Calculated results show that the parental magma has an intimate affinity with boninites. Based on our observations, a model is proposed wherein the Cuobuzha chromitites contain high‐pressure and low‐pressure chromites. Low‐pressure chromites were formed via reaction between boninitic melts and peridotites, during which the high‐pressure chromites hosting highly reduced minerals were mobilized by melts and were reallocated to podiform chromitites.
Discovery of Cosmic Spherules from the Mesoproterozoic Strata and its Significance—in Case of the Ming Tombs Area, Beijing
Authors: SONG Tianrui , ZHENG Ning , LIU Yongqing , KUANG Hongwei , PENG Nan , LI Chao , TANG Jigang , YAN Qinggao , GAO Linzhi , ZHU Zhicai , XIA Xiaoxu , WANG Yuchong
Published: July 2019

This study covers cosmic spherules derived from the Mesoproterozoic Dahongyu Formation in the Ming Tombs area, Beijing. The cosmic spherules include iron oxide cosmic spherules, carbonaceous chondrites, and atomic iron “steely bead”‐shaped cosmic spherules. The mineral assemblage of silicon carbide, forsterite, zircon, and glass spherules and fragments were picked from melt‐silicified carbonate of the Mesoproterozoic Dahongyu Formation (ca. 1625 Ma). Cosmic spherule assemblages are solely discovered from sedimentary rocks in China. Platinum group elements (PGE) were determined for the first time in cosmic spherules and associated minerals. PGE comparative observation between meteorite and cosmic spherules is presented in this study. It is recognized that an extraterrestrial meteorite impact event might have occurred in the Dahongyu Stage. The main evidence is a large number of iron cosmic spherules in silicified oncolitic limestone, and associated cosmic silicon carbide, glass spherules, and fragments, as well as the presence of forsterite. The impact‐volcanic crater is characteristic of a big black shale block dropped into the bended silicified limestone.
Adsorption Mechanism and Kinetic Characterization of Bituminous Coal under High Temperatures and Pressures in the Linxing‐Shenfu Area
Authors: TAO Chuanqi , WANG Yanbin , LI Yong , NI Xiaoming , GAO Xiangdong
Published: July 2019

The majority of coalbed methane (CBM) in coal reservoirs is in adsorption states in coal matrix pores. To reveal the adsorption behavior of bituminous coal under high‐temperature and high‐pressure conditions and to discuss the microscopic control mechanism affecting the adsorption characteristics, isothermal adsorption experiments under high‐temperature and high‐pressure conditions, low‐temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption‐desorption experiments and CO2 adsorption experiments were performed on coal samples. Results show that the adsorption capacity of coal is comprehensively controlled by the maximum vitrinite reflectance (Ro, max), as well as temperature and pressure conditions. As the vitrinite reflectance increases, the adsorption capacity of coal increases. At low pressures, the pressure has a significant effect on the positive effect of adsorption, but the effect of temperature is relatively weak. As the pressure increases, the effect of temperature on the negative effect of adsorption gradually becomes apparent, and the influence of pressure gradually decreases. Considering pore volumes of pores with diameters of 1.7–100 nm, the peak volume of pores with diameters 10–100 nm is higher than that from pores with diameters 1.7–10 nm, especially for pores with diameters of 40–60 nm, indicating that pores with diameters of 10–100 nm are the main contributors to the pore volume. The pore specific surface area shows multiple peaks, and the peak value appears for pore diameters of 2–3 nm, indicating that this pore diameter is the main contributor to the specific surface area. For pore diameters of 0.489–1.083 nm, the pore size distribution is bimodal, with peak values at 0.56–0.62 nm and 0.82–0.88 nm. The adsorption capability of the coal reservoir depends on the development degree of the supermicroporous specific surface area, because the supermicroporous pores are the main contributors to the specific pore area. Additionally, the adsorption space increases as the adsorption equilibrium pressure increases. Under the same pressure, as the maximum vitrinite reflectance increases, the adsorption space increases. In addition, the cumulative reduction in the surface free energy increases as the maximum vitrinite reflectance increases. Furthermore, as the pressure increases, the surface free energy of each pressure point gradually decreases, indicating that as the pressure increases, it is increasingly difficult to adsorb methane molecules.
Discontinuation due to immune‐related adverse events is a possible predictive factor for immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Komiya Kazutoshi , Nakamura Tomomi , Abe Tomonori , Ogusu Shinsuke , Nakashima Chiho , Takahashi Koichiro , Kimura Shinya , Sueoka‐Aragane Naoko
Published: July 2019

