bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Salivary Secretion by Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors
Authors: Prestifilippo Juan Pablo , Fernández-Solari Javier , Cal Carolina de la , Iribarne María , Suburo Angela M. , Rettori Valeria , McCann Samuel M. , Elverdin Juan Carlos
Published: July 2017

It is known that marijuana use decreases saliva secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that cannabinoid receptors (CBs) are located in salivary glands to mediate that effect. In these experiments, we used the submandibular gland (SMG) of male rats, which is one of the major salivary glands. Mammalian tissues contain at least two types of CBs, CB1 and CB2, mainly located in the nervous system and peripheral tissues, respectively. Both receptors are coupled to Gi protein and respond by inhibiting the activity of adenylyl cyclase. We demonstrated that both CB1 and CB2 are present in the SMG, each showing specific localizations. The best-known endocannabinoid is anandamide (AEA), which binds with high affinity to CB1 and CB2. We showed that AEA markedly reduced forskolin-induced increase of cAMP content in vitro. This effect was blocked by AM251 and AM630 (CB1 and CB2 antagonists, respectively), indicating that both receptors are implicated in SMG physiology. In addition, we showed that AEA injected intraglandularly to anesthetized rats Inhibited norepinephrine (NE)– and methacholine (MC)–stimulated saliva secretion in vivo and that both AM251 or AM630 prevented the inhibitory action of AEA. Also, the intraglandular injection of AM251 increased saliva secretion induced by lower doses of NE or MC. This increase was synergized after coinjection with AM630. Therefore, we concluded that AEA decreases saliva secretion in the SMG acting through CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Elevated Bioactivity of the Tolerogenic Cytokines, Interleukin-10 and Transforming Growth Factor-β, in the Blood of Acutely Malnourished Weanling Mice
Authors: Hillyer Lyn , Dao Barbara , Niemiec Patrycja , Lee Shannon , Doidge Mary , Bemben Izabela , Neyestani Tirang , Woodward Bill
Published: July 2017

The main objective of this investigation was to determine the influence of acute deficits of protein and energy on the blood levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), physiologically the main anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic cytokines. In four 14-day experiments, male and female C57BL/6J mice, initially 19 days old, consumed a complete purified diet either ad libitum or in restricted daily quantities, or had free access to an isocaloric purified low-protein diet. A zero-time control group (19 days old) was included. In the first two experiments, serum IL-10 levels were assessed by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bioassay. The mean serum IL-10 bioactivities were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in both malnourished groups (low-protein and restricted intake: 15.8 and 12.2 ng/ml, respectively) than in the zero-time and age-matched control groups (6.3 and 7.3 ng/ml, respectively), whereas serum IL-10 immunoactivity was high only in the restricted intake group (e.g., second experiment: 17.0 pg/ml vs. 5.4, 3.7, and 3.1 pg/ml in the zero-time control, age-matched control and low-protein group, respectively). The third and fourth experiments centered on plasma TGF-β immunoactivity (sandwich ELISA) and bioactivity, respectively. The ELISA revealed a high mean plasma TGF-β1 level (P < 0.05) in the low-protein group only, but TGF-β bioactivity (β1 isoform, although 15% β2 in the restricted intake group) was high in both malnourished groups (8.7 and 9.3 ng/ml in the low-protein and restricted groups, respectively) relative to the age-matched control group (0.5 ng/ml). Thus, metabolically distinct weanling systems mimicking marasmus and incipient kwashiorkor both exhibit a blood cytokine profile that points to a tolerogenic microenvironment within immune response compartments. A model emerges in which malnutrition-associated immune competence, at least in advanced weight loss, centers on cytokine-mediated peripheral tolerance that reduces the risk of catabolically induced autoimmune disease, but this is at the cost of attenuated responsiveness to infectious agents.
Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid Does Not Adversely Affect Bone Mass in Obese fa/fa or Lean Zucker Rats
Authors: Burr Laura L. , Taylor Carla G. , Weiler Hope A.
Published: July 2017

