bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Wakool wartime rice–growing project and its impact on regional development
Authors: Haig–Muir Marnie
Published: February 2018

This study forms part of a larger project which investigates how political, bureaucratic, and economic forces influenced the historical development of the Wakool Irrigation District and the Tullakool Irrigation Area in south–west New South Wales between 1930 and 1995. The article itself focusses on the NSW government’s Second World War rice–growing project at Wakool both as a unique exercise in itself and also to explore some historical reasons behind an important policy shift and associated fundamental changes in subsequent land– use, settlement patterns, and environmental amenity in the area.
Farmers, Government, and The Environment: The Settlement of Australia’s ‘Wet Frontier’, 1870–1920
Authors: Frost Warwick
Published: February 2018

Historical studies of Australian agriculture have tended to concentrate on the difficulties of farming in a dry environment. The extension of farming into high–rainfall, densely forested regions (what I term the wet frontier) has been almost completely overlooked. This article is an attempt to redress this imbalance. It concentrates on the settlement of the wet frontier between 1870 and 1920. Up to about 1890 settlement was slow and often unsuccessful because of the high cost of forest clearance, environmental problems, deficiencies in transport, and government hostility and indifference. However, after 1890 increased demand for butter and improvement in dairy production technology transformed the wet frontier into a highly productive agricultural region.
The Decline of Economic Complementarity? Australia and Britain 1945–1952
Authors: Robertson Paul L.
Published: February 2018

At the end of the Second World War, Australia implemented a development program designed to improve the nation’s defence capabilities through a rapid increase in population and the growth of manufacturing industry. These plans were contrary to the vision of ‘complementarity’ promoted by the United Kingdom, in which the British economy would export manufactured goods to other members of the Commonwealth in return for primary products. Despite British objections, the Chifley government persevered in its development policy although Australia did control the level and origin of its imports to fit the availability of dollars within the Sterling Area. In the early 1950s, however, the Menzies government attacked the autarchic policies of the Sterling Area, first by arranging to borrow dollars directly from the World Bank, and later by calling for an abandonment of the inward focus of the Sterling Area.
‘Lead Bonus Happy’: Profit–Sharing, Productivity and Industrial Relations in The Broken Hill Mining Industry, 1925–83
Authors: Shields John
Published: February 2018

Economic and labour historians have thus far shown little interest in analysing the operation and impact of variable, performance–based payment systems in Australia. This is particularly so of collective forms of performance–based remuneration such as profit–sharing. This article assesses the operation and impact of Australia’s oldest continuous profit–sharing scheme, the Broken Hill ‘lead bonus’. Outcomes are assessed against three broad sets of management objectives: economic, cultural/ideological, and industrial. The study argues that whilst the bonus effectively cushioned company labour costs during periods of depressed market demand and metal prices, outcomes at a microeconomic level were negative. Prior to the advent of sustained high inflation, high bonus earnings served to negate the productive potential of the industry’s system of small–group payment by results. Productivity growth emanated mainly from management–driven changes in mining techniques and technology, the intensity of which was related inversely to the lead price and, hence, bonus payments. The study concludes that management’s continued adherence to the bonus system was motivated less by microeconomic or cultural/ ideological considerations than by its perceived value as a counter to major industrial disruption.
Cerebrospinal fluid abacavir concentrations in HIV‐positive patients following once‐daily administration
Authors: Calcagno A. , Pinnetti C. , De Nicolò A. , Scarvaglieri E. , Gisslen M. , Tempestilli M. , D'Avolio A. , Fedele V. , Di Perri G. , Antinori A. , Bonora S.
Published: February 2018

Abacavir is a widely used nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor, for which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exposure has been previously assessed in twice‐daily recipients. We studied abacavir CSF concentrations in 61 and nine HIV‐positive patients taking abacavir once daily and twice daily, respectively. Patients on once‐daily abacavir had higher plasma and CSF concentrations (96 vs. 22 ng ml−1, P = 0.038 and 123 vs. 49 ng ml−1, P = 0.038) but similar CSF‐to‐plasma ratios (0.8 vs. 0.5, P = 0.500). CSF abacavir concentrations were adequate in patients receiving once‐daily treatment.
A descriptive systematic review of salivary therapeutic drug monitoring in neonates and infants
Authors: Hutchinson Laura , Sinclair Marlene , Reid Bernadette , Burnett Kathryn , Callan Bridgeen
Published: February 2018

Aims

Saliva, as a matrix, offers many benefits over blood in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), in particular for infantile TDM. However, the accuracy of salivary TDM in infants remains an area of debate. This review explored the accuracy, applicability and advantages of using saliva TDM in infants and neonates.

Methods

Databases were searched up to and including September 2016. Studies were included based on PICO as follows: P: infants and neonates being treated with any medication, I: salivary TDM vs. C: traditional methods and O: accuracy, advantages/disadvantages and applicability to practice. Compounds were assessed by their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as published quantitative saliva monitoring data.