Background

Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) should be anticipated with treatment by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Although the relationship between irAEs and efficacy of ICI has been reported, it has not yet been clarified whether the benefit from ICI outweighs the low frequency of proceeding to subsequent therapies after discontinuation due to irAEs.

Methods

The study comprised 61 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer who underwent treatment with ICIs (nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy) at the Saga University Medical School Hospital from December 2015 to January 2018. Therapeutic effect and progression‐free survival (PFS) were compared between the irAEs discontinuation group (AEg) and the group with discontinuation due to all causes other than irAEs (Non‐AEg).

Results

A total of 30% patients(18/61) had therapy discontinued due to irAEs: 22.5% (9/40) with nivolumab and 42.9% (9/21) with pembrolizumab. The response rate was 50.0% in the AEg and 8.1% in the on‐AEg (P = 0.001). The median PFS was significantly longer in the AEg (9.3 months; 95% CI 2.1–12.1) than in the non‐AEg (1.9 months; 95% CI 0.9–3.6): HR 0.45 (95%CI 0.20–0.89; log‐rank test P = 0.026). The prevalence of drug‐induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) was 6.1% (3/49) in cases without interstitial pneumonia (IP) as the underlying disease, whereas it was 50% (6/12) in cases with IP (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Discontinuation of treatment with ICIs due to irAEs predict a good response to ICIs and favorable outcome since their anti‐cancer effects continue even after discontinuation. However, the presence of IP as the underlying disease increases the risk of drug‐related ILD onset.
Film mulch with irrigation and rainfed cultivations improves maize production and water use efficiency in Ethiopia
Authors: Yuan Zi‐Qiang , Zhang Rong , Wang Bin‐Xian , Gao Ben‐Qiang , Ayana Getachew , Abera Dejene , Ashraf Muhammad , Li Feng‐Min
Published: July 2019