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) elevates body ash in healthy animals. The objective of the present study was to determine if single or mixed CLA isomers improve bone mass in an obese and hyperinsulinemic state. Male (n = 120) lean and obese fa/fa Zucker rats (age, 6 weeks) were randomized to 8 weeks on a control diet or to 0.4% (w/w) cis-9, trans-11 CLA (Group 1); 0.4% (w/w) trans-10, cis-12 CLA (Group 2); 0.4% (w/w) cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 0.4% (w/w) trans-10, cis-12 CLA (Group 3); 0.4% (w/w) cis-9, trans-11 CLA, 0.4% (w/w) trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and traces of other CLA isomers (Group 4); and 0.4% (w/w) cis-9, trans-11 CLA, 0.4% (w/w) trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and 0.3% (w/w) other CLA isomers (Group 5). Bone area (BA), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole body, spine, and femur were measured at baseline (6 weeks) and at 14 weeks of age. Effects of genotype, diet, and genotype × diet interactions were assessed using factorial analysis of variance. At 6 and 14 weeks, whole-body BA and BMC were lower in lean rats compared with fa/fa rats. Similarly, at 14 weeks, fa/fa rats had a higher spine and femur BMD despite a lower femur weight. The fa/fa rats in Groups 4 and 5 had higher adjusted whole-body BMC compared with Group 3, but not with Group 1, Group 2, or the control. In lean rats, Group 3 had a greater adjusted whole-body BMC than Groups 1 and 2, but not Group 4, Group 5, or the control. Thus, commercially available CLA mixtures and single CLA isomers do not affect bone mass in a hyperinsulinemic, obese state.
Leptin Receptor Isoforms mRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Stefanou Nikolaos , Satra Maria , Papanikolaou Vassilios , Kalala Fani , Gatselis Nikolaos , Germenis Anastasios , Dalekos George N. , Tsezou Aspasia
Published: July 2017

There is accumulating evidence that leptin has a pleiotropic role in hematopoiesis, immune response, fibrogenesis, and hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the expression of leptin and leptin receptor (OB-R) at the protein level by flow cytometry and also quantified by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the two major leptin receptor isoforms (OB-RI, OB-Rs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with hepatitis B (HBV; n = 31), hepatitis C (HCV; n = 34), and nonviral liver disease (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 36), as well as in liver tissues of HBV (n = 8), HCV (n = 7), and healthy individuals (n = 6). Serum leptin levels were measured in all participants (N = 126). We observed significantly lower OB-RI and OB-Rs mRNA levels in PBMCs of HBV and HCV patients compared with healthy controls and nonviral liver disease patients (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the real-time RT-PCR results. Expression of leptin and OB-RI was significantly increased in viral hepatitis liver tissues compared with healthy tissues (P < 0.01). OB-RI mRNA levels were not associated with hepatitis patients' clinical status (inactive, chronic hepatitis, or cirrhosis). We also found decreased serum leptin in HBV and HCV patients compared with healthy individuals and the nonviral liver disease group. Leptin was expressed in 3 of 34 HCV (8.8%) and 19 of 25 (76%) nonviral liver disease patients. Moreover, expression of OB-RI and OB-Rs were associated when all individuals were grouped together (r = 0.78, P < 0.001). In conclusion, our findings may suggest the involvement of the leptin system in the immunopathology of chronic viral hepatitis.
Evaluation of Sphinganine and Sphingosine as Human Breast Cancer Chemotherapeutic and Chemopreventive Agents
Authors: Ahn Eun Hyun , Chang Chia-Cheng , Schroeder Joseph J.
Published: July 2017

No comparative study of the effects of sphingolipid metabolites on proliferation and differentiation in normal human breast epithelial cells versus stem cells and tumorigenic cells has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive potential of sphingoid bases (sphingosine and sphinganine) using a novel cell culture system of normal human breast epithelial cells (HBEC) developed from breast tissues of healthy women obtained during reduction mammoplasty (Type I HBEC with stem cell characteristics and Type II HBEC with basal epithelial cell phenotypes) and transformed tumorigenic Type I HBEC. The results show that sphinganine inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of transformed tumorigenic Type I HBEC more potently than sphingosine (IC50 for sphinganine 4 μM; sphingosine 6.4 μM). Both sphinganine and sphingosine at high concentrations (8–10 μM) arrested the cell cycle at G2/M. Sphinganine inhibited the growth and caused death of Type I HBEC more strongly than sphingosine. In comparison, Type II HBEC (normal differentiated cells) were less sensitive to the growth-inhibitory effects of sphingoid bases than Type I HBEC (stem cells) or transformed tumorigenic Type I HBEC, suggesting that sphingoid bases may serve as chemotherapeutic agents. At concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 μM) that are below the growth-inhibitory range, sphingoid bases induced differentiation of Type I HBEC to Type II HBEC, as detected morphologically and via expression of a tumor suppressor protein, maspin, which is a marker of Type II HBEC. Thus, sphingoid bases may function as chemotherapeutic as well as chemopreventive agents by preferentially inhibiting cancer cells and eliminating stem cells from which most breast cancer cells arise.
Contemplative Listening in Moral Issues: Moral Counseling Redefined in Principles and Method
Authors: de Groot Jack , van Hoek Maria E.C.
Published: July 2017

We present a listening grid for moral counseling, in which we pay particular attention, alongside the what, to how clients talk about themselves: as if they were spectators; aware what this talking does to them; how they perceive what is good from the past; and what they will strive for in the future. By this moral talk, clients discover a picture of the conviction that will enable them to make a decision.
Distributed and morphological operation-based data collection algorithm
Authors: Nie Yalin , Wang Haijun , Qin Yujie , Sun Zeyu
Published: July 2017

