bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational behavior of psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea): functional morphology and mechanisms
Authors: Liao Yi-Chang , Wu Zong-Ze , Yang Man-Miao
Published: March 2019

Vibrational behavior of psyllids was first documented more than six decades ago. Over the years, workers have postulated as to what the exact signal-producing mechanisms of psyllids might be but the exact mechanism has remained elusive. The aim of this study is to determine the specific signal-producing structures and mechanisms of the psyllids. Here we examine six hypotheses of signal-producing mechanisms from both previous and current studies that include: wing vibration, wing-wing friction, wing-thorax friction, wing-leg friction, leg-abdomen friction, and axillary sclerite-thorax friction. Through selective removal of possible signal producing structures and observing wing-beat frequency with a high-speed video recorder, six hypotheses were tested. Extensive experiments were implemented on the speciesMacrohomotoma gladiataKuwayama, while other species belonging to different families, i.e.,Trioza sozanica(Boselli),Mesohomotoma camphoraeKuwayama,Cacopsylla oluanpiensis(Yang), andCacopsylla tobirae(Miyatake) were also examined to determine the potential prevalence of each signal-producing mechanism within the Psylloidea. Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine possible rubbing structures. The result of high speed photography showed that wing-beating frequency did not match the dominant frequency of vibrational signals, resulting in the rejection of wing vibration hypothesis. As for the selective removal experiments, the axillary sclerite-thorax friction hypothesis is accepted and wing-thorax friction hypothesis is supported partially, while others are rejected. The SEM showed that the secondary axillary sclerite of forewing bears many protuberances that would be suitable for stridulation. In conclusion, the signal-producing mechanism of psyllids involves two sets of morphological structures. The first is stridulation between the axillary cord and anal area of the forewing. The second is stridulation between the axillary sclerite of the forewing and the mesothorax.
Religion, science and secularization: a consumer-centric analysis of religion’s functional obsolescence
Authors: Pinelli Michele , Einstein Mara
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a marketing perspective to the multidisciplinary debate on whether religion is expanding, declining or resurging in contemporary and allegedly secular society. Specifically, it examines the “secularization hypothesis”, which predicts that religion tends to lose its central role in people’s lives as secular reasoning spreads and scientific knowledge accumulates.

Design/methodology/approach

Borrowing from psychology literature, the authors identify the psychological and social needs satisfied by religion and in doing so uncover its functions. They then discussed whether religion can be claimed to be functionally obsolete.

Findings

The authors identified four functions of religion: explanatory, relieving, membership and moral. The content of religious doctrines offers consumers of religion unambiguous knowledge, absolute morality and promises of immortality, immanent justice and centrality in the universe. Religion also provides a social identity, through which people can build meaningful connections with others in the community and with their own history.

Originality/value

A change in the role of religion would be highly relevant for consumer research because religious ideologies shape consumption practices, social relations, products and brands. The authors observe that the content of religious answers is so well-crafted around human psychology that the explaining, relieving and moral functions of religion have not lost reliability. However, cultural change has weakened religion’s ability to gratify human psychology through social identity and meaningful socialization, which led to the marketization of religion, the rise of spirituality and the intensification of socialization around consumption.
The performance of equity unit investment trusts
Authors: Comer George , Rodriguez Javier
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the risk adjusted performance of unit investment trusts (UITs). These UITs are a unique investment vehicle in that the trusts invest in a fixed portfolio of stocks for a predetermined period of time and hold limited cash positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 1,487 UITs from January 2004 to December 2013, the authors estimate the risk adjusted performance of the UITs. The authors use daily return data and four different returns based models to measure the alphas of the UITs.

Findings

The authors find that before fees and expenses the UITs generate significant negative alphas. The authors also find that observable trust characteristics are unable to explain the poor risk adjusted performance of the trusts.

Originality/value

Despite $85bn being invested in these unique buy and hold vehicles, the academic literature has not examined the risk adjusted performance of the trusts. The poor performance of these trusts indicates that restricting flexibility and maintaining full investment for a fixed period of time may not be beneficial to investors.
Adaptive theory: an underutilised approach to sexual offender research
Authors: Youssef Carollyne
Published: March 2019

Purpose

While most studies utilise quantitative methodologies to examine issues relevant to sexual offending behaviour, such as treatment programmes and risk assessments; substantially fewer studies have utilised qualitative methods, and specifically Layder’s Adaptive Theory (AT) as a methodology; and there is a paucity of research examining community maintenance programmes altogether. The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of AT to the understanding of the significance of community maintenance programmes for high-risk sexual offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

Using AT as a unique framework, this study examined an Australian sample of services providers and high-risk sexual offenders participating in a community maintenance programme. In particular, the current research aimed to develop an understanding of community maintenance programmes for released sexual offenders, in a bid to develop a theoretical framework for these programmes. The research had three subject groups, service providers, programme participants who had not reoffended and programme participants who had sexually reoffended.