Improving productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) and water use efficiency is of great significance for agriculture in Ethiopia. In this study, the effects of ridge‐furrow with film mulch cultivation were tested on maize yields in Melkassa, Ethiopia. Three field experiments (drip irrigation, furrow irrigation and rainfed) were conducted each with randomised complete block design with three replicates. The drip irrigation experiment was conducted in the dry season and constituted three film mulch methods (non‐mulch, transparent film mulch and black film mulch) with three irrigation levels (357, 435 and 515 mm). The furrow irrigation experiment was also conducted in the dry season and constituted two film mulches (non‐mulch and transparent film mulch) with three irrigation levels (484, 674 and 865 mm). The rainfed experiment was conducted in the rainy season and constituted three mulches (non‐mulch, transparent film mulch and black film mulch) with two farming methods (ridge‐furrow farming and flat farming). In the drip irrigation experiment, the highest maize yields (5.9 ± 0.6 t ha−1) and irrigation water use efficiency (9.6 ± 1 kg ha−1 mm−1) were recorded in the treatment using black film mulch with high irrigation, with increases of 68% and 68.4% compared to using non‐mulch treatment at that irrigation level. In the furrow irrigation experiment, maize yields and irrigation water use efficiency reached 7 (± 0.8) t ha−1 and 9.1 (± 1.9) kg ha−1 mm−1 in the treatment using transparent film mulch with medium irrigation (674 mm), with increases of 46% and 46.8% compared to that with non‐mulch treatment. In the rainfed experiment, the film mulch rather than farming method had positive effects on the maize yields and rainwater use efficiency. The average maize yield reached 8.5 (± 0.7) t ha−1 in the film mulch treatments, with an increase of 39% than using the non‐mulch treatment. Compared with that of non‐mulch treatment, the net income in the film mulch treatments increased by 94% in the furrow experiment and 31% in the rainfed experiment. Our results indicate that the ridge‐furrow with film mulch system can be recommended for water‐saving irrigation with low cost in dry seasons, and film mulch with flat farming can be recommended in rainy seasons for maize production in Ethiopia. This study provides strong evidence that maize productivity can be effectively improved in Ethiopia and other similar areas of the world using this simple and cost‐effective technology.
Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Increases the Sensitivity to the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol and the Expression of Select Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Genes within the Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Hauser Sheketha R. , Knight Christopher P. , Truitt William A. , Waeiss Robert Aaron , Holt Ian S. , Carvajal Gustavo B. , Bell Richard L. , Rodd Zachary A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Although not legally allowed to consume alcohol, adolescents account for 11% of all alcohol use in the United States and approximately 90% of adolescent intake is in the form of an alcohol binge. The adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) model developed by the NADIA consortium produces binge‐like EtOH exposure episodes. The current experiment examined the effects of AIE on the reinforcing properties of EtOH and genetic expression of cholinergic and dopaminergic factors within the posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) in Wistar male and female rats and in male alcohol‐preferring (P) rats.

Methods

Rats were exposed to the AIE or water during adolescence, and all testing occurred during adulthood. Wistar control and AIE rats were randomly assigned to groups that self‐administered 0 to 200 mg% EtOH. Male P rats self‐administered 0 to 100 mg%.

Results

The data indicated that exposure to AIE in both Wistar male and female rats (and male P rats) resulted in a significant leftward shift in dose–response curve for EtOH self‐administration into the pVTA. TaqMan array indicated that AIE exposure had divergent effects on the expression of nicotinic receptors (increased a7, reduction in a4 and a5). There were also sex‐specific effects of AIE on gene expression; male only reduction in D3 receptors.

Conclusion

Binge‐like EtOH exposure during adolescence enhances the sensitivity to the reinforcing properties of EtOH during adulthood which could be part of biological sequelae that are the basis for the deleterious effects of adolescent alcohol consumption on the rate of alcoholism during adulthood.
Trajectories of injection drug use among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada, 1996–2017: growth mixture modeling using data from prospective cohort studies
Authors: Dong Huiru , Hayashi Kanna , Singer Joel , Milloy Michael John , DeBeck Kora , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas
Published: July 2019

Background and aims

Injection drug use patterns are known to change over time, although such long‐term changes have not been well described. We sought to characterize longitudinal trajectories of injection drug use and identify associated factors.

Design

Data were derived from the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study and AIDS Care Cohort to evaluate the Exposure to Survival Services study, two prospective cohorts involving people who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada between 1996 and 2017. Growth mixture modeling was applied to identify distinct injection drug use trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify baseline factors associated with each trajectory.

Setting

Canada.

Participants

A total of 2057 participants who reported having used illicit drugs via injection in the past 6 months at the baseline visit were included in the study. The median time since first injection drug use at baseline was 14.8 years (quartile 1–quartile 3: 6.5–24.3).

Measurements

Information regarding self‐reported injection drug use during the past 6 months was collected at baseline and semi‐annually thereafter via interviewer‐administered questionnaires.

Findings

Participants were followed for a median of 113.4 months (quartile 1–quartile 3: 63.4–161.7). Five trajectories were identified: persistent high frequency injection (507, 24.6%); high frequency injection with late decrease (374, 18.2%); gradual cessation (662, 32.2%); early cessation with late relapse (227, 11.0%); and early cessation (287, 14.0%). Factors found to be associated with distinct trajectories included: daily heroin injection, binge injection drug use, age, not being in a stable relationship and year of study enrollment.