Results

Twenty‐four studies and their respective 13 compounds were investigated. Four neutral and two acidic compounds, oxcarbazepine, primidone, fluconazole, busulfan, theophylline and phenytoin displayed excellent/very good correlation between blood plasma and saliva. Lamotrigine was the only basic compound to show excellent correlation with morphine exhibiting no correlation between saliva and blood plasma. Any compound with an acid dissociation constant (pKa) within physiological range (pH 6–8) gave a more varied response.

Conclusion

There is significant potential for infantile saliva testing and in particular for neutral and weakly acidic compounds. Of the properties investigated, pKa was the most influential with both logP and protein binding having little effect on this correlation. To conclude, any compound with a pKa within physiological range (pH 6–8) should be considered with extra care, with the extraction and analysis method examined and optimized on a case‐by‐case basis.
Incidence, prevalence and clinical correlates of antidepressant‐emergent mania in bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fornaro Michele , Anastasia Annalisa , Novello Stefano , Fusco Andrea , Solmi Marco , Monaco Francesco , Veronese Nicola , De Berardis Domenico , de Bartolomeis Andrea
Published: February 2018

Background

Treatment‐emergent mania (TEM) represents a common phenomenon inconsistently reported across primary studies, warranting further assessment.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were conducted. Major electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2017 to assess the incidence and prevalence rates and clinical features associated with manic switch among bipolar depressed patients receiving antidepressants, using meta‐regression and subgroup analysis.

Results

Overall, 10 098 depressed patients with bipolar disorder (BD) across 51 studies/arms were included in the quantitative analysis. The cumulative incidence of cases (TEM+) among 4767 patients with BD over 15 retrospective studies was 30.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.6‐45.0%, I2 = 97.9%). The cumulative incidence of TEM+ among 1929 patients with BD over 12 prospective open studies was 14.4% (95% CI 7.4‐26.1%, I2 = 93.7%). The cumulative incidence of TEM+ among 1316 patients with BD over 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was 11.8% (95% CI 8.4‐16.34%, I2 = 73.46%). The pooled prevalence of TEM+ among 2086 patients with BD over four cross‐sectional studies was 30.9% (95% CI 18.1‐47.4%, I2 = 95.6%). Overall, concurrent lithium therapy predicted the lowest TEM rates. Inconsistent operational definitions of TEM were recorded, and the lack of information about age, sex, co‐occurring anxiety, and other clinically relevant moderators precluded further stratification of the results.

Conclusions

Rates of TEM vary primarily depending on study setting, which is concordant with the high degree of heterogeneity of the included records. Forthcoming RCT studies should adopt consistent operational definitions of TEM and broaden the number of moderators, in order to contribute most effectively to the identification of clear‐cut sub‐phenotypes of BD and patient‐tailored pharmacotherapy.
Core outcome sets in dermatology: report from the second meeting of the International Cochrane Skin Group Core Outcome Set Initiative
Authors: Kottner J. , Jacobi L. , Hahnel E. , Alam M. , Balzer K. , Beeckman D. , Busard C. , Chalmers J. , Deckert S. , Eleftheriadou V. , Furlan K. , Horbach S.E.R. , Kirkham J. , Nast A. , Spuls P. , Thiboutot D. , Thorlacius L. , Weller K. , Williams H.C. , Schmitt J. ,   on behalf of the International Cochrane Skin Group Core Outcome Set Initiative (CSG-COUSIN) group
Published: February 2018

Results of clinical trials are the most important information source for generating external clinical evidence. The use of different outcomes across trials, which investigate similar interventions for similar patient groups, significantly limits the interpretation, comparability and clinical application of trial results. Core outcome sets (COSs) aim to overcome this limitation. A COS is an agreed standardized collection of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials for a specific clinical condition. The Core Outcome Set Initiative within the Cochrane Skin Group (CSG-COUSIN) supports the development of core outcomes in dermatology.

In the second CSG-COUSIN meeting held in 2017, 11 COS development groups working on skin diseases presented their current work. The presentations and discussions identified the following overarching methodological challenges for COS development in dermatology: it is not always easy to define the disease focus of a COS; the optimal method for outcome domain identification and level of detail needed to specify such domains is challenging to many; decision rules within Delphi surveys need to be improved; appropriate ways of patient involvement are not always clear. In addition, there appear to be outcome domains that may be relevant as potential core outcome domains for the majority of skin diseases. The close collaboration between methodologists in the Core Outcome Set Initiative and the international Cochrane Skin Group has major advantages for trialists, systematic reviewers and COS developers.
Behavioural mating displays depend on mitochondrial function: a potential mechanism for linking behaviour to individual condition
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Hill Geoffrey E.
Published: February 2018