When monitoring the environment with wireless sensor networks, the data sensed by the nodes within event backbone regions can adequately represent the events. As a result, identifying event backbone regions is a key issue for wireless sensor networks. With this aim, we propose a distributed and morphological operation-based data collection algorithm. Inspired by the use of morphological erosion and dilation on binary images, the proposed distributed and morphological operation-based data collection algorithm calculates the structuring neighbors of each node based on the structuring element, and it produces an event-monitoring map of structuring neighbors with less cost and then determines whether to erode or not. The remaining nodes that are not eroded become the event backbone nodes and send their sensing data. Moreover, according to the event backbone regions, the sink can approximately recover the complete event regions by the dilation operation. The algorithm analysis and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can lead to lower overhead, decrease the amount of transmitted data, prolong the network lifetime, and rapidly recover event regions.
Challenging Barriers to Participation in Qualitative Research: Involving Disabled Refugees
Authors: Harris Jennifer , Roberts Keri
Published: July 2017

In this article, the authors discuss the need to consider the potential barriers faced by both interviewers and respondents who wish to participate in qualitative research. Drawing on their experience of enabling disabled refugees to interview other disabled refugees, they discuss their conceptual basis for challenging barriers, and the practical measures they took to address the health, impairment and linguistic needs of both interviewers and respondents participating in the ‘Disabled Refugees in Britain’ research project. They conclude by encouraging other researchers to identify and challenge the barriers faced by all potential participants in qualitative research.
Design and Control Issues in Qualitative Case Study Research
Authors: Lloyd-Jones Gaynor
Published: July 2017

Some methodologists have pointed to similarities between experimental method and case study research in terms of design, theory testing and development. However, little is known about how these debates inform qualitative research rationales. The use of a sequential dual case study provided an opportunity to examine these issues and their impact on the unfolding research process. The interplay of inductive and deductive approaches was evident throughout in decisions determining the nature of the research enquiry.
Racism and Ethnocentrism: Social Representations of Preservice Teachers in the Context of Multi- and Intercultural Education
Authors: Carignan Nicole , Sanders Michael , Pourdavood Roland G.
Published: July 2017

Using a constructivist inquiry paradigm, the authors attempted in their content analysis to understand the social representations on race and ethnocentrism of preservice secondary teachers studying in an urban university in a Midwest city in the United States. Although social representations can be understood as something in which our participants deeply believe, this study suggests that racial and ethnocentric biases should be examined in the context of multi- and intercultural education. The authors favor a way of revisiting taken-for-granted ideas toward traditional, liberal, and critical or radical multiculturalism. They argue for the recognition not only of the differences and diversity of students (multicultural perspective) but also of the way in which teachers understand, communicate, and interact with them (intercultural perspective).
Interviewing the Interpretive Researcher: A Method for Addressing the Crises of Representation, Legitimation, and Praxis
Authors: Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , Leech Nancy L. , Collins Kathleen M. T.
Published: July 2017

In this article the authors outline five types of debriefing and introduce a new type of debriefing, namely, that of debriefing the interpretive researcher. Next they present eight main areas accompanied by example questions to guide the interviewer when debriefing the researcher. They also present five authenticity criteria developed by Guba and Lincoln (1989) and include possible interview questions to document the degree to which the researcher has met these criteria. Finally, using Miles and Huberman's (1994) framework, they illustrate how displays such as matrices can be used to collect, analyze, and interpret debriefing interview data as well as leave an audit trail.
An Analytic Glossary to Social Inquiry Using Institutional and Political Activist Ethnography
Authors: Bisaillon Laura
Published: July 2017

This analytic glossary, composed of 52 terms, is a practical reference and working tool for persons preparing to conduct theoretically informed qualitative social science research drawing from institutional and political activist ethnography. Researchers using these approaches examine social problems and move beyond interpretation by explicating how these problems are organized and what social and ruling relations coordinate them. Political activist ethnography emerges from, and extends, institutional ethnography by producing knowledge explicitly for activism and social movement organizing ends. The assemblage of vocabulary and ideas in this word list are new, and build on existing methodological resources. This glossary offers an extensive, analytic, and challenging inventory of language that brings together terms from these ethnographic approaches with shared ancestry. This compilation is designed to serve as an accessible “one-stop-shop” resource for persons using or contemplating using institutional and political activist ethnography in their research and/or activist projects.
Micro-electro discharge machining drilling of stainless steel with copper electrode: The influence of process parameters and electrode size
Authors: D’Urso Gianluca , Maccarini Giancarlo , Quarto Mariangela , Ravasio Chiara , Caldara Michele
Published: July 2017