Conclusions

People who used drugs in Vancouver, Canada from 1996 to 2017 appeared to follow five drug use trajectories, ranging from persistent high frequency use to early cessation. Almost 25% of participants remained high‐frequency injectors over the study period.
Views and practices of induced abortion among Australian Fellows and trainees of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: A second study
Authors: Cheng Hon Chuen , Black Kirsten , Woods Cindy , de Costa Caroline
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Knowledge of current practices of abortion is important for planning of health services in Australia and for future training.

Aims

To conduct an online survey of the Fellows and specialist trainees of RANZCOG regarding their views and practices of induced abortion and compare these with results of a similar study from 2010.

Methods and Materials

A questionnaire was distributed to Australian Fellows and specialist trainees. Data collected were descriptively analysed and thematic analysis used for free comments.

Results

Approximately 25% of those emailed responded (632 of 2542); 13.7% reported total opposition to abortion on religious or conscientious grounds; the remainder did not. 83.5% believed that abortion should be part of general obstetric and gynaecological practice; 90% believed that education about abortion should be part of the curriculum for RANZCOG trainees. 92% supported public hospital provision of abortion services. A range of views was explored using thematic analysis.

Discussion

While a majority of Fellows and trainees do not hold religious or conscientious objections to abortion a significant minority do; this has changed little since 2010. Many respondents distinguish between ‘medical’ and ‘social’ indications for abortion although definitions of ‘social’ appear variable. There was strong support for the inclusion of abortion in the Fellowship training curriculum.

Conclusion

Although the response rate was lower than for the 2010 survey participants expressed strong support for the provision of abortion services in the public sector in Australia, and for incorporation of information about abortion in the training curriculum for Fellowship of RANZCOG.
Eosinophil extracellular traps activate type 2 innate lymphoid cells through stimulating airway epithelium in severe asthma
Authors: Choi Youngwoo , Kim Young‐Min , Lee Hee‐Ra , Mun Jiyeong , Sim Soyoon , Lee Dong‐Hyun , Pham Duy Le , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Shin Yoo Seob , Lee Seung‐Woo , Park Hae‐Sim
Published: July 2019

Background

Activated eosinophils release extracellular traps (EETs), which contribute to airway inflammation in severe asthma (SA). However, the role of EETs in innate immunity has not yet been completely determined. The present study aimed to demonstrate the mechanism of airway inflammation in SA mediated by EETs.

Methods

Peripheral counts of EET+ eosinophils and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were evaluated in patients with SA (n = 13), nonsevere asthma (NSA, n = 17), and healthy control subjects (HC, n = 8). To confirm the effect of EETs, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and adapted/innate immune responses were assessed in mice. Furthermore, the effects of anti‐IL‐33/TSLP antibody were tested.

Results

The numbers of EET+ eosinophils and ILC2s were significantly elevated in SA, with a positive correlation between these two cells (r = .539, P < .001). When mice were injected with EETs, we observed significant increases in epithelium‐derived cytokines (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, CXCL‐1, CCL24, IL‐33, and TSLP) and eosinophil/neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as an increased proportion of IL‐5‐ or IL‐13‐producing ILC2s in the lungs. When Rag1−/− mice receiving ILC2s were treated with EETs, increased AHR and IL‐5/IL‐13 levels in BALF were noted, which were effectively suppressed by anti‐IL‐33 or anti‐TSLP antibody.

Conclusion

EETs could enhance innate and type 2 immune responses in SA, in which epithelium‐targeting biologics (anti‐IL‐33/TSLP antibody) may have a potential benefit.
Depression is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease among adults in the United States
Authors: Kim Donghee , Yoo Eric R. , Li Andrew A. , Tighe Sean P. , Cholankeril George , Harrison Stephen A. , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: July 2019

Background

Currently, the relationship between depression and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not clearly defined.