Males of many animal species court females using complex behavioural displays that are challenging to produce, and some of these displays have been shown to be associated with aspects of male quality. However, the mechanisms by which behavioural displays are linked to individual condition remain uncertain. Herein, we illustrate fundamental mechanistic connections between mitochondrial function and neurogenesis, energy production, and a variety of pathways that underlie the ability of an individual to perform complex behaviours. We consider the biomedical evidence for how mitochondrial activity shapes neurogenesis during development and neural function in adulthood, and how both genetics and environmental conditions can cause variation in mitochondrial function in wild animals. An individual's mitochondrial phenotype determines not just metabolism and available energy, but also appears to serve as an important driver of capacity to perform cognitively complex and other challenging display behaviours. We apply this concept to the example of birdsong, a well‐studied display behaviour with known links to neural pathways, and we describe how mitochondrial involvement in a variety of important internal processes creates links between display quality and key traits like immunocompetence. By synthesizing the intimate involvement of mitochondria in neural processes with the physiological bases of display behaviour, we aim to provide new mechanistic explanations for information that females may gain by assessing complex male displays.
Stemness and anti‐cancer drug resistance in ATP‐binding cassette subfamily G member 2 highly expressed pancreatic cancer is induced in 3D culture conditions
Authors: Sasaki Norihiko , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Hasegawa Fumio , Michishita Masaki , Kawai Hiroki , Matsuda Yoko , Arai Tomio , Ishikawa Naoshi , Aida Junko , Takubo Kaiyo , Toyoda Masashi
Published: February 2018

The expression of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) is related to tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSC) in several cancers. However, the effects of ABCG2 on CSC‐related malignant characteristics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are not well elucidated. In this study, we compared the characteristics of low (ABCG2−) and high (ABCG2+)‐ABCG2‐expressing PDAC cells after cell sorting. In adherent culture condition, human PDAC cells, PANC‐1, contained approximately 10% ABCG2+ cell populations, and ABCG2+ cells displayed more and longer microvilli compared with ABCG2− cells. Unexpectedly, ABCG2+ cells did not show significant drug resistance against fluorouracil, gemcitabine and vincristine, and ABCG2− cells exhibited higher sphere formation ability and stemness marker expression than those of ABCG2+ cells. Cell growth and motility was greater in ABCG2− cells compared with ABCG2+ cells. In contrast, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition ability between ABCG2− and ABCG2+ cells was comparable. In 3D culture conditions, spheres derived from ABCG2− cells generated a large number of ABCG2+ cells, and the expression levels of stemness markers in these spheres were higher than spheres from ABCG2+ cells. Furthermore, spheres containing large populations of ABCG2+ cells exhibited high resistance against anti‐cancer drugs presumably depending on ABCG2. ABCG2+ cells in PDAC in adherent culture are not correlated with stemness and malignant behaviors, but ABCG2+ cells derived from ABCG2− cells after sphere formation have stemness characteristics and anti‐cancer drug resistance. These findings suggest that ABCG2− cells generate ABCG2+ cells and the malignant potential of ABCG2+ cells in PDAC varies depending on their environments.
Establishment of an in vivo simulating co‐culture assay platform for genotoxicity of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Fukai Emi , Sato Haruna , Watanabe Masatoshi , Nakae Dai , Totsuka Yukari
Published: February 2018

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are now used in a wide variety of fields, and, thus, their safety should urgently be assessed and secured. It has been suggested that inflammatory responses via the phagocytosis of ENM by macrophages is a key mechanism for their genotoxicity. The present study was conducted to establish a mechanism‐based assay to evaluate the genotoxicity of ENM under conditions simulating an in vivo situation, featuring a co‐culture system of murine lung resident cells (GDL1) and immune cells (RAW264.7). GDL1 were cultured with or without RAW264.7, exposed to a multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and then analyzed for mutagenicity and underlying mechanisms. Mutation frequencies induced in GDL1 by the MWCNT were significantly greater with the co‐existence of RAW264.7 than in its absence. Mutation spectra observed in GDL1 co‐cultured with RAW264.7 were different from those seen in GDL1 cultured alone, but similar to those observed in the lungs of mice exposed to the MWCNT in vivo. Inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐1β and TNF‐α, were produced from RAW264.7 cells treated with the MWCNT. The generation of reactive oxygen species and the formation of 8‐oxodeoxyguanosine in GDL1 exposed to the MWCNT were greater in the co‐culture conditions than in the single culture conditions. Based on these findings, it is indicated that inflammatory responses are involved in the genotoxicity of MWCNT, and that the presently established, novel in vitro assay featuring a co‐culture system of tissue resident cells with immune cells is suitable to evaluate the genotoxicity of ENM.
Dynamic Changes in Peer Victimization and Adjustment Across Middle School: Does Friends’ Victimization Alleviate Distress?
Authors: Schacter Hannah L. , Juvonen Jaana
Published: February 2018

Although some adolescents are chronically bullied throughout middle school, others may only experience peer victimization temporarily. This study examined the effects of time‐invariant (average level) and time‐varying (year‐to‐year) victimization experiences across middle school on adolescents’ depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, and self‐blame. A key question was whether friends’ victimization buffered students from their victimization‐related distress. The diverse sample (n = 5,991) was surveyed four times between sixth and eighth grade (Mage at sixth grade = 11.54 years). Three‐level multilevel models revealed both time‐invariant and time‐varying effects of victimization on adjustment, but these maladaptive associations were attenuated when adolescents’ friends experienced more victimization across middle school. The results suggest that even temporarily victimized youth may have unmet mental health needs, and sharing social plight with friends can protect victims.
Voice quality outcomes of idiopathic Parkinson's disease medical treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Lechien J.R. , Blecic S. , Huet K. , Delvaux V. , Piccaluga M. , Roland V. , Harmegnies B. , Saussez S.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

To investigate voice quality (VQ) impairments in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and to explore the impact of medical treatments and L‐Dopa challenge testing on voice.