Findings

It appears that this methodology is a useful approach to studies within forensic rehabilitation and offender research. Common, reoccurring themes have been gathered through this approach, which would not have been possible with a quantitative methodology.

Research limitations/implications

While this research methodology was applied to a small sample size, its use suggested that AT was an informative and useful research approach to utilise in offender research more broadly, yielding rich in-depth information.

Practical implications

Utilising AT provided an in-depth understanding and exploration of experiences for offender populations as well as staff delivering programmes, which enhances the efficacy of programmes delivered by incorporating “user feedback” and allows programme developers to utilise such feedback to improve programmes. An AT approach to offender rehabilitation has been useful in providing exploratory information in the absence of any conceptual or theoretical frameworks and with a very little extant information. Given maintenance programmes are quite understudied, this approach allowed for common themes to emerge in order to guide future research as well as the development of a paradigm. It is worth considering the utility of this methodology for a variety of forensic research, particularly areas which remain understudied.

Social implications

Sexual offending behaviour is a significant societal concern. A better understanding of what makes programmes more effective for those who use them and run them, will assist in reducing recidivism, which will benefit the community at large.

Originality/value

Layder’s AT has not been used with an offender population in the past, and specifically within the sexual offending realm, thus this paper offers a unique and effective approach to offender research.
Clinical risk for substance‐affected patients attending an emergency department in the Northern Territory with police: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Brownlea Sandra J , Miller Justine , Meagher Jessica , Barzi Federica , Palmer Didier
Published: March 2019

Objective

Determine clinical risk for patients presenting to Royal Darwin Hospital ED when they cannot be cared for at the police watch‐house (WH) or sobering‐up‐shelter (SUS) because of a medical concern.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of police arrivals from May to July 2016. Data collection included demographics and presumed cause of intoxication. Outcomes used as markers of risk were departure status, return visit within 24 h and frequency of ED attendance over 3 months. Social determinants of poor health were collected for the June cohort.

Results

There were 247 attendances with police by 170 patients. Most were alcohol affected (monthly rates between 83% and 92%). The ‘did not wait/left at own risk’ rate was high (41–44% vs 7.7%; P < 0.001) and hospital admission rates low (2–7% vs 29%; P < 0.001). Rates of representation (20% within 24 h), ED attendance (≥73% had a further visit within 3 months), comorbidities (46% with three or more chronic diseases), homelessness (66%) and alcohol dependence (85%) were high. Patients presenting more than five times over 3 months were less likely to wait (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1–5.2, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

This is a common presentation at Royal Darwin Hospital ED by a patient group with high levels of comorbidity, homelessness and alcohol dependence. Nearly half self‐discharged prior to medical assessment. These patients frequently re‐attend the same facilities and enter into a cycle of non‐intervention. Case management across services is needed to improve the opportunity that these patients receive appropriate medical, social and addiction interventions.
Environmental drivers of species composition and functional diversity of dung beetles along the Atlantic Forest–Pampa transition zone
Authors: da Silva Pedro Giovâni , Cassenote Sheila
Published: March 2019

Human activities are causing a rapid loss of biodiversity, which impairs ecosystem functions and services. Therefore, understanding which processes shape how biodiversity is distributed along spatial and environmental gradients is a first step to guide conservation and management efforts. We aimed to determine the relative explanatory importance of biogeographic, environmental, landscape and spatial variables on assemblage dissimilarities and functional diversity of dung beetles along the Atlantic Forest–Pampa (i.e. forest–grassland) transition zone located in Southeast South America. We described each site according to their biogeographic position, environmental conditions, landscape features and spatial patterns. The compositional dissimilarity was partitioned into turnover and nestedness components of β‐diversity. Mantel tests and generalised dissimilarity models were used to relate β‐diversity and its components to biogeographic, environmental, landscape and spatial variables. Variation partitioning analysis was used to estimate the pure and shared variation in species composition and functional diversity explained by the four categories of predictors. Biome domain was the main factor causing dung beetle compositional dissimilarity, with a high species replacement between Atlantic Forest and Pampa. Biogeographic, environmental, landscape and spatial distances also affected the patterns of dung beetle dissimilarity and β‐diversity components. The shared effects of the four sets of predictors explained most of the variation in dung beetle composition. A similar response pattern was found for dung beetle functional diversity, which excluded biogeographic effects. Only the pure effects of environmental and spatial predictors were significant for species composition and functional diversity. Our results indicate that dung beetle species composition and functional diversity are jointly driven by environmental, landscape and spatial predictors with higher pure environmental and spatial effects. The forest–grassland transition zone promotes a strong species and trait replacement highly influenced both by environmental filtering and dispersal limitation.
Experimental warming alters the relative survival and emigration of two dung beetle species from an Australian dung pat community
Authors: Holley Jean M. , Andrew Nigel R.
Published: March 2019