This article is about the implementation of an acquisition system for the measurement of micro-electro discharge machining process parameters and the statistical analysis of their influence on the process performance. The micro-electro discharge machining drilling of 316L stainless steel with copper tubular electrodes was studied and the exchanged power was taken into account as a comprehensive variable able to represent the effect of the peak current and voltage on the final result. The direct proportionality between the exchanged power and the nominal process parameters was verified. A linear and non-linear regression approach was used in order to obtain predictive equations for the most important aspects of micro-electro discharge machining process, such as the machining time and the electrode wear.
A scale development of industrial designer ability index through quality function deployment and grey relational analysis methods
Authors: Lee Yann-Long , Tsai Feng Che , Liu Shuo-Fang , Hsu Yuan-Chin
Published: July 2017

In recent years, the design and development capabilities, which provided products with vitality and value, had become one of the key factors in transforming and upgrading enterprises. Also, the industrial design ability had become a powerful weapon in enhancing business competitiveness. This study aimed at developing a self-assessment scale to evaluate the pre-service capabilities of industrial design students and it was found to be useful also in analyzing the ability levels of professional designer after the self-assessment scale was established. According to the literature review and interviews with experts, this study summarized the categories and indicators of professional abilities of industrial designers. Next, grey relational analysis was applied for analyzing these categories and indicators, then the weight between these indicators were determined through the method of quality function deployment, and finally, these indicators were further transferred into questions to become a pre-service self-assessment scale with 70 items, named industrial design ability index questionnaire. The industrial design ability index assessment scale was validated using 211 college students ranging from freshman to senior year. The industrial design ability index score shows a direct relationship between designer skills and years in school from freshman to senior year and verified that the industrial design ability index is able to assess the level of experiences of an industrial designer.
A localization method for concealed cracks in the road base based on ground penetrating radar
Authors: Li Shengli , Wang Chaoqun , Sun Panxu , Wu Guangming , Wang Dongwei
Published: July 2017

Phenomenon of concealed cracks is one of the familiar failures in the road base. Accurate concealed crack localization of the road base using ground penetrating radar still suffers from some limitations. To accurately locate the concealed cracks in the road base, an effective concealed crack localization method based on ground penetrating radar is proposed in this article: first, continuous ground penetrating radar scanning and manual point-by-point detection are performed to determine the location of the concealed crack roughly; then the ground penetrating radar–based ellipse method and an improved data processor based on MATLAB are used for processing the data to determine the accurate location of the concealed crack. The proposed method is experimentally validated using a rectangle concrete block with a concealed crack, and the results of the proposed method are compared with that of the previous method. All results indicate that the proposed method can be used to locate concealed cracks fast and well; moreover, the localization accuracy of the proposed method is obviously higher than the previous method; all these lay a good foundation for engineering applications.
Investigation on the design of hydraulic high-speed punching press with a large press force and a long press stroke
Authors: Song Wei , Liu Shuo , Pan Hongjun , Zhu Shiqiang
Published: July 2017

High-speed punching presses are widely applied in modern manufacture industry, especially in occasions of automatic production with a large or a super large quality. To obtain a better production efficiency and a wilder application in industries, it is meaningful to develop the high-speed punching presses with a large press force and a long press stroke. Considering the limitations of mechanical and servo high-speed punching presses, hydraulic technology is the most possible way to develop the high-speed punching press with a large press force and a long press stroke so far. This article has proposed a hydraulic operating principle based on the hydraulic vibration technology for the development of the high-speed punching press with a press force of 1250 kN, a press stroke of 50 mm, and a press velocity of 1000 hpm. With a simulation model built under the AMESim environment, performances of the system are obtained and analyzed. Then, parameter optimization is also carried out and discussed. Finally, the operating principle and the parameters are refined. The obtained results have proved that the design meets the aimed performances of the high-speed punching press.
Study on geometry and kinematics of spherical single-roller PDC bit
Authors: Kong Chunyan , Liang Zheng , Zhang Derong , Chang Shili
Published: July 2017

A spherical single-roller bit based on polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters is designed for the purposes of improving the adaptability of single-roller bit to the stratum with high hardness and abrasiveness. According to the characteristics of cutter shape, the distribution of cutter, as well as the mode of contact between cutter and rock, the methods of space analysis and coordination projection are used to establish the geometrical equation for the single-roller bit with PDC cutters and the velocity equation for the PDC cutters, to describe the change rules between the velocity and other parameters. It is concluded that the velocity is subject to high influence by the shaft inclination angle and the positions of PDC cutters, but is subject to low influence by the radius, lateral rotation angle, and front inclination angle of PDC cutters; the velocity of cutters can be affected by the rock stratum to some extent and is higher in soft rock than in hard rock; the velocity of PDC cutters varies at different positions on the roller, and the absolute velocity of the most cutters on the roller will become stable along with the increase in the shaft inclination angle, while great increase will be found in the velocity of the cutters near the top of roller, where the distribution of cutters is to be strengthened; the shaft inclination angle is to be designed larger than 53° and is suggested to range from 53° to 70°. This study lays the foundation for the computer simulation research related to the single-roller PDC bits and the structural design optimization of cutter surfaces.
How to define the hemodynamic significance of an equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis: Review of literature and outcomes of an international questionnaire
Authors: de Boer SW , Heinen SGH , van den Heuvel DAF , van de Vosse FN , de Vries JPPM
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The goal of the study was to review current literature regarding the diagnosis of equivocal (50–70%) iliofemoral artery stenosis and compare these findings with the daily practice of an international panel of endovascular experts.