Methods

Relevant studies published between January 1980 and June 2017 describing VQ evaluations in IPD were retrieved using PubMed, Scopus, Biological Abstracts, BioMed Central and Cochrane databases. Issues of clinical relevance, including IPD treatment efficiency and voice quality outcomes, were evaluated for each study. The grade of recommendation for each publication was determined according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine evidence levels.

Results

The database research yielded 106 relevant publications, of which 33 studies met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 964 patients with IPD. Data were extracted by 3 independent physicians who identified 21, 11 and 1 trials with IIIb, IIb and IIa evidence levels, respectively. The main VQ assessment tools used were acoustic testing (N = 27), aerodynamic testing (N = 10), subjective measurements (N = 8) and videolaryngostroboscopy (N = 3). The majority of trials (N = 32/33) identified subjective or objective VQ improvements after medical treatment (N = 10) or better VQ evaluations in healthy subjects compared to patients with IPD (N = 22). Especially, our analysis supports that VQ overall improves during the L‐Dopa challenge testing, making the VQ evaluation an additional tool for the IPD diagnosis. The methodology used to assess subjective and objective VQ substantially varied from 1 study to another. All of the included studies took into consideration the patient's clinical profile in the VQ analysis.

Conclusion

The majority of studies supported that VQ assessments remain useful as outcome measures of the effectiveness of medical treatment and could be helpful for the IPD diagnosis based on L‐Dopa challenge testing. Further controlled studies using standardised and transparent methodology for measuring acoustic parameters are necessary to confirm the place of each tool in both IPD diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Cross‐country comparison of proportion of alcohol consumed in harmful drinking occasions using the International Alcohol Control Study
Authors: Viet Cuong Pham , Casswell Sally , Parker Karl , Callinan Sarah , Chaiyasong Surasak , Kazantseva Elena , Meier Petra , MacKintosh Anne‐Marie , Piazza Marina , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Parry Charles D. H.
Published: February 2018

Introduction and Aims

This study examines the proportion of alcohol markets consumed in harmful drinking occasions in a range of high‐, middle‐income countries and assesses the implications of these findings for conflict of interest between alcohol producers and public health and the appropriate role of the alcohol industry in alcohol policy space.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional surveys were conducted in 10 countries as part of the International Alcohol Control study. Alcohol consumption was measured using location‐ and beverage‐specific measures. A level of consumption defined as harmful use of alcohol was chosen and the proportion of the total market consumed in these drinking occasions was calculated for both commercial and informal alcohol.

Results

In all countries, sizeable proportions of the alcohol market were consumed during harmful drinking occasions. In general, a higher proportion of alcohol was consumed in harmful drinking occasions by respondents in the middle‐income countries than respondents in the high‐income countries. The proportion of informal alcohol consumed in harmful drinking occasions was lower than commercial alcohol.

Discussion and Conclusions

Informal alcohol is less likely to be consumed in harmful drinking occasions compared with commercial alcohol. The proportion of commercial alcohol consumed in harmful drinking occasions in a range of alcohol markets shows the reliance of the transnational alcohol corporations on harmful alcohol use. This reliance underpins industry lobbying against effective policy and support for ineffective approaches. The conflict of interest between the alcohol industry and public health requires their exclusion from the alcohol policy space.
A case for clean conferences in gambling research
Authors: Livingstone Charles
Published: February 2018

Introduction and Aims

Gambling research is characterised by widespread gambling industry involvement. It is likely (as with alcohol and tobacco industry influence) that this will delay or divert effective harm prevention or minimisation measures. Gambling harms are known to be significant and widespread. Effective action to reduce these harms requires concomitant efforts to eliminate industry influence.

Design and Methods

Gambling industry influence and activity in three research forums is described. The influence of tobacco and alcohol industry involvement in research directions and outcomes is discussed. Aspects of the discursive elements of industry funded and/or directed research outputs are analysed in the context of industry‐friendly discourse and its effects. Industry activity and participation at representative research forums is outlined.

Results

The examples and background provided demonstrate that specific material and discursive effects of gambling industry involvement can be discerned in the gambling literature. The consequences of this for the gambling evidence base around harm prevention and minimisation are presented.