To preserve insect‐mediated ecosystem services under ongoing climate change, it is necessary to first understand the impact that warming will have on the insects that provide or mediate these services. Furthermore, because responses of a species may be modified by interactions with competitors, it is informative to examine warming effects on organisms and service provision under competition. Dung beetles provide numerous services to agriculture by burying the manure of other animals. To understand the potential impacts of climate warming on ecosystem service provision, we exposed two dung beetle species (Sisyphus rubrus and Euoniticellus fulvus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)), occurring together in the same experimental pats, to warming and measured reproduction (dung ball production and burial, brood production, and egg laying), pat departure behaviour and survival of both species. These two species are likely competitors in pastures in northern New South Wales. To simulate climate warming, we used custom‐built chambers to add offsets (+0, +2 or +4°C) to field recorded, diurnally fluctuating baseline temperatures. There was no direct effect of increased temperature on any measured trait in either species. We did find however that the relative survival of the two species depended on temperature; S. rubrus had a higher probability (resulting in greater odds) of surviving than E. fulvus in the +0 and +4°C offset chambers, but not in the +2°C offset chambers. Likewise, the relative likelihood of the different species leaving a dung pat was temperature dependent; in the +2°C offset chambers, E. fulvus were more likely to leave than S. rubrus, but not in the +0 and +4°C offsets chambers. Our results highlight that it may be important for future studies to consider warming effects on relative survival and emigration because such effects could potentially lead to changes in dung beetle species composition.
Poly(I:C) alters placental and fetal brain amino acid transport in a rat model of maternal immune activation
Authors: McColl Eliza R. , Piquette‐Miller Micheline
Published: March 2019

Problem

Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is associated with increased chances of neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the exact mechanism through which MIA contributes to altered neurodevelopment is unknown. Due to the important role that amino acids play in neurodevelopment, altered amino acid transport could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, altered plasma concentrations of multiple amino acids have been reported in individuals with ASD or schizophrenia. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether virally mediated MIA induces changes in amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain.

Method of study

Pregnant rats were administered poly(I:C) on gestational day 14, and placental and fetal tissues were collected 6, 24, and 48 hours later. Amino acid transporter expression was measured in the placenta and fetal brain using qPCR, Western blotting, and Simple Western. Free amino acid concentrations in the fetal brain were quantified using HPLC.

Results

Poly(I:C) increased mRNA expression of several amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain over these timepoints. Conversely, poly(I:C) imposed significant decreases in the protein expression of ASCT1 and EAAT2 in placenta and expression of SNAT5, EAAT1, and GLYT1 in fetal brain. Functional consequences of altered transporter expression were demonstrated through widespread changes in the concentrations of free amino acids in the fetal brains.

Conclusion

Together, these results represent novel findings with the poly(I:C) MIA model and contribute to the understanding of how MIA during pregnancy potentially leads to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Epigenetic treatment combinations to effectively target cisplatin‐resistant germ cell tumors: past, present, and future considerations
Authors: Oing C. , Skowron M. A. , Bokemeyer C. , Nettersheim D.
Published: March 2019

Background

Type II germ cell tumors represent the most common solid malignancy in men aged 15–45 years. Despite high cure rates of >90% over all stages, 10–15% of advanced patients develop treatment resistance and potentially succumb to their disease. Treatment of refractory germ cell tumors remains unsatisfactory, and new approaches are needed to further improve outcomes.

Objectives

With this narrative review, we highlight epigenetic mechanisms related to resistance to standard systemic treatment, which may act as promising targets for novel combined epigenetic treatment approaches.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted to identify original and review articles on resistance mechanisms and/or epigenetic treatment of germ cell tumors in vitro and in vivo. Review articles were hand‐searched to identify additional articles.

Results

Distinct epigenetic phenomena have been linked to chemotherapy resistance in germ cell tumors, among which DNA hypermethylation, histone acetylation, and bromodomain proteins appear as promising targets for therapeutic exploitation. Inhibitors of key regulators, for example DNA methyltransferases (e.g. decitabine, guadecitabine), histone deacetylases (e.g. romidepsin), and bromodomain proteins (e.g. JQ1) decreased cell viability, triggered apoptosis, and growth arrest. Additionally, these epigenetic drugs induced differentiation and led to loss of pluripotency and re‐sensitization towards cisplatin in cell lines and animal models.

Discussion

Epigenetic treatments hold promise to (i) reduce the treatment burden of and (ii) overcome resistance to standard cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Combined approaches may enhance activity, while the ideal target and treatment combination of epigenetic drugs, either with another epigenetic agent or conventional cytotoxic agents need to be defined.

Conclusion

Epigenetic (combination) treatment for germ cell tumors should be further explored in pre‐clinical and clinical research for its potential to further improve germ cell tumor treatment.
Effects of rice conservation methods on lactation, blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows
Authors: Miyaji Makoto , Inoue Hidehiko , Kawaide Tetsuo , