bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of anticholinergic burden in primary care patients with first cognitive complaints
Authors: Grande G. , Tramacere I. , Vetrano D. L. , Clerici F. , Pomati S. , Mariani C. , Filippini G. ,   the REMIND Study Group (Rete Milanese Integrata per le Demenze)
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

Drugs with anticholinergic properties might have a negative impact on cognition, but findings are still conflicting. The association was evaluated between anticholinergic drugs and cognitive performance in primary care patients with first cognitive complaints.

Methods

From April 2013 to March 2014, 353 general practitioners administered the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) to patients presenting with first cognitive complaints. Drug history was collected and the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) was scored and categorized as ACB 0, ACB 1 and ACB 2+. A mixed effect linear regression model was used to assess the association between ACB and MMSE score.

Results

Of 4249 subjects entering the study (mean age 77 ± 8.2 years, 66.4% women and mean years of schooling 8.9 ± 4.5), 25.8% received at least one drug with anticholinergic action. According to multivariate analysis, and after adjustment for several confounders, subjects with ACB 2+ had a statistically significant lower MMSE score compared with those with ACB 0 (β −0.63; 95% confidence interval −1.19; −0.07). Subjects with ACB 1 had a non‐statistically significant lower MMSE score than those with ACB 0 (β −0.11; 95% confidence interval −0.37; 0.15).

Conclusions

Anticholinergic medication might affect cognitive function in people with first cognitive complaints. Alternatives should be taken into account when possible, balancing the benefits and harms of these medications.
Automatic detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with ischaemic stroke: better than routine diagnostic workup?
Authors: Uphaus T. , Grings A. , Gröschel S. , Müller A. , Weber‐Krüger M. , Wachter R. , Gröschel K.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

Prolonged electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring after ischaemic stroke increases the diagnostic yield of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF). In order to facilitate the additional workload involved in ECG analysis due to prolonged monitoring times, we investigated the effectiveness of pAF detection with an automated software algorithm (SA) in comparison to the routine staff‐based analysis (RA) during standard stroke‐unit care. Therefore, patients with acute ischaemic stroke or transitory ischaemic attack presenting with sinus rhythmus on the admission ECG and no history of atrial fibrillation were prospectively included.

Methods

A 24‐h Holter ECG assessment was performed using either RA based on a computer‐aided evaluation and subsequent review by a cardiologist or a commercially available automated SA. In the case of discordant results concerning the occurrence of pAF between the two methods, the data underwent an independent external rating.

Results

Of 809 prospectively enrolled patients, 580 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. pAF was ultimately diagnosed in 3.3% of the cohort (19 patients). SA and RA correctly diagnosed pAF in 17 patients resulting in a comparable diagnostic effectiveness of the analysis methods (sensitivity: SA 89.5% vs. RA 89.5%; specificity: SA 99.3% vs. RA 99.1%; κ, 0.686; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.525–0.847). RA revealed clinically relevant ECG abnormalities in an additional seven patients.

Conclusions

Although it should not completely replace RA, SA‐based evaluation of Holter ECG reaches a high diagnostic effectiveness for the detection of pAF and can be used for a rapid and resource‐saving analysis of ECG data to deal with prolonged monitoring times.
The pathological Trento variant of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (E75V) shows nonclassical behaviour during polymerization
Authors: Miranda Elena , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Berardelli Romina , Laffranchi Mattia , Cerea Marta , Gangemi Fabrizio , Haq Imran , Ottaviani Stefania , Lomas David A. , Irving James A. , Fra Annamaria
Published: May 2017

Severe alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is most frequently associated with the alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) Z variant (E342K). ZZ homozygotes exhibit accumulation of AAT as polymers in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes. This protein deposition can lead to liver disease, with the resulting low circulating levels of AAT predisposing to early‐onset emphysema due to dysregulation of elastinolytic activity in the lungs. An increasing number of rare AAT alleles have been identified in patients with severe AATD, typically in combination with the Z allele. Here we report a new mutation (E75V) in a patient with severe plasma deficiency, which we designate Trento. In contrast to the Z mutant, Trento AAT was secreted efficiently when expressed in cellular models but showed compromised conformational stability. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA‐based analyses of the secreted protein revealed the presence of oligomeric species with electrophoretic and immunorecognition profiles different from those of Z and S (E264V) AAT polymers, including reduced recognition by conformational monoclonal antibodies 2C1 and 4B12. This altered recognition was not due to direct effects on the epitope of the 2C1 monoclonal antibody which we localized between helices E and F. Structural analyses indicate the likely basis for polymer formation is the loss of a highly conserved stabilizing interaction between helix C and the posthelix I loop. These results highlight this region as important for maintaining native state stability and, when compromised, results in the formation of pathological polymers that are different from those produced by Z and S AAT.
Proteomics analysis for asymmetric inheritance of preexisting proteins between mother and daughter cells in budding yeast
Authors: Okada Mitsuhiro , Kusunoki Shunta , Ishibashi Yuko , Kito Keiji
Published: May 2017