Discussion and Conclusions

Industry influence operates at multiple levels within the gambling research field. There is increasing awareness of this, and of the effects it may have on the development and deployment of effective harm prevention and minimisation efforts. Key reforms are proposed: (i) the elimination of industry participation and sponsorship of gambling research associations and forums; and (ii) the establishment where necessary of new research forums and international scholarly associations.
Virtual reality training for children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Hung Ya‐Ching , Gordon Andrew M
Published: February 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Robert and Levin on pages 382–390 of this issue.
It is a long road to inclusive education for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lebeer Jo
Published: February 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Gillies et al. on pages 397–401 of this issue.
Vein of Galen malformation: optimizing the management of postneonatal presentations
Authors: Meila Dan
Published: February 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Gopalan et al. on pages 424–429 of this issue.
A multiprofessional approach to teaching child neurology in Africa – a powerful project for local needs and the avoidance of brain drain
Authors: Grisold W.
Published: February 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Mineral trioxide aggregate enriched with iron disulfide nanostructures: an evaluation of their physical and biological properties
Authors: Argueta‐Figueroa Liliana , Delgado‐García José J. , García‐Contreras René , Martínez‐Alvarez Omar , Santos‐Cruz José , Oliva‐Martínez Carlos , Acosta‐Torres Laura S. , de la Fuente‐Hernández Javier , Arenas‐Arrocena Ma C.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to characterize mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) enriched with iron disulfide (FeS2) nanostructures at different concentrations, and to investigate their storage modulus, radiopacity, setting time, pH, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity. Iron disulfide nanostructures [with particle size of 0.357 ± 0.156 μm (mean ± SD)] at weight ratios of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 wt% were added to white MTA (wMTA). The radiopacity, rheological properties, setting time, and pH, as well as the cytotoxicity (assessed using the MTT assay) and antibacterial activity (assessed using the broth microdilution test) were determined for MTA/FeS2 nanostructures. The nanostructures did not modify the radiopacity values of wMTA (~6 mm of aluminium); however, they reduced the setting time from 18.2 ± 3.20 min to 13.7 ± 1.8 min, and the storage modulus was indicative of a good stiffness. Whereas the wMTA/FeS2 nanostructures did not induce cytotoxicity when in contact with human pulp cells (HPCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), they showed bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. Adding FeS2 nanostructures to MTA might be an option for improving the root canal sealing and antibacterial effects of wMTA in endodontic treatments.
Effect of rivastigmine on plasma butyrylcholine esterase activity and plasma ghrelin levels in patients with dementia in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kuroda Atsushi , Setoguchi Manabu , Uchino Yasushi , Nagata Kazuya , Hokonohara Daisuke
Published: February 2018

Aim

Alzheimer’s disease causes loss of appetite, resulting in bodyweight reduction. This, in turn, causes progression of cognitive dysfunction and physical complications that hasten death. Earlier care for loss of appetite is essential in Alzheimer’s disease management. Rivastigmine is a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease that has dual inhibition effects on acetylcholine esterase and butyrylcholine esterase. Butyrylcholine esterase is known to degrade the gastric hormone, ghrelin, which regulates appetite; therefore, we considered that rivastigmine might have an effect on appetite. The present study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that rivastigmine improves appetite in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Methods

Rivastigmine was given to mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients for 16 weeks. We evaluated the effects of rivastigmine on food intake, bodyweight, motivation (estimated by the vitality index), cognition function (estimated by the Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised), plasma butyrylcholine esterase activity, active ghrelin and inactive ghrelin.

Results

Plasma butyrylcholine esterase activity significantly decreased over time (percent change: −18.9 ± 27.0%, P < 0.05 at week 8; percent change: −33.4 ± 45.4%, P < 0.05 at week 16). Negative correlations were detected between percent changes in butyrylcholine esterase activity and active ghrelin (rs = −0.62, P = 0.033) or active/inactive ghrelin ratio (rs = −0.73, P = 0.007). Furthermore, motivation (including appetite) improved significantly (percent change: 17.9 ± 18.6%, P < 0.05 at week 16).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that rivastigmine might improve appetite in mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients by suppressing degradation of plasma active ghrelin through the inhibition of plasma butyrylcholine esterase. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 886–891
Factoring policy with constant demand and limited capital
Authors: Li Yanhai , Gu Chaocheng
Published: February 2018

The convention of selling on credit (to customers) results in mass accumulation of accounts receivable (AR) on the balance sheet of firms. However, capital‐constrained firms do not have enough capital to invest in AR and cover the production cost incurred during the credit period. To finance future business, a capital‐constrained firm can employ factoring—a financing scheme wherein firms sell AR to a financial institution (called a factor) at a discount—to advance cash from AR. By formulating a time‐continuous model with constant demand over an infinite horizon, we study the factoring policy of firms in two practice‐based discounting schemes: automatic discounting and manual discounting. In the automatic discounting scheme, AR should be discounted at the same age, whereas this requirement is relaxed in the manual discounting scheme and how long in advance to discount the AR is contingent over time. In both discounting schemes, the firm needs to choose the timing of discounting in order to reach a capital‐unconstrained state as soon as possible. In the automatic discounting scheme, we approximate the firm's objective function with a quasi‐convex function whose error is demonstrated to be small. Based on this approximation, the firm's optimal decision and the factor's profit can be calculated more easily. When manual discounting is adopted, the firm should meet all the demand by exploiting factoring if the profit margin under immediate discounting is nonnegative. Given the same factoring discount rate, manual discounting is always more attractive to the firm than automatic discounting. However, the preference of the factor over the two discounting schemes depends on the factoring discount rate.
Sites occupancy preference of Bi3+ and white light emission through co‐doped Sm3+ in LiGd5P2O8
Authors: Xu Hongwei , Wang Lili , Tan Lingling , Wang Deguo , Wang Chunyu , Shi Jinsheng
Published: February 2018