Methods

The Medline Database was searched for relevant publications, and an electronic survey was sent to experts in the field covering the following topics: definition of an equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis, angiographic visualization and investigation protocols of an equivocal stenosis, intra-arterial pressure measurements, and definition of hemodynamic significance of an equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis using a physiologic measure.

Results

Of the 37 invited endovascular experts, 21 (53.8%) agreed to participate in the survey. Analysis of existing literature shows that the level of evidence for diagnosing equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis is mediocre and is not being implemented by experts in the field.

Conclusion

Studies have shown that a stenosis of between 50% and 70% iliofemoral lumen diameter reduction shows a wide range of trans-stenotic pressure gradients. Equivocal iliofemoral artery stenosis can best be identified using three-dimensional quantitative vascular analysis software. Although evidence for a clear hemodynamic cutoff point is weak, performing trans-lesion intra-arterial pressure measurements at rest and during maximal hyperemia is preferred. Diagnosing iliofemoral artery stenosis solely on lumen diameter reduction is inadequate.
Autonomous underwater vehicle precise motion control for target following with model uncertainty
Authors: Hai Huang , Guocheng Zhang , Hongde Qing , Zexing Zhou
Published: July 2017

Target following plays an important role in oceanic detection and target capturing for autonomous underwater vehicles. Due to the model nonlinearity and external disturbance, the dynamic model of a portable autonomous underwater vehicle was usually established with parameter uncertainties. In this article, a petri-based recurrent type 2 fuzzy neural network has been built to approximate the unknown autonomous underwater vehicle dynamics. The type 2 fuzzy logic system has been applied to the network to improve the approximation accuracy for systematic nonlinearity, and the petri layer in the network can improve estimation speed and reduce energy consumption. A petri-based recurrent type 2 fuzzy neural network–based adaptive robust controller has been proposed for target tracking. In the offshore experiments, the proposed controller has not only realized stable position and pose control but also successfully followed mobile target on the surface. In the tank underwater experiments, the pipeline target has been successfully followed to further verify the controller performance.
Multi-objective optimization on the shock absorber design for the lunar probe using nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Song Shunguang , Wang Chunjie
Published: July 2017

In this article, the design on the shock absorber of the lunar probe soft landing can be considered as a single- or multi-objective optimization problem. Here, the optimized objective parameters include the maximum toppling stability, defined as Dmin, and the minimum stroke of primary strut energy absorption, SPmax. However, the two optimized variables are conflict objectives. In order to give an overall consideration about the multi-performances of landing, the multi-objective optimization strategy is proposed and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II is employed to find the best decision parameters of the shock absorber design. To conduct the optimizations, firstly, the worst landing cases and safety boundaries for both toppling and primary strut energy absorptions are obtained by the computer simulation experiments. Both single- and multi-objective optimizations are then implemented aiming to expand the stability boundary. The results show that the landing stability is effectively improved after optimizations, and also demonstrate that the multi-objective optimization strategy is superior to that of the single-objective optimization.
Consensus-based leader-following formation control for a group of semi-biomimetic robotic fishes
Authors: Zhang Shouxu , Yan Weisheng , Xie Guangming
Published: July 2017

In this article, we developed a consensus-based leader-following formation control algorithm for a group of robotic fishes modeled by Euler–Lagrange dynamics. The Euler–Lagrange dynamics has been simplified as a second-order dynamics using the input transformation technique. Two consensus-based formation control strategies are discussed under the scenario: (1) leader with constant velocity and (2) leader with time-varying velocity. Three formation-keeping examples are shown in the simulations to verify the obtained formation control algorithm.
The experiences and beliefs of patients with complex regional pain syndrome: An exploratory survey study
Authors: Louw Adriaan , Zimney Kory , Cox Terry , O'Hotto Christine , Wassinger Craig A
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To determine the beliefs and describe the health care experiences of patients with complex regional pain syndrome.

Methods

A survey tool for patients with complex regional pain syndrome was designed for this study. The survey tool collected self-reported measures associated with pain, disability, health care experiences, education, beliefs, and treatments.