In budding yeast, a mother cell can produce a finite number of daughter cells over its life. The accumulation of a variety of types of damaged components has an impact on the aging process. Asymmetrical inheritance during cell division causes these aberrant intracellular constituents to be retained in mother cells and prevents them from segregating to daughter cells. However, the understanding of asymmetrical inheritance of individual proteins that are damaged or old age, and their relevance to the aging process, has been limited. The aim of this study is to propose a proteomics strategy for asymmetrical inheritance of preexisting proteins between mother and daughter cells. During synchronous culture for one generation, newly synthesized proteins were labeled with stable isotope amino acids to discriminate preexisting proteins originally expressed in mother cells, followed by separation of mother and daughter cells using a conventional method based on biotin labeling. Isotope incorporation ratios for individual proteins were quantified using mass spectrometry. We successfully identified 21 proteins whose preexisting versions were asymmetrically inherited in mother cells, including plasma membrane transporter involved in the aging process and organelle‐anchoring proteins related to the stress response to misfolded proteins. Thus, our approach would be useful for making catalog of asymmetrically inherited proteins.
The Italo‐Abyssinian Crisis and Australian Settler Colonialism in 1935
Authors: Paisley Fiona
Published: May 2017

By exploring the themes of settler colonialism and modernity in Australian commentary about Italy's invasion of Abyssinia in 1935, this paper sets out to consider Italy's war in north Africa as an international crisis with significance for Australian progressive narratives about Aboriginal conditions, status and rights important to Australia's international reputation. Thus, Australia's role as a member of the League and a mandatory power will be read in the context of international debate about Italy, modernity, race and violence.

My case study draws from the experiences of Bessie Rischbieth, alternate delegate for Australia to the League of Nations in 1935, who observed the Abyssinian protest being made before the Assembly. Rischbieth was seemingly persuaded by Italy's claims to the right to land and territory in the context of immigration restrictions into the United States (and we might add, in relation to Australia) and was provided evidence of slavery in Abyssinia mobilised by Italy and earlier by the Anti‐Slavery Society in London in defence of the civilising influence of Europe upon a fellow (non‐European) member of the League. However, Rischbieth was also an activist within liberal humanitarian networks critical of Aboriginal policy in Australia in this same era. Her responses to the crisis in African and League affairs offer some insight into the proximities between settler colonialism in Australia and the ‘race’ issues raised by the annexation of Abyssinia by Italy, and its implications for collective security and global governance.
Legal Narratives, Human Trafficking and Slavery in Australia
Authors: Burn Jennifer
Published: May 2017

In this paper, I will explore the Australian context of human trafficking and slavery by reviewing narratives drawn from two separate coronial inquiries into the deaths of two people who were never legally recognised as being trafficked into Australia. Puongtong Simaplee died in Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney on 26 September 2001, and Manjit Singh died on 26 August 2011 in the intensive care unit of a Sydney hospital from complications of surgery.
Horizontal Dip‐Spin Casting of aqueous alumina‐polyvinylpyrrolidone suspensions with chopped fiber
Authors: Wiesner Valerie , Acosta Manuel , Rueschhoff Lisa , Youngblood Jeffrey , Trice Rodney
Published: May 2017

A novel ceramic processing method, called Horizontal Dip Spin Casting (HDSC), enabled fabrication of tubular ceramic parts with an aligned chopped fiber phase. HDSC was demonstrated using highly loaded aqueous alumina suspensions with >50 vol.% solids loading and ≤5 vol.% water‐soluble polymer employed as a rheological modifier. Chopped carbon fibers were added to the suspensions to attain maximum loadings of 30 vol.%. During forming, cylindrical foam molds were dipped into the suspension while being rotated radially about the long axis. Simultaneously, a doctor blade was placed at a specified distance from the foam surface to facilitate the flow of the suspension to align the fiber and control the thickness of the material that accrued on the mold. Rheological study of alumina‐PVP suspensions with and without chopped carbon fiber showed that the suspensions exhibited a yield‐pseudoplastic flow behavior. The degree of alignment of the carbon fiber phase in the green bodies was characterized for various suspension formulations, carbon fiber contents and forming speeds. Stereological characterization of green body specimens confirmed the effectiveness of HDSC to attain the desired tubular geometry with considerable fiber alignment for a suspension composition containing ≤20 vol.% chopped fibers.
Effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene on postharvest storage performance and the transcriptome of cactus pear fruit
Authors: Li Li , Kashash Yael , Goldenberg Livnat , Sabag Amit , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Porat Ron
Published: May 2017

Prestorage exposure to the ethylene‐action inhibitor 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) at a concentration of 1 μL L−1 at 20 °C for 24 h significantly retarded peel color change and reduced decay development of cactus pear fruit after 3 weeks of cold storage at 7 °C and 5 days at 20 °C. Exposure to 1‐MCP had no significant effects on other fruit‐quality attributes, including firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids and acidity levels, and flavor. Exposure to 1‐MCP significantly reduced fruit respiration and ethylene production rates. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that 1‐MCP mitigated the overall changes in the transcriptome of cactus pear fruit upon cold storage. Functional categorization analysis using the MapMan software revealed that the most pronounced effects of 1‐MCP were in averting the massive down‐regulation of transcripts belonging to stress, RNA and transcription, signaling and cell categories. Furthermore, exposure to 1‐MCP significantly reduced pheophytinase and chlorophyllase transcript levels and increased chitinase transcript levels, thus providing molecular evidence for its observed effects on retardation of peel color change and enhancement of pathogen resistance. In commercial practice, 1‐MCP could be applied to cactus pear fruit in order to retard ripening and reduce decay development.
Assessing the effects of incorporating bubbles into the water used for cleaning operations relevant to the food industry
Authors: Burfoot Dean , Limburn Robert , Busby Ryan
Published: May 2017

These studies examined the effects of incorporating bubbles of air in the water used for cleaning surfaces. Small (<50 μm) or large (millimetre) bubbles were used, and these could aid cleaning by a scrubbing action, energy release or free radical production. Small or large bubbles improved the removal of biofilm from steel surfaces by 1.0 log10 or 1.6 log10, respectively. Biofilm removal from a polypropylene pipe wall was improved by 0.9 log10 by incorporating bubbles into the cleaning water. Further trials showed increased removal of carbohydrate, fat and protein deposits from stainless steel by incorporating bubbles into the water. These results suggest that the use of air bubbles in water could provide small improvements in cleaning or potentially similar contamination removal using less water.
A rare vascular complication in a patient with essential thrombocythaemia: spontaneous abdominal aortic dissection
Authors: Chen Ye , Han Xue , Wang Fang , Bai Beibei , Wang Yingchun
Published: May 2017

A 27‐year‐old woman complained of waist and back pain. Abdominal computed tomography angiography showed abdominal aortic dissection, the blood count revealed a high platelet count of 1655 × 109/L. Negative for
JAK2V617F, CALR
and
MPL
mutations (i.e. triple‐negative), the patient was diagnosed as essential thrombocythaemia (ET) with abdominal aortic dissection and was treated with cytoreduction and antiplatelet drugs. Cases of abdominal aortic dissection in ET have not been previously reported. As such, we proposed a mechanism of abdominal aortic dissection caused by endothelial dysfunction and further emphasised appropriate management in ET with abdominal aortic dissection.
Individualised medicine: why we need Bayesian dosing
Authors: Donagher Joni , Martin Jennifer H. , Barras Michael A.
Published: May 2017

Individualised drug dosing has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse drug events. One method of individualised medicine is the Bayesian approach, which uses prior information about how the population responds to therapy, to inform clinicians about how a specific individual is responding to their current therapy. This information is then used to make changes to the dose. Studies using a Bayesian approach to adjust drug dosing have shown that clinicians are able to achieve a therapeutic range quicker than standard practice. If concentration is related to a pharmacodynamic end‐point, this means that the drug will be more effective, and the side‐effects will be minimised. Unfortunately, the software options to assist with Bayesian dosing in Australia are limited. The aims of this article are to demystify the concepts of Bayesian dosing, set the context of the Bayesian approach using reference to other dosing strategies and discuss its benefits over current dosing methods for a number of drugs. The article is targeted to medical and pharmacy clinicians, and there is a practical clinical case to demonstrate how this method could be used in everyday clinical practice.
Factor Exposures of Foreign Equity Capital in a Domestic Stock Market: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Sun Lingxia , Lee Dong Wook
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we examine the factor exposures of foreign equity capital in a domestic stock market in order to understand its risk‐taking behavior and sources of returns in the market. Using data from Korea for the 1999–2013 period, we find that foreigners are strongly exposed to the idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL) factor, which is long on low‐IVOL stocks and short on high‐IVOL stocks. That is, foreign equity capital is typically allocated to low‐IVOL stocks and profits from the return differential between low‐IVOL and high‐IVOL stocks. We also find that foreign equity capital moves in a way that it is loaded more on the IVOL factor when the IVOL factor premium is larger. We discuss the comparative advantage of foreign equity capital in bearing the IVOL factor risk and the role of information asymmetry between locals and foreigners in this risk sharing. We also provide additional empirical results that support our interpretation.
A modeling framework for incorporating DEA efficiency into set covering, packing, and partitioning formulations
Authors: Georgantzinos S. K. , Giannikos I.
Published: May 2017

The development of a modeling framework for efficient and cost‐effective decisions considering the set covering, packing, and partitioning problems is the main concern of this paper. To achieve this goal, the simultaneous data envelopment analysis model is combined with the appropriate covering‐type formulation providing a series of multiobjective mathematical models. Simple numerical examples are implemented and analyzed in order to validate and test the proposed models. The results demonstrate that the methods are able to successfully find solutions for set covering, packing, and partitioning problems that also take into account the efficiency of the coverage offered.
Multicriteria ABC inventory classification using acceptability analysis
Authors: Li Zhi , Wu Xunbo , Liu Fan , Fu Yelin , Chen Ke
Published: May 2017