Bi3+, Sm3+‐activated LiGd5P2O8 (LGPO) phosphors were prepared through high‐temperature solid‐state method. In LGPO host, there are 5 types of Gd crystallographic sites, named as Gd(1)/Gd(2)/Gd(3)/Gd(4), and Gd(5). Bi3+‐activated LGPO phosphors exhibit 1 broad excitation band from 250 to 320 nm centered at 293 nm and a broad asymmetric emission band ranging from 350 to 600 nm with the maximum value approximately at 409 nm. It can be concluded from dual‐emission spectra that Bi3+ may occupy 2 Gd sites and an obvious spectral blue‐shift appeared with increasing Bi3+ content, which is caused by the intensity of crystal field of Bi3+ is decreased. Notably, through the calculation of each Gd‐O chemical parameter, the environmental factor (he) value of each Gd site can be obtained and it can be further inferred that 2 emission bands centered at 409/461 nm are ascribed to Bi3+ ions which occupies Gd(3) and Gd(4) sites, respectively. Energy transfer from Bi3+ to Sm3+ ions in Bi3+/Sm3+ co‐doped LGPO samples occurred and it realizes the color‐tunable emission from cyan to yellow including white‐light emission, through controlling Sm3+ content. Moreover, energy transfer mechanism between Bi3+ and Sm3+ ions is verified to be dipole‐dipole interaction by analyzing the spectroscopic experimental results and the critical distance between them is calculated to be 8.22 Å by concentration quenching method. Finally, it is illustrated that Bi3+ and Sm3+ co‐doped LGPO phosphors will be a promising candidate for n‐UV chip pumped w‐LEDs.
SV40 intron, a potent strong intron element that effectively increases transgene expression in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Xu Dan‐hua , Wang Xiao‐yin , Jia Yan‐long , Wang Tian‐yun , Tian Zheng‐wei , Feng Xin , Zhang Yin‐na
Published: February 2018

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have become the most widely utilized mammalian cell line for the production of recombinant proteins. However, the product yield and transgene instability need to be further increased and solved. In this study, we investigated the effect of five different introns on transgene expression in CHO cells. hCMV intron A, adenovirus tripartite leader sequence intron, SV40 intron, Chinese hamster EF‐1alpha gene intron 1 and intervening sequence intron were cloned downstream of the eGFP expression cassette in a eukaryotic vector, which was then transfected into CHO cells. qRT‐PCR and flow cytometry were used to explore eGFP expression levels. And gene copy number was also detected by qPCR, respectively. Furthermore, the erythropoietin (EPO) protein was used to test the selected more strong intron. The results showed that SV40 intron exhibited the highest transgene expression level among the five compared intron elements under transient and stable transfections. In addition, the SV40 intron element can increase the ratio of positive colonies and decrease the coefficient of variation in transgene expression level. Moreover, the transgene expression level was not related to the gene copy number in stable transfected CHO cells. Also, the SV40 intron induced higher level of EPO expression than IVS intron in transfected CHO cell. In conclusion, SV40 intron is a potent strong intron element that increases transgene expression, which can readily be used to more efficient transgenic protein production in CHO cells.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 Glu504Lys variant predicts a worse prognosis of acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Pan Chang , Zhao Yu , Bian Yuan , Shang Rui , Wang Jia‐li , Xue Li , Wei Shu‐jian , Zhang He , Chen Yu‐guo , Xu Feng
Published: February 2018

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) Glu504Lys variant was an independent risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, there are lacking researches about the relationship between the variant and prognosis of ACS. In the prospective study, 377 ACS patients were grouped into the wild‐type (*1/*1) and the mutation (*2/*2 + *1/*2) groups according to genotype detection. Compared with the wild‐type group, incidences of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and cardiac death were both higher in the mutation group (9.2% vs 21.0%, P = .002; 5.2% vs 12.2%, P = .026); the MACE‐free and the cardiac‐death‐free cumulative survival rates were obviously lower in the mutation group. Moreover, the mutant genotypes were associated with significantly increased risk of MACE and cardiac death (HR 2.443, 95%CI: 1.390‐4.296, P = .002; HR 2.727, 95%CI: 1.303‐5.708, P = .008). These results suggested that ALDH2 Glu504Lys variant could predict a worse prognosis of ACS patients.
The dermal arteries in the cutaneous angiosome of the descending genicular artery
Authors: Tinhofer Ines E. , Zaussinger Maximilian , Geyer Stefan H. , Meng Stefan , Kamolz Lars‐Peter , Tzou Chieh‐Han J. , Weninger Wolfgang J.
Published: February 2018