Aim

To determine whether depression is associated with NAFLD and NAFLD‐related advanced fibrosis in a large population sample.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis using the 2007‐2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database among adults (20 years or older) in the United States (US). Depression and functional impairment due to depression were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). NAFLD was defined by utilising the US fatty liver index (USFLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and the fatty liver index (FLI) in the absence of other causes of chronic liver disease. The presence and absence of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD were defined by Fibrosis‐4 score.

Results

Of the 10 484 subjects (mean age 47.0 years; 48.8% men), the prevalence of depression and functional impairment due to depression was higher in subjects with NAFLD than in those without. Compared to subjects without depression, those with depression were 1.6‐2.2‐fold more likely to have NAFLD. In our multivariate analyses, depression_med was associated with increased risk of NAFLD using USFLI (odds ratio [OR] 1.48 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‐1.87), HSI (OR 1.51 95% CI 1.04‐2.19) and FLI (OR 2.01 95% CI 1.65‐2.48), respectively. The addition of diabetes, obesity and lipid profile to the model reduced the ORs for depression, but the significance persisted. Depression was not associated with NAFLD‐related advanced fibrosis.

Conclusions

In a nationally representative sample of US adults, depression was independently associated with NAFLD.
Treatment response and long term follow up in nineteen dogs diagnosed with chronic enteropathy in Australia
Authors: Dandrieux JRS , Martinez Lopez LM , Prakash N , Mansfield CS
Published: July 2019

Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs is common worldwide, but little data is available from Australia. The aim of this study was to describe treatment response and long‐term outcome in a cohort of dogs with CE.

Dogs were prospectively enrolled at Murdoch University and the University of Melbourne. After diagnostic investigation to rule out diseases other than CE, dogs underwent sequential therapeutic trials until achieving a clinical response (diet then antibiotics, and finally immunosuppressants). Success was defined as 75% reduction of clinical severity for a minimum of five weeks.

A total of 21 dogs were enrolled, and 19 completed the study. One dog was euthanised for lack of response to treatment and one excluded for lack of owner compliance. Most dogs responded to diet (n = 10), followed by antibiotics (n = 7) and immunosuppressants (n = 2). Long‐term remission (median 21.1 months, [3.0‐44.7]) was achieved in eight out of ten dietary responders without additional treatment. In contrast, only two dogs with antibiotic response remained in long‐term remission, of which one needed on‐going antibiotic treatment. Longer term remission was achieved in the two dogs treated with immunosuppressants with on‐going low dose therapy.

This study concludes that most dogs referred for CE in Australia respond to dietary treatment (even after previous dietary interventions), and remission is long‐term compared to dogs treated with an antibiotic. Furthermore, the need for long‐term antibiotics in some dogs to maintain response may lead to antibiotic resistance. This study supports adequate dietary trials for CE in dogs, and a need for alternative second‐line treatments.
First evidence of Kunjin strain of West Nile virus associated with saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin lesions
Authors: Isberg SR , Moran JL , De Araujo R , Elliott N , Davis SS , Melville L
Published: July 2019

Recently, the Kunjin strain of West Nile virus (WNVKUN) has been detected using qRT‐PCR in belly skin lesions of farmed juvenile saltwater crocodiles. This follows an established association between similar lesions and West Nile virus in American alligators. The lesions present as cutaneous lymphohistiocytic aggregates in the dermal layers of both species. While these lesion do not create an obvious defect on the live crocodile, upon tanning the lesion area collapses and does not uptake the dye evenly, thus reducing its aesthetic appeal. As a result, skins are being rejected jeopardising the economic viability of the Australian crocodile industry. Over 50 skin lesions have since been confirmed as WNVKUN‐positive and preliminary evidence of lesion restructuring is presented. Horizontal transmission of WNVKUN by mosquitoes is well‐established but other transmission routes, such as ingestion and cloacal shedding, need further evaluation. An infection trial is currently underway to ensure WNVKUN is the causative agent of these skin lesions.
Pedagogical moves and student thinking in technology‐mediated medical problem‐based learning: Supporting novice‐expert shift
Authors: Reilly Colby M. , Kang Stephanie Y. , Grotzer Tina A. , Joyal Julie A. , Oriol Nancy E.
Published: July 2019