This paper introduces a new procedure for handling the multicriteria ABC inventory classification problem using stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis. All possible preferences among the evaluation criteria have been considered. Due to the fact that even under certain preference, it is difficult to reach a group consensus on the exact weight values along with each criterion, we calculate preference‐specific intervals under each preference and then formulate a stochastic decision‐making problem. To tackle this problem, we consider different distribution functions of the intervals and then compute the holistic acceptability indices to classify stock‐keeping units. The results derived from our method are compared to the previous results to show the robustness and superiority of our method.
Biofilms and delayed healing – an in vitro evaluation of silver‐ and iodine‐containing dressings and their effect on bacterial and human cells
Authors: Bourdillon Katie A , Delury Craig P , Cullen Breda M
Published: May 2017

This study investigated whether there are differences in the ability of wound dressings to modulate certain factors known to affect wound healing. A selection of antimicrobial dressings (AQUACEL®Ag Extra™,AQUACEL®Ag+ Extra™,IODOFLEX™,ACTICOAT™7 and PROMOGRAN PRISMA™matrix) were tested for their effect on both bacterial bioburden and human dermal fibroblasts. Some dressings underwent further evaluation for activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosabiofilms using a colony‐drip flow reactor model. The ability of in vitro biofilms to produce proteases, and the effect of PROMOGRAN PRISMA matrix on such proteases, was also investigated. All antimicrobial dressings tested reduced vegetative bacterial load; however, only PROMOGRAN PRISMA matrix was able to significantly reduce biofilm populations (P= 0·01). Additionally, PROMOGRAN PRISMA matrix was the only dressing that did not inhibit dermal fibroblast growth. All other dressings were detrimental to cell viability. In vitro biofilms ofPseudomonas aeruginosawere demonstrated as being capable of releasing bacterial proteases into their surroundings, and incubation with PROMOGRAN PRISMA matrix led to a 77% reduction in activity of such proteases (P= 0·002). The unique ability of PROMOGRAN PRISMA matrix to reduce in vitro vegetative bacteria, biofilm bacteria and bacterial proteases while still allowing dermal fibroblast proliferation may help rebalance the wound environment and reduce the occurrence of infection.
New hope for the Eastern barred bandicoot Perameles gunnii after 27 years of recovery effort
Authors: Parrott M. L. , Coetsee A. L. , Hartnett C. M. , Magrath M. J. L.
Published: May 2017

The Eastern barred bandicoot Perameles gunnii (mainland unnamed subspecies) is classified as ‘extinct in the wild’ and has been the focus of a 27 year captive‐breeding and recovery programme. To date, the programme has successfully prevented the complete loss of this species, through the use of captive insurance populations and predator‐barrier fences, but has not yet delivered recovery in the wild. The key threats to this bandicoot are habitat loss and introduced predators; both difficult to mitigate. An active multi‐agency Recovery Team operates to conserve the Eastern barred bandicoot, manage recovery actions, and promote awareness and advocacy. The captive‐breeding programme has produced 920 offspring, 551 of which have been released to free‐ranging sites. Despite a slight but steady decline in genetic diversity over the duration of the programme, there does not appear to have been a significant loss of genetic fitness in the population, based on breeding rates, litter size and longevity. Animals have been released at a total of nine sites, with Eastern barred bandicoots currently present and breeding at four fox‐free locations. An ambitious plan is under way to more than double the current population to over 2500 individuals across several large self‐sustaining populations. This plan includes assisted colonization to fox‐free islands outside the natural range of the bandicoot and trialling the use of guardian dogs to protect unfenced, free‐ranging populations. Implementation of this Recovery Plan over the next 4 years will involve an array of conservation partners, and aims to down list the conservation status of the species and secure its future in the wild.
Antecedents of Truck Drivers’ Job Satisfaction and Retention Proneness
Authors: Prockl Günter , Teller Christoph , Kotzab Herbert , Angell Rob
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to (1) explore the antecedents of truck drivers’ job satisfaction, (2) identify the impact of financial and nonfinancial job properties on satisfaction with the job and with one's employer, and (3) the drivers’ proneness to retaining their jobs. Based on the extant literature, we develop a conceptual model that is tested using survey data for 164 truck drivers. Multiple linear and ordinal logistic regressions were used to estimate the proposed effects. The results reveal that nonfinancial job properties and satisfaction with one's employer affect job satisfaction is statistically significant. Financial and nonfinancial job properties affect satisfaction with one's employer whereas the former shows a lower impact compared to the latter. Satisfaction with the job and one's employer impacts retention proneness. The contribution of this study was to (1) add to the understanding of the factors that predict retention of truck drivers in relationship to job satisfaction and (2) highlight the different roles of financial and nonfinancial job properties in this specific work context.
Randomized controlled trial of Functional Family Therapy for offending and antisocial behavior in UK youth
Authors: Humayun Sajid , Herlitz Lauren , Chesnokov Melanie , Doolan Moira , Landau Sabine , Scott Stephen
Published: May 2017

Background

Youth offending and antisocial behavior (ASB) are associated with low quality mental health and relationships and usually lead to poor adult functioning; they are very costly for society. Family interventions are effective in children but there are few reliably effective and inexpensive interventions for adolescents. Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an evidence‐based intervention but seldom tested outside the United States.

Methods

One hundred and eleven adolescents (10–17 years of age, M = 15.0, SD = 1.63) and their families were randomized to FFT + Management As Usual (MAU) (n = 65) or to MAU (n = 46). Assessments were made at baseline 6, and 18 months after randomization and included interviews and questionnaires of parenting behaviors, conduct disorders (CDs) and offending. Parent–child interaction was directly observed and police records obtained. Trial registration: ISRCTN27650478.

Results

Eighty‐nine (80%) were followed‐up. In both groups, there were large reductions over time in all measures of offending and antisocial behavior (e.g. primary outcome p < 0.001), but no significant changes over time in parenting behavior or the parent–child relationship. However, there were no differences between intervention and control groups at 6 or 18 months on self‐reported delinquency, police records of offending, symptoms or diagnoses of CDs, parental monitoring or supervision, directly observed child negative behavior, or parental positive or negative behavior. Against predictions, the intervention group showed lower levels of directly observed child positive behavior at 18 months compared to controls.

Conclusions

In contrast to most previous trials of FFT, FFT+MAU did not lead to greater reductions in youth ASB and offending compared to MAU alone, and did not lead to improvements in parenting or the parent–child relationship. This may be because the trial was more rigorously conducted than prior studies; equally, the possibility that MAU was effective requires further research.
The Role of the Mining Industry in a Circular Economy: A Framework for Resource Management at the Mine Site Level
Authors: Lèbre Éléonore , Corder Glen , Golev Artem
Published: May 2017

The circular economy (CE) concept advocates drastically reduced primary resource extraction in favor of secondary material flowing through internal loops. However, it is unreasonable to think that society will not need any resources, for example, metals, from mining activities in the short, medium, or longer term. This article explores the role of the mining industry in transitioning to the CE and shows that mines can make significant progress if they apply the CE principles at the mine site level. Circular flows within the economy aim at keeping resources in use for as long as possible and limit final waste disposal. Likewise, operating mines for as long as minerals can be extracted at acceptable environmental costs, thus minimizing the loss of a nonrenewable resource, can be viewed as a contribution of the mining industry to CE objectives. To test this idea, we propose a framework where the conservation of nonrenewable resources is a core concern. The first part establishes a set of material flow indicators relevant to a mine project. The second part considers the entire mine's life cycle, in particular, the consequences of interruptions in activities on material losses. The framework is then illustrated by a case study of the Mount Morgan mine in Australia, where three distinct extractive strategies were applied throughout its history. The results from applying the framework show that proactive and preventive management of mining waste provides significant environmental benefits and generates value from mine waste. These outcomes illustrate that the concept of the CE can be applied in a practical manner to a mining operation.
The Systemic Interaction of Attachment on Psychophysiological Arousal in Couple Conflict
Authors: Taylor Nathan C. , Seedall Ryan B. , Robinson W. David , Bradford Kay
Published: May 2017

Attachment in adult romantic relationships has long been linked to conflict styles. Psychophysiological measures have provided additional insight into this association by accessing less conscious and controlled responses to conflict. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and the interaction between attachment styles on skin conductance responses during conflict and recovery from conflict. Using dyadic analysis of 50 heterosexual couples, we found evidence of a systemic effect of attachment, where psychophysiological arousal increased when one partner had higher levels of attachment anxiety and the other partner had higher levels of attachment avoidance. Attachment avoidance was also negatively associated with increased levels of arousal. Relationship and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Recent developments in structural studies on acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Silman Israel , Sussman Joel L.
Published: May 2017

This review focuses on several recent developments concerning structure–function relationships in vertebrate acetylcholinesterase. These include studies on high‐resolution structures of human acetylcholinesterase and its complexes; the first crystal structure of a snake venom acetylcholinesterase, in which open and closed states of the ‘back door’ are visualized; a powerful algorithm for redesigning proteins for enhanced expression in prokaryotic systems, as applied to human acetylcholinesterase, which has hitherto been an intractable target; in situ implementation of ‘click chemistry’ in crystalline acetylcholinesterase, which yields novel insights into the steric and dynamic changes involved in the reaction within the active‐site gorge; and a study that demonstrates the effect of crystallization conditions on ligand alignment within a protein complex, in this case the methylene blue–Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase complex, which highlights the relevance of the precipitant employed to structure‐based drug design.

This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

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Incubatory environment of the scalp impacts pre‐emergent hair to affect post‐emergent hair cuticle integrity
Authors: Schwartz James R. , Henry James P. , Kerr Kathy M. , Flagler Michael J. , Page Steve H. , Redman‐Furey Nancy
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To determine whether the oxidative stress transmitted to newly grown hair from an unhealthy scalp has physical consequences to the cuticular condition and function.

Methods

A uniquely designed 24‐week clinical study included 8 weeks of pretreatment with a cosmetic shampoo and 16 weeks of treatment with either a potentiated zinc pyrithione (ZPT) antidandruff shampoo or a placebo cosmetic shampoo. This clinical design allowed the growth and acquisition of hair samples under conditions of varying but known scalp health as a result of treating a dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis (D/SD) population. Two complementary methods were used to characterize the integrity of the cuticular surface. Hair surface hydrophobicity was assessed by quantifying water wetting force using a Wilhelmy balance method. Surface structure and porosity were assessed using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) to gravimetrically quantify water sorption.

Results

Chemical oxidative stress to pre‐emergent hair has been shown to have negative consequences to hair surface structure. Compared to a placebo shampoo control, use of a potentiated ZPT shampoo improved scalp health and significantly improved the following attributes associated with healthy hair: hair surface hydrophobicity (surface energy) and cuticular moisture barrier effectiveness (dynamic vapor sorption).

Conclusions

Pre‐emergent hair can be negatively impacted by the oxidative stress that occurs with an unhealthy scalp, possibly due to metabolic activity of resident microbes. Manifestations of the oxidative stress include altered cuticle surface properties that are responsible for its protective function; these effects are similar in type to those observed by bleaching post‐emergent hair. These alterations have the potential to make the hair, once emerged from the scalp, more susceptible to the cumulative physical and chemical insults responsible for hair feel and look, fiber integrity, and overall retention.
Do Cash Flows of Growth Stocks Really Grow Faster?
Authors: CHEN HUAFENG (JASON)
Published: May 2017

Contrary to conventional wisdom, growth stocks (i.e., low book‐to‐market stocks) do not have substantially higher future cash‐flow growth rates than value stocks, in both rebalanced and buy‐and‐hold portfolios. Efficiency growth, survivorship and look‐back biases, and the rebalancing effect help explain the results. These findings suggest that duration alone is unlikely to explain the value premium.
Consumer Ruthlessness and Mortgage Default during the 2007 to 2009 Housing Bust
Authors: BHUTTA NEIL , DOKKO JANE , SHAN HUI
Published: May 2017

From 2007 to 2009 U.S. house prices plunged and mortgage defaults surged. While ostensibly consistent with widespread “ruthless default,” analysis of detailed mortgage and house price data indicates that borrowers do not walk away until they are deeply underwater—far deeper than traditional models predict. The evidence suggests that lender recourse is not the major driver of this result. We argue that emotional and behavioral factors play an important role in decisions to continue paying. Borrower reluctance to walk away implies that the moral hazard cost of default as a form of social insurance may be lower than suspected.
Birthweight and cardiovascular risk factors in a Japanese general population
Authors: Katsuragi Shinji , Okamura Tomonori , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Ikeda Tomoaki , Miyamoto Yoshihiro
Published: May 2017

Aim

This study was conducted to examine whether babies born small develop cardiovascular problems in later life.

Methods

Data were examined retrospectively for 1241 city dwellers (men 521, women 720) aged 40–69 years who received a medical examination at a single institution. Blood tests, physical measurements, and a questionnaire survey regarding birth weight (small, medium, large), medication history and lifestyle (alcohol consumption, smoking, exercise) was administered. We selected 28 persons (12 men and 16 women) from and studied the rate of conformity between the participants’ memory (small, medium, large) and the actual birth weight recorded in their maternal and child health handbook (< 2500, 2500–3500, > 3500 g).

Results

Participants’ recall of their birth weight correlated well with the weight recorded in the maternal notebook (r = 0.73; P < 0.025). Low‐density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), and total cholesterol (P < 0.01) levels in men, and systolic (P < 0.05) and diastolic (P < 0.05) blood pressure in women were significantly inversely related to birth weight when controlling for age, body mass index, medication, and lifestyle. The percentage of women born small, medium, and large taking antidiabetic agents was 17.8%, 2.9% and 0% (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

A low birth weight was associated with high low‐density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in men, and hypertension and diabetes mellitus in women aged 40–69.
Refractory thoracic endometriosis syndrome with bilateral hemothorax
Authors: Lua Lannah L. , Tran Kevin , Desai Jyoti
Published: May 2017

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare disorder presenting with catamenial pneumothorax, hemothorax, hemoptysis or pulmonary nodules. Bilateral involvement is uncommon, and only a very few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of bilateral catamenial hemothorax in a patient with recurrent thoracic endometriosis. Despite multiple surgical interventions, the patient continued to develop hemopneumothorax coinciding with menses. Remission was finally achieved with the addition of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist, highlighting the effectiveness of postoperative adjuvant hormone therapy and supporting a combined surgical and medical approach in the treatment of TES in patients who desire future fertility.
Treatment using tadalafil for severe pre‐eclampsia with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Tanaka Hiroaki , Kubo Michiko , Nii Masafumi , Maki Sintarou , Umekawa Takashi , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: May 2017