Studies examining thick skin of the thumb pad have challenged the existence of an arterial plexus in the papillary dermis. Instead of a plexus, discrete arterial units, interconnected by arterio‐arterial anastomoses, were identified. We hypothesise that the dermal arteries of thin skin are arranged likewise and that there are fewer arterio‐arterial anastomoses in the centre of an angiosome than in zones where neighbouring angiosomes overlap. To test these hypotheses, we examined the dermal arteries in the centre of the cutaneous angiosome of the descending genicular artery (DGA) and its zone of overlap with neighbouring angiosomes. Using traditional perfusion techniques, the cutaneous angiosomes of the DGA and the popliteal artery were identified in 11 fresh frozen human lower limbs. Biopsies were harvested from the centre of the cutaneous DGA angiosome and from the zone where neighbouring vascular territories overlapped. Employing high‐resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM), digital volume data were generated and the dermal arteries were three‐dimensionally reconstructed and examined. In all examined skin areas, the dermal arteries showed tree‐like ramifications. The branches of the dermal arteries were connected on average by 1.73 ± 1.01 arterio‐arterial anastomoses in the centre of the DGA angiosome and by 3.27 ± 1.27 in the zone where angiosomes overlapped. We demonstrate that discrete but overlapping dermal arterial units with a mean dimension of 1.62 ± 1.34 and 1.80 ± 1.56 mm2, respectively, supply oxygen and nutrients to the superficial dermis and epidermis of the thin skin of the medial femur. This forms the basis for diagnosing and researching skin pathologies.
Surveying social adversity in pregnancy: The antenatal risk burden experienced by Australian women
Authors: Goldfeld Sharon , D'Abaco Elise , Bryson Hannah , Mensah Fiona , Price Anna MH
Published: February 2018

Aim

Many, varied, antenatal risk factors can adversely impact children's health, behaviour and cognition. Understanding the antenatal risk factors experienced by women can help identify which families are most likely to benefit from additional early supports; however, there is a dearth of published Australian antenatal risk data. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and co‐occurrence of a broad range of risk factors in a community‐based sample of pregnant Australian women.

Methods

A brief risk factor survey (10 items, including age, social support, health, smoking, stress or anxious mood, education, household income, employment) completed by pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic waiting rooms of 10 public maternity hospitals, which were selected for their provision of care to areas with fewer socio‐economic resources in the states of Victoria and Tasmania, between May 2013 and August 2014.

Results

A total of 5586 women participated, with an average age of 29.0 years and gestation of 26.9 weeks. The most prevalent antenatal risk factors were poorer global health (38.9%), not finishing high school (33.5%) and smoking (14.9%), all proportions higher than the general population. Most women reported at least one risk factor (68.6%), with 21.5% reporting ≥3. There was a high degree of co‐occurrence between risk factors, especially the three most prevalent.

Conclusions

This study reveals the considerable and varied risk burden experienced by Australian women during pregnancy. By understanding where need is greatest and tailoring support accordingly, risk factor assessment provides an opportunity to address equity through health care, ultimately optimising the future developmental outcomes of all children.
Comparative analysis of Lacistema pubescens and dexamethasone on topical treatment of skin inflammation in a chronic disease model and side effects
Authors: da Silva Josiane M , Conegundes Jéssica L M , Pinto Nícolas C C , Mendes Renata F , Castañon Maria Christina M N , Scio Elita
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the chronic topical anti-inflammatory activity of the pharmaceutical formulation ProHLP containing the hexane fraction of Lacistema pubescens (HLP). It was also investigated the possible cutaneous and systemic adverse effects of HLP and ProHLP in mice when compared to dexamethasone.

Methods

The chronic topical anti-inflammatory activity was determined by croton oil multiple application-induced mouse ear oedema model. Histopathological analyses of ear tissue samples sensitized with croton oil were performed. Cutaneous atrophy induced by HLP and topical glucocorticoid treatments and excision skin wounds model to evidenced possible adverse reactions were also determined.

Key findings

ProHLP significantly reduced the mice ear oedema and considerably accelerated the wound-healing process. Also, HLP did not lead cutaneous atrophy and preserved the clinical aspect of the thymus, adrenal and spleen, unlike dexamethasone.

Conclusions

The results suggested that ProHLP is an efficient and safer pharmaceutical formulation to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
Genetic polymorphisms of HTR2C, LEP and LEPR on metabolic syndromes in patients treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Puangpetch Apichaya , Unaharassamee Weerapon , Jiratjintana Napa , Koomdee Napatrupron , Sukasem Chonlaphat
Published: February 2018

Objective

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in serotonin 2C receptor (HTR2C), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes are reportedly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). We investigated whether HTR2C:rs518147 (-697G/C), rs12836771 (A/G), LEP: rs7799039 (-2548G/A) and LEPR:rs1137101 (668A/G) are related to MS in psychotic disorder patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including 200 patients was conducted; genetic polymorphisms in HTR2C (rs518147 and rs12836771), LEP (rs7799039) and LEPR (rs1137101) were genotyped. The presence of MS was evaluated according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Asia criteria. The associations of genetic factors with the presence of MS are analysed.