Technology‐mediated simulation is often used in medical problem‐based learning (PBL) approaches to offer authentic contexts and immersive engagement for learning. However, critiques argue that these approaches are lacking in the structure necessary to support productive learning—that they often result in mindless doing without the thinking processes needed that lead to deeper understanding and expertise. This paper presents data from a technology‐mediated simulation, called HMS MEDscience, to demonstrate: (1) that it effectively leads to greater expert reasoning—evident through responses in content knowledge and problem‐solving ability that more closely aligned with a rubric of expert responses to the same questions; (2) through a series of case studies, the implicit pedagogical moves the teachers make to support students' thinking processes. Significant pre‐ to posttest gains indicate more expert reasoning. In addition, classroom videos indicate shifts from novice toward more expert medical science reasoning and illustrate the fine‐grained supporting moves that teachers use to guide students' thinking toward more expert understanding of the problem space. This study highlights the importance of the thinking processes that students engage in as they participate in technology‐mediated PBL and the accompanying teacher attention to student thinking through supporting pedagogical moves.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Technology‐mediated problem‐based learning (PBL) can invite an immersive experience for learners to engage with authentic problems.

Broad framing for effective PBL includes features such as structured group work, a tutorial process for structuring knowledge and action plans, constructive investigation, and cognitive mentorship.

The results on PBL have been mixed depending upon how it is enacted. It typically takes very skilled teachers and additional inherent structure.

What this paper adds

It demonstrates that novice‐expert shifts are possible in high school students' reasoning about technology‐supported, medical‐based problem solving.

It reveals six nuanced thinking scaffolds that teachers used to support students' shift toward the more expert conceptions.

It identifies seven thinking moves that students engaged in during the problem‐solving context.

Implications for practice and/or policy

It alerts practitioners to the need to attend to the pedagogical moves that they employ to support student thinking.

It demonstrates the importance of the thinking processes that students engage in as they participate in technology‐mediated PBL.

It demonstrates that successful learning in technology‐mediated PBL contexts is accompanied by teacher attention to student thinking and supporting pedagogical maneuvers.
‘Please sort these voice recordings into 2 identities’: Effects of task instructions on performance in voice sorting studies
Authors: Lavan Nadine , Merriman Siobhan E. , Ladwa Paayal , Burston Luke F.K. , Knight Sarah , McGettigan Carolyn
Published: July 2019

We investigated the effects of two types of task instructions on performance on a voice sorting task by listeners who were either familiar or unfamiliar with the voices. Listeners were asked to sort 15 naturally varying stimuli from two voice identities into perceived identities. Half of the listeners sorted the recordings freely into as many identities as they perceived; the other half were forced to sort stimuli into two identities only. As reported in previous studies, unfamiliar listeners formed more clusters than familiar listeners. Listeners therefore perceived different naturally varying stimuli from the same identity as coming from different identities, while being highly accurate at telling apart the stimuli from different voices. We further show that a change in task instructions – forcing listeners to sort stimuli into two identities only – helped unfamiliar listeners to overcome this selective failure at ‘telling people together’. This improvement, however, came at the cost of an increase in errors in telling people apart. For familiar listeners, similar non‐significant trends were apparent. Therefore, even when informed about correct number of identities, listeners may fail to accurately perceive identity further highlighting that voice identity perception in the context of natural within‐person variability is a challenging task. We discuss our results in terms of similarities and differences to findings in the face perception literature and their importance in applied settings, such as forensic voice identification.
Expanding the Swiss‐Norwegian chironomid training set with Polish data
Authors: Kotrys Bartosz , Płóciennik Mateusz , Sydor Paweł , Brooks Stephen J.
Published: July 2019