For severe pre‐eclampsia (PE) with fetal growth restriction (FGR), the only effective treatment is early delivery of the placenta. Clinicians are often forced to end the pregnancy because of maternal indications. We report a case of severe PE with FGR in which the PE was temporarily improved and pregnancy successfully prolonged with tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor. A 35‐year‐old primigravid woman presented at 27 3/7 weeks of gestation with severe PE and FGR. After commencing tadalafil administration, biochemical and angiogenic markers improved. Thereafter, hypertension and proteinuria temporarily improved. Importantly, the pregnancy was prolonged by 14 days after the initiation of tadalafil administration. Tadalafil may be a novel treatment for severe PE with FGR to prolong pregnancy.
The P2X7 receptor–NLRP3 inflammasome complex predicts the development of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in Sjogren's syndrome: a prospective, observational, single‐centre study
Authors: Baldini C. , Santini E. , Rossi C. , Donati V. , Solini A.
Published: May 2017

Background

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), trigger of acute inflammatory responses via the NLRP3 inflammasome, is hyperfunctioning in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), where it stimulates IL‐18 production. Some patients with SS develop a mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (MALT‐NHL).

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate the involvement and the putative prognostic role of this inflammatory pathway in the development of MALT‐NHL.

Methods

A total of 147 women with SS have been prospectively followed for a mean of 52 months, relating the expression and function of the P2X7R–inflammasome axis in salivary glands and circulating lymphomonocytes to the prognosis and the degree of the disease.

Results

At baseline, gene expression of P2X7R and of the inflammasome components NLRP3, caspase‐1 and IL‐18 increased according to the presence of germinative centres and was higher in autoantibody‐positive individuals and strongly higher in those developing a MALT‐NHL over the follow‐up. Glandular expression of IL‐18 was threefold higher in MALT‐NHL than in controls or in the other patients with SS. P2X7R did not colocalize with generic markers of inflammatory infiltrate, like CD20, being selectively expressed by epithelial cells. P2X4R, sharing functional characteristics with P2X7R, did not differ in SS and controls. The increased P2X7R gene and protein expression was tissue specific, no difference being observed in peripheral lymphomonocytes between SS with MALT‐NHL and SS not developing MALT‐NHL.

Conclusion

We propose the P2X7R–inflammasome axis as a novel potential pathway involved in both SS exocrinopathy and lymphomagenesis, reinforcing the hypothesis of a key role of IL‐18, via its increased P2X7R‐mediated production, in the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative malignancies, and opening novel opportunities for the early diagnosis of lymphoproliferative complications and the development of potential targeted therapies.
The technological determinants of long‐run inequality
Authors: Canidio Andrea
Published: May 2017

I explore the effect of skill‐biased technological change and unbiased technological progress on long‐run inequality using a theoretical model in which the supply of skilled and unskilled workers is endogenous. The main assumption of the model is that young agents can finance their education and become skilled workers by borrowing against their future income on an imperfect credit market. I show that whenever the rate of unbiased technological progress is sufficiently high there is no steady‐state inequality, independent of the degree of skill bias. If instead the rate of unbiased technological progress is low, then the long‐run skill premium increases with the technological skill bias. Therefore, similarly to the short run, in the long run higher technological skill bias may cause higher inequality. However, contrary to the short run, in the long run unbiased technological progress is more important than technological skill bias in determining inequality. I also discuss how the efficiency of the educational technology and the degree of financial development affect long‐run inequality.
Influence of feeding a fish oil‐containing diet to mature, overweight dogs: Effects on lipid metabolites, postprandial glycaemia and body weight
Authors: de Godoy M. R. C. , McLeod K. R. , Harmon D. L.
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding a fish oil (FO)‐containing diet on lipid and protein metabolism, postprandial glycaemia and body weight (BW) of mature, overweight dogs. Seven female dogs were randomly assigned to one of two isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets, control (CO) or FO (FO), in a crossover design. Experimental periods were 69 day, separated by a washout period of 30 day. At the beginning of the experiment, and at 30 and 60 day of feeding the experimental diets, the dogs were infused with D‐glucose (2 g/kg BW) through an intravenous catheter. Blood samples were collected for 3 hr to perform a glucose tolerance test. Nitrogen balance measurements began at 06:30 on d 63 of each experimental period and ended at 06:30 on d 69. On d 66 of each period, a single dose (7.5 mg/kg) of 15N‐glycine was administered orally for determination of protein turnover. Incremental area under the curve and glucose concentration at peak did not differ between treatments or among sampling days within treatment. Glucose half‐life tended to decrease (p < .10) in the FO treatment on day 30 when compared to baseline (day 0). β‐hydroxybutyrate, non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and triglycerides did not differ within or between treatments. Cholesterol decreased (p < .05) on the FO treatment on day 30, 60 and 69 when compared to day 0. High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased (p < .05) in the FO treatment on day 69 when compared to day 0. Body weight, food intake, faecal excretion, DM and N digestibilities, N balance and protein turnover were not different between diets. Overall, FO‐containing diet decreases cholesterol in mature overweight dogs; however, further research is warranted to verify the effects of FO on glucose metabolism.
Effects of maternal treatment with β‐hydroxy‐β‐metylbutyrate and 2‐oxoglutaric acid on femur development in offspring of minks of the standard dark brown type
Authors: Tomaszewska E. , Dobrowolski P. , Świetlicka I. , Muszyński S. , Kostro K. , Jakubczak A. , Taszkun I. , Żmuda A. , Rycerz K. , Blicharski T. , Jaworska‐Adamu J.
Published: May 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the diet, mother type and sex of the offspring on the mechanical and geometric parameters of long bones as well as bone tissue density in minks. Primiparous and multiparous dams were supplemented with β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate (a metabolite of leucine, at the daily dosage of 0.02 g/kg of body weight) and/or 2‐oxoglutaric acid (a precursor of glutamine, at the daily dosage of 0.4 g/kg of body weight) during gestation. The diet did not influence bone tissue density and the length of the humerus. An increase in the length of the femur was noted in male offspring delivered by multiparous dams. The diet resulted in an increase in the weight of the humerus in males from multiparous dams and a decrease in offspring from primiparous dams. Heavier femora were noted in male offspring delivered by both types of dams. The maximum elastic strength of the humerus was higher in the offspring delivered by multiparous than primiparous dams, irrespective of the offspring sex. The diet resulted in reduction in the ultimate strength of the femur in the male offspring delivered by primiparous dams. Only females born by multiparous dams, irrespective of the diet, showed a significant increase in the cross‐sectional area of the humerus, while a significant decline was noted in males delivered by multiparous dams and in all the offspring delivered by primiparous dams. An increase in the cross‐sectional area of the femur was noted in the offspring delivered by multiparous dams, while reduction was observed in the offspring delivered by primiparous dams. These results have shown for the first time that the presence of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate or 2‐oxoglutaric acid in the diet of pregnant primiparous or multiparous dams unambiguously affects the geometry and mechanical properties of offspring's long bones.
Effects of space allocations and energy levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing pigs
Authors: Lei X. J. , Yan L. , Kim Y. M. , Kim I. H.
Published: May 2017