Results

Thirty-one patients attending physical therapy for complex regional pain syndrome (mean age 40.48; female n = 20) completed the survey. Patients with presented with high levels of pain and disability and reported various changes associated with altered neuroplasticity such as confused body part recognition, left/right discrimination, neglect, and spreading pain. The patients’ experiences with diagnostic testing and interventions are not in line with the current pain science research and/or evidence-based practice. Overall, patients are ill-informed, confused, and receive conflicting information.

Discussion

The suffering associated with complex regional pain syndrome is real, as told by patients. This suffering coincides with a lack of consensus by health care providers and conflicting information on complex regional pain syndrome. Overall, patient experiences show health care providers are not up to date with the current best-evidence regarding complex regional pain syndrome.
Distinct calcitonin gene-related peptide expression pattern in primary afferents contribute to different neuropathic symptoms following chronic constriction or crush injuries to the rat sciatic nerve
Authors: Zou Yu , Xu Fangting , Tang Zhaohui , Zhong Tao , Cao Jiawei , Guo Qulian , Huang Changsheng
Published: July 2017

Although calcitonin gene-related peptide is a recognized pain transducer, the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide in primary afferents may be differentially affected following different types of nerve injury. Here, we examined whether different calcitonin gene-related peptide expression patterns in primary afferents contributes to distinct sensory disturbances in three animal models of sciatic nerve injury: chronic constriction injury, mild (100 g force) or strong (1000 g force) transient crush in rats. Assessments of withdrawal reflexes and spontaneous behavior indicated that chronic constriction injury and mild crush resulted in positive neuropathic symptoms (static/dynamic mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, spontaneous pain). However, strong crush led to both positive (dynamic mechanical allodynia, cold allodynia, spontaneous pain) and negative symptoms (static mechanical hypoesthesia, heat hypoalgesia). Calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia and corresponding spinal cord segments, and calcitonin gene-related peptide mRNA levels in dorsal root ganglia, indicated that the primary afferent calcitonin gene-related peptide supply was markedly reduced only after strong crush. This reduction paralleled the development of negative symptoms (static mechanical hypoesthesia and heat hypoalgesia). Administration of exogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide intrathecally after strong crush did not alter heat hypoalgesia but ameliorated static mechanical hypoesthesia, an effect blocked by a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist. Thus, reducing the primary afferent calcitonin gene-related peptide supply contributed to subsequent negative neuropathic symptoms, especially to static mechanical stimuli. Moreover, nerve injury caused a subcellular redistribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide from small- and medium-size dorsal root ganglia neurons to large-size dorsal root ganglia neurons, which paralleled the development of positive neuropathic symptoms. Intrathecal administration of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist ameliorated these positive symptoms, indicating that the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide in large-size dorsal root ganglia neurons is important for the positive neuropathic symptoms in all three models. Taken together, these results suggest that distinct calcitonin gene-related peptide expression pattern in primary afferents contribute to different neuropathic symptoms following chronic constriction or crush injuries to the rat sciatic nerve.
Association between UGT2B7 gene polymorphisms and fentanyl sensitivity in patients undergoing painful orthognathic surgery
Authors: Muraoka Wataru , Nishizawa Daisuke , Fukuda Kenichi , Kasai Shinya , Hasegawa Junko , Wajima Koichi , Nakagawa Taneaki , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: July 2017

Background

Fentanyl is often used instead of morphine for the treatment of pain because it has fewer side effects. The metabolism of morphine by glucuronidation is known to be influenced by polymorphisms of the UGT2B7 gene. Some metabolic products of fentanyl are reportedly metabolized by glucuronate conjugation. The genes that are involved in the metabolic pathway of fentanyl may also influence fentanyl sensitivity. We analyzed associations between fentanyl sensitivity and polymorphisms of the UGT2B7 gene to clarify the hereditary determinants of individual differences in fentanyl sensitivity.

Results

This study examined whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the UGT2B7 gene affect cold pain sensitivity and the analgesic effects of fentanyl, evaluated by a standardized pain test and fentanyl requirements in healthy Japanese subjects who underwent uniform surgical procedures. The rs7439366 SNP of UGT2B7 is reportedly associated with the metabolism and analgesic effects of morphine. We found that this SNP is also associated with the analgesic effects of fentanyl in the cold pressor-induced pain test. It suggested that the C allele of the rs7439366 SNP may enhance analgesic efficacy. Two SNPs of UGT2B7, rs4587017 and rs1002849, were also found to be novel SNPs that may influence the analgesic effects of fentanyl in the cold pressor-induced pain test.