The Swiss‐Norwegian training model established in 2011 has been used across Europe to infer past mean July air temperatures using Chironomidae subfossils. It combines reference sites from Norway and the Swiss Alps but lacks representative localities from the central European plains belt. This gap complicates reconstructions from temperate European latitudes, and thus, a Polish training set (TS) was developed. Data from 102 lakes, mainly from Pomerania and the Masurian Lakelands, as well as the Polish Plain, the Sudetes, and the Carpathian Mountains were included. After selecting and merging suitable chironomid taxa, the Swiss‐Norwegian‐Polish TS includes 357 lakes and 134 chironomid morphotypes, and it has a mean July air temperature range of 3.5 to 20.0 °C. The weighted averaging‐partial least squares (WA‐PLS) and artificial neural network (ANN) transfer function based on the extended TS performs well: R2jack = 0.91/0.95 and root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) = 1.39 °C/1.34 °C, respectively. The transfer function applied to the Żabieniec Lake sequence (central Poland) reveals higher summer temperatures (2.5–4.0 °C) for the Lateglacial and for the Holocene (1.0 °C) compared to the Swiss‐Norwegian model. The reconstruction based on the Swiss‐Norwegian TS shows an increasing trend from the Bølling‐Allerød Interstadial to the Meghalayan period, whereas the new model reconstruction shows no increasing trend when using WA‐PLS and a slightly decreasing trend when using ANN. Summer temperatures in the Lateglacial in Żabieniec inferred using the Swiss‐Norwegian TS are consistent with other temperature reconstructions for 50–55°N in Europe, while those based on the Swiss‐Norwegian‐Polish TS (SNP TS) show closer affinity to more western sites than the eastern European ones. Despite being uncommon, the application of ANN can be a good equivalent of the WA‐PLS technique especially in situations where the available database is limited to fewer than a few hundred variables.
Histamine up‐regulates oncostatin M expression in human M1 macrophages
Authors: Mommert Susanne , Hüer Marius , Schaper‐Gerhardt Katrin , Gutzmer Ralf , Werfel Thomas
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Human monocyte‐derived M1 macrophages develop in relation to growth factors, bacterial products, and cytokines in a local micro‐environment. M1 macrophages produce pro‐inflammatory mediators, in particular, oncostatin M (OSM), which is secreted from the cells in response to the active complement component C5a. As C5a also releases histamine from human mast cells and shows immune modulatory functions similar to histamine in regulating expression of the IL‐12 cytokine family, we investigated the effects of histamine on OSM expression in human M1 macrophages.

Experimental Approach

Cytokine expression was analysed by real‐time quantitative PCR and elisa techniques. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes were stimulated with supernatants from activated M1 macrophages, and phosphorylation of STAT3 was assessed by flow cytometry.

Key Results

OSM mRNA expression was highly up‐regulated by histamine and agonists targeting the histamine H1 H2, and H4 receptors in human M1 macrophages and by C5a, which was used as control stimulus. Protein levels of OSM and IL‐6 were up‐regulated by histamine. Supernatants from histamine‐stimulated, fully differentiated M1 macrophages were able to phosphorylate STAT3 in normal human epidermal keratinocytes.

Conclusions and Implications

The up‐regulation of OSM expression in response to histamine and C5a shown in this study provides further evidence that histamine and C5a, acting through their GPCRs, have almost equal functional effects in cells of the monocyte lineage. Both mediators OSM and IL‐6 have the capability to activate human keratinocytes. This effect may have an influence on the course of inflammatory skin diseases.