Key findings

Two SNPs in the HTR2C gene but not LEP and LEPR were associated with the presence of MS after adjustment for the combination of atypical antipsychotics. With respect to the effect of gender after treatment with risperidone and clozapine was statistically significant. Moreover, genotype combinations had no effect on MS.

Conclusions

Therefore, HTR2C genetic variants may be involved in the susceptibility to MS in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Additionally, there was a gender effect in the presence of MS. No effect of LEP or LEPR polymorphisms or the combination of HTR2C-LEP and HTR2C-LEPR was observed for the presence of MS.
Cardiovascular safety of prokinetic agents: A focus on drug‐induced arrhythmias
Authors: Giudicessi J. R. , Ackerman M. J. , Camilleri M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Gastrointestinal sensorimotor dysfunction underlies a wide range of esophageal, gastric, and intestinal motility and functional disorders that collectively constitute nearly half of all referrals to gastroenterologists. As a result, substantial effort has been dedicated toward the development of prokinetic agents intended to augment or restore normal gastrointestinal motility. However, the use of several clinically efficacious gastroprokinetic agents, such as cisapride, domperidone, erythromycin, and tegaserod, is associated with unfavorable cardiovascular safety profiles, leading to restrictions in their use.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead commonly to drug‐induced cardiac arrhythmias, specifically drug‐induced long QT syndrome, torsades de pointes, and ventricular fibrillation, to examine the cardiovascular safety profiles of several classes of prokinetic agents currently in clinical use, and to explore potential strategies by which the risk of drug‐induced cardiac arrhythmia associated with prokinetic agents and other QT interval prolonging medications can be mitigated successfully.
bis‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐pyridyl‐2‐methane (BHPM)—the active metabolite of the laxatives bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate—enhances contractility and secretion in human intestine in vitro
Authors: Krueger D. , Demir I. E. , Ceyhan G. O. , Zeller F. , Schemann M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Stimulant laxatives are widely used to treat constipation. We investigated in human small and large intestinal preparations the effects of bis‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐pyridyl‐2‐methane (BHPM), the active metabolite of the laxatives bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate on smooth muscle tone and epithelial secretion.

Methods

Circular and longitudinal muscle tone of small or large intestinal preparations were recorded with isometric force transducers. Epithelial ion flux (ISC) and tissue resistance was measured with Ussing chamber technique after apical and basolateral BHPM application to large intestinal mucosa/submucosa preparations. Studies were performed in macroscopically normal specimens from 79 patients.

Key Results

BHPM concentration‐dependently (0.5‐5 μM) increased the tone of circular and longitudinal muscle from small to large intestine. The effect was strongest in large intestinal longitudinal muscle and smallest in small intestinal circular muscle. Increase in muscle tone was prevented by the L‐type Ca++ channel blocker nifedipine but insensitive to the nerve blocker tetrodotoxin. Apical or basolateral BHPM concentration‐dependently decreased or increased ISC, respectively. The KCa1.1 (BK) channel blocker iberiotoxin reversed apical ISC decrease whereas tetrodotoxin reversed basolateral ISC increase. BHPM had no effect on tissue resistance or nerve‐mediated secretory or muscle response with one exception: at the highest concentration basolateral BHPM reduced nerve‐mediated secretion.

Conclusions and Interferences

BHPM enhanced mucosal secretion and muscle contractility. Results suggested that the laxative effect of BHPM was a consequence of the increase in muscle tone as well as an increased K+ secretion when acting luminally and a nerve‐driven Cl− and HCO3− secretion once acting basolaterally after absorption.
Prenatal vitamin D status and respiratory and allergic outcomes in childhood: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Pacheco‐González Rosa M. , García‐Marcos Luis , Morales Eva
Published: February 2018

Background

Prenatal vitamin D status may influence offspring's respiratory and allergic outcomes; however, evidence is inconclusive. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted on the association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in maternal blood in pregnancy or cord blood at birth with the risk of offspring's respiratory and allergic conditions.

Methods

Two independent researchers conducted systematic searches for observational studies published until May 2017 using defined keywords on vitamin D and health outcomes, including respiratory tract infections (RTIs), wheeze, asthma, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic sensitization, and lung function. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 34 from 547 retrieved articles were included. Increased prenatal exposure to 25(OH)D was inversely associated with risk of RTIs. Comparing the highest with the lowest category of 25(OH)D levels, the pooled odds ratio was 0.64 (95% CI 0.47, 0.87). A positive borderline association was found for lung function at school age (FEV1 z‐score coefficient 0.07, 95% CI ‐0.01, 0.15). No associations were found for wheeze, asthma, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization.

Conclusion

The introduction of public health measures to tackle vitamin D status in pregnancy may reduce the burden of RTIs in offspring. Current evidence does not support an impact on asthma and allergy.