Conclusions

Fentanyl sensitivity for cold pressor-induced pain was associated with the rs7439366, rs4587017, and rs1002849 SNPs of the UGT2B7 gene. Our findings may provide valuable information for achieving satisfactory pain control and open to new avenues for personalized pain treatment.
Characterization of the anterior cingulate cortex in adult tree shrew
Authors: Lu Jing-Shan , Yue Fang , Liu Xiaoqing , Chen Tao , Zhuo Min
Published: July 2017

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key brain region for the perception of pain and emotion. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the ACC are usually investigated in rodents such as mice and rats. Studies of synaptic mechanisms in primates are limited. To facilitate the translation of basic results from rodents to humans, it is critical to use a primate-like animal model for the investigation of the ACC. The tree shrew presents a great opportunity for this as they have similar genome sequences to primates and are considered to have many similarities to primates. In the present study, by combining anatomy, immunostaining and micro-optical sectioning tomography methods, we examined the morphological properties of the ACC in the tree shrew and compared them with the mouse and rat. We found that the ACC in the tree shrew is significantly larger than those found in the mouse and rat. The sizes of cell bodies of ACC pyramidal cells in tree shrew are also larger than that found in the mouse or rat. Furthermore, there are significantly more apical/basal dendritic branches and apical dendritic spines of ACC pyramidal neurons in tree shrew. These results demonstrate that pyramidal cells of the ACC in tree shrews are more advanced than those found in rodents (mice and rats), indicating that the tree shrew can be used as a useful animal model for studying the cellular mechanism for ACC-related physiological and pathological changes in humans.
Is Psychology Headed in the Right Direction? Yes, No, and Maybe
Authors: Dweck Carol S.
Published: July 2017

In this piece, I first celebrate the growing contribution of psychology to the understanding and solution of pressing social issues. Then, despite these exciting developments, I worry about whether we have created a field that our students want to spend their lives in, and I suggest concerns that might fruitfully be addressed. Finally, I worry about the potential fragmentation of psychology and applaud programs of research that have shown the unique and important contributions to be made when the methods and perspectives of neuroscience, cognitive science, and computational modeling are integrated with those of social, personality, and developmental psychology. In sum, although this is an exciting time for our field, we can do more to ensure its vigor and its truly interdisciplinary nature as we move forward.
Just get on with it: Implementing the Prevent duty in higher education and the role of academic expertise
Authors: Qurashi Fahid
Published: July 2017

The Prevent policy was introduced in 2003 as part of the UK counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) with the aim of preventing the radicalisation of people to terrorism. In 2015, it was given a statutory footing in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act and it became a legal duty for Higher Education Institutions among others. Since then, Higher Education Institutions have been working to ensure their compliance with the legal duty. This article reflects on the implementation of the Prevent duty in one university. It is informed by an engagement with the Prevent group in the university which was created to implement the Prevent duty. The article argues that academic expertise had little impact in shaping the implementation of the Prevent duty at the university because the epistemic stance of counter-terrorism side lines expertise and evidence so that it can maintain its coherence and integrity. Specifically, the impact of academic expertise was limited because critically oriented academic expertise complicates a straightforward implementation of the legal duty, a state-centric orientation in the Prevent group constrained the horizon of discussion, and a crisis of knowledge at the heart of counter-terrorism replaces expertise and evidence with ideology.
Reliability optimization for non-repairable series-parallel systems with a choice of redundancy strategies: Erlang time-to-failure distribution
Authors: Sadeghi Meisam , Roghanian Emad
Published: July 2017

This article deals with a new redundancy allocation model for non-repairable series-parallel systems with multiple strategy choices. The proposed model simultaneously determines the type of components, number of active and standby components to maximize system reliability subject to design constraints. Traditionally, due to complexity and difficulty in obtaining the closed form version of system reliability, a convenient lower-bound on system reliability has been widely applied to approximate it. Assuming that switching mechanism time-to-failure is exponentially distributed, the closed form version of the reliability of subsystems with cold standby redundancy is derived analytically for the first time. This is successfully performed using Markov process and solving the relevant set of differential-difference equations. With respect to the obtained formulation, a semi-analytical expression for the reliability of subsystems with mixed redundancy strategy is also extracted. Component time-to-failure is assumed to follow an Erlang distribution which is suitable for most engineering design problems. The presented model is linear and in the form of standard zero-one integer programs and thus using integer programming algorithms guarantees optimal solutions. The computational results of solving a well-known example indicate the high performance of the proposed model in improving system reliability.
Geographical access to critical care services in Scotland
Authors: Emerson Philip , Dodds Naomi , Green David R , Jansen Jan O
Published: July 2017

Background

Critical illness requires specialist and timely management. The aim of this study was to create a geographic accessibility profile of the Scottish population to emergency departments and intensive care units.

Methods

This was a descriptive, geographical analysis of population access to ‘intermediate’ and ‘definitive’ critical care services in Scotland. Access was defined by the number of people able to reach services within 45 to 60 min, by road and by helicopter. Access was analysed by health board, rurality and as a country using freely available geographically referenced population data.