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
Stakeholder engagement with environmental decision support systems: The perspective of end users
Authors: Reiter Dana , Meyer Wayne , Parrott Lael
Published: July 2019

Environmental decision support systems (EDSS) are designed to assist natural resource managers and stakeholders to assess problems and select options for change. EDSS that combine community engagement in developing future scenarios with computer‐based land use planning and modelling tools are widely used internationally. However, these EDSS are often not used after the research and development phase. To best understand why the EDSS are not being used in the long term, the end users of the EDSS should be consulted—a perspective that is lacking in the literature. The research reported here presents the perspectives of stakeholders involved in a community climate change adaptation project in western Canada. Evidence from the community suggests that this project was successful in instigating change. However, the EDSS was not used after the project's end. Our findings indicate that, from the end users’ perspective, the project could have had much greater and sustained success had there been ongoing engagement and communication with them, particularly in the form of continued support for the use of EDSS after the development project.
A systematic review of randomized and case‐controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of school‐based motor skill interventions in 3‐ to 12‐year‐old children
Authors: Eddy Lucy H. , Wood Megan L. , Shire Katy A. , Bingham Daniel D. , Bonnick Emma , Creaser Amy , Mon‐Williams Mark , Hill Liam J.B.
Published: July 2019

Background

Research suggests that children identified with impaired motor skills can respond well to intensive therapeutic interventions delivered via occupational and physical therapy services. There is, however, a need to explore alternative approaches to delivering interventions outside traditional referral‐based clinic settings because limited resources mean such health services often struggle to meet demand. This review sets out to systematically assess the evidence for and against school‐based interventions targeted at improving the motor skills of children aged between 3 and 12 years old.

Method

Five electronic databases were searched systematically (AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, and PsycINFO) for peer‐reviewed articles published between January 2012 and July 2018. Studies were eligible if they implemented a school‐based motor skill intervention with a randomized or case‐controlled trial design that objectively measured motor skills as an outcome, which were not specific to an athletic or sporting skill. Participants had to be aged between 3 and 12 years old and free from neurological disorders known to affect muscle function. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Twenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies encompassed interventions targeted at training: fundamental movement skills, handwriting, fine, and global motor skills. The majority of these studies reported beneficial impact on motor function specifically, but some interventions also assessed subsequent impacts on activity and participation (but not well‐being). A number of the studies had methodological shortcomings that means these results need to be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

Schools appear to be an effective setting for motor skill interventions, but the extent of benefit likely depends on the type of intervention. Moreover, confirmation is needed as to whether benefits extend beyond motor function into everyday activities, participation, and well‐being. Future research should include follow‐up measures to assess the longer term efficacy of school‐based interventions.
A journey through follow‐up for neurodevelopmentally at‐risk infants—A qualitative study on views of parents and professionals in Liverpool
Authors: Komoriyama Ayuko , Paize Fauzia , Littlefair Esme , Dewhurst Chris , Gladstone Melissa
Published: July 2019

Background

With improving neonatal intensive care, more preterm babies or those with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy are surviving the newborn period. These babies are at high risk of neurodevelopmental delay. No studies to date have looked at the views of parents and professionals in relation to the processes of follow‐up for these infants.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in order to understand the views of parents of preterm babies or those with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy as well as the views of professionals who manage and support these families. Parents were recruited through general neonatal follow‐up clinics, neonatal nurse liaison services and community child health clinics and professionals through the neonatal unit and neurodevelopmental paediatrics services. We conducted in‐depth interviews using an open‐ended topic guide, which were audio recorded, transcribed and coded. We conducted a thematic content analysis where themes were inductively highlighted and grouped by consensus in order to conclude on major themes and subthemes.

Results

Three major themes were identified for parents and professionals. These were the following: (a) What is the future, (b) What is the journey and (c) Who can help me? Parents wanted better information earlier about the prognosis and diagnoses through face to face, honest consultations with follow‐up information available on the Internet. The most important requirements for follow‐up clinics were honesty, reassurance, consistent pathways of follow‐up and the need for a lead professional in the process. Alongside the follow‐up process, there was a need for support groups and psychological support

Conclusions

This study highlights the desire by parents for early information on the likely long‐term outlook for their babies but the need to ensure that the information and support, which is given, is provided appropriately and with consideration in order to provide the best care of the whole family.