Two experiments were conducted to investigate effects of different space allocations and different dietary metabolizable energy (ME) levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing pigs. In experiment 1, a total of 84 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.10 ± 1.60 kg were used in a 5‐week trial. Pigs were blocked based on initial BW into a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following factors: (i) 0.60 or 0.80 m2/pig space allocations; and (ii) 3,400 or 3,550 kcal/kg ME of diets. In experiment 2, a total of 84 finishing pigs with an initial BW of 67.43 ± 1.97 kg were used in a 10‐week trial. Pigs were allotted based on initial BW into a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following factors: (i) 0.81 or 1.08 m2/pig space allocations; and (ii) 3,300 or 3,450 kcal/kg ME of diet. In experiment 1, high ME diet improved gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F) in pigs with low space allocation but not in pigs in high space allocation (p < .05). Additionally, high ME diet increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen in low space allocation but decreased ATTD of nitrogen in high space allocation (p < .05). In experiment 2, high ME diet improved average daily gain (ADG) and G:F in early‐finishing pigs with low space allocation but not in pigs with high space allocation (p < .05). In conclusion, the provision of high ME diets was not enough to overcome the reduction in growth performance due to low space allocation but can improve feed efficiency in growing pigs and daily gain and feed efficiency early‐finishing pigs.
Blood Glucose and Insulin Concentrations after Octreotide Administration in Horses With Insulin Dysregulation
Authors: Frank N. , Hermida P. , Sanchez‐Londoño A. , Singh R. , Gradil C.M. , Uricchio C.K.
Published: May 2017

Background

Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that suppresses insulin secretion.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that octreotide would suppress insulin concentrations in horses and that normal (N) horses and those with insulin dysregulation (ID) would differ significantly in their plasma glucose and insulin responses to administration of octreotide.

Animals

Twelve horses, N = 5,ID= 7.

Methods

Prospective study. An oral sugar test was performed to assign horses to N andIDgroups. Octreotide (1.0 μg/kgIV) was then administered, and blood was collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minute, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hour for measurement of glucose and insulin concentrations. Area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated.

Results

MeanAUCvalues for glucose and insulin did not differ between normal (n = 5) andID(n = 7) groups after octreotide injection. Significant time (P< .001) effects were detected for glucose and insulin concentrations. A group × time interaction (P= .091) was detected for insulin concentrations after administration of octreotide, but the group (P= .33) effect was not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Octreotide suppresses insulin secretion, resulting in hyperglycemia, and then concentrations increase above baseline as glycemic control is restored. Our hypothesis that octreotide causes insulin concentrations to decrease in horses was supported, but differences between N andIDgroups did not reach statistical significance when blood glucose and insulin responses were compared. The utility of an octreotide response test remains to be determined.