Results

Ninety-six percent of the population reside within a 45-min drive of the nearest intermediate critical care facility, and 94% of the population live within a 45-min ambulance drive time to the nearest intensive care unit. By helicopter, these figures were 95% and 91%, respectively. Some health boards had no access to definitive critical care services within 45 min via helicopter or road. Very remote small towns and very remote rural areas had poorer access than less remote and rural regions.
Variable inertia training: Optimization of explosive-power exercises with robotic-resistance strength machines
Authors: Biscarini Andrea , Contemori Samuele
Published: July 2017

Strength training machines with computer-adjustable resistance mechanisms can simulate external resistance of different kinds (i.e. gravitational, elastic, and viscous) and magnitude R, and different levels of inertial force (the product of the resistance mass m and its acceleration). Notably, the simulated levels of R and m can be freely adjusted, during movement, independently of each other. In this study, the authors have performed a numerical simulation of exercises for explosive power to analyze the kinematic and kinetic effects of resistances that combine different levels of R and m (i.e. different levels of external resistance and inertial force). A progressive increase in m gradually enhances the peak user’s force and reduces the peak acceleration at all resistances R, enhances and shifts later in time the peak power at low resistances, and reduces the mean power at high resistances. The mass m also induces a rate of force development at the beginning of movement in a time frame which becomes progressively longer with higher values of m. Complete lack of mass m would be needed in the final phase of the movement to attain an effective training stimulus for high-velocity strength. In light of this evidence, the authors have devised a new training modality for explosive power (the “Variable Inertia Training”) with strength machines that use a motor and an electronic management system to simulate mass m variations in response to the kinematic parameters (position, velocity, and acceleration) of movement. This training modality can be designed to closely reproduce the kinematic and kinetic patterns occurring during ballistic or explosive sport movements, such as those occurring during throwing, hitting, rowing, and pushing activities. In addition, it may potentially enable the integrated development of the main neuromuscular components (force, rate of force development, and high-velocity strength) that contribute to the expression of explosive power for sports performance.
Making your practice autism friendly
Authors: Buckley Carole
Published: July 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex life-long neurodevelopmental disorder that affects just over 1% of the UK population. This means that the average practice of 7000 patients will have about 70 patients with ASD. It can be very challenging for general practice to meet the health care needs of this population, but with some adjustments and increased awareness among staff, it is possible to improve access to health care.
Herpetic eye disease
Authors: Horgan Simon
Published: July 2017

The herpes family includes viruses that can affect the eye, just as they do the skin, mucous membranes and coverings of the brain. Herpetic eye disease is common in all age groups, and is often seen in general practice. It is caused almost entirely by herpes simplex virus type 1 and varicella-zoster. This article discusses the presentation of ocular involvement and briefly discusses its management. Early recognition by GPs and prompt treatment reduce associated morbidity. Urgent referral may be necessary to avoid sight-threatening complications.
Sarcomas: Bone and soft tissue tumours
Authors: Toh Vi Vien , Hassan Sameena , Raurell Anna
Published: July 2017

Sarcoma describes a group of malignant, connective tissue tumours of mesenchymal origin; i.e. arising from fat, muscle, bone, blood vessels and nerves. They are rare and typically account for approximately 1.2% of all cancers in the UK. The incidence of sarcomas is highest in young and old people. Early diagnosis followed by prompt and appropriate treatment is vital to reduce the mortality from sarcomas. This article focuses on increasing primary care awareness of the key clinical features of sarcoma and providing an update on relevant guidelines. Management of sarcoma in tertiary centres is also discussed.
Use and effectiveness of behavioural economics in interventions for lifestyle risk factors of non-communicable diseases: a systematic review with policy implications
Authors: Blaga Oana M , Vasilescu Livia , Chereches Razvan M
Published: July 2017

Aim:

There is limited evidence on what behavioural economics strategies are effective and can be used to inform non-communicable diseases (NCDs) public health policies designed to reduce overeating, excessive drinking, smoking, and physical inactivity. The aim of the review is to examine the evidence on the use and effectiveness of behavioural economics insights on reducing NCDs lifestyle risk factors.

Methods:

Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and EconLit were searched for studies published between January 2002 and July 2016 and reporting empirical, non-pharmacological, interventional research focusing on reducing at least one NCDs lifestyle risk factor by employing a behavioural economics perspective.

Results:

We included 117 studies in the review; 67 studies had a low risk of bias and were classified as strong or very strong, 37 were moderate, and 13 were weak. We grouped studies by NCDs risk factors and conducted a narrative synthesis. The most frequent behavioural economics precepts used were incentives, framing, and choice architecture. We found inconclusive evidence regarding the success of behavioural economics strategies to reduce alcohol consumption, but we identified several strategies with policy-level implications which could be used to reduce smoking, improve nutrition, and increase physical activity.

Conclusion:

Most studies targeting tobacco consumption, physical activity levels, and eating behaviours from a behavioural economics perspective had promising results with potential impact on NCDs health policies. We recommend future studies to be implemented in real-life settings and on large samples from diverse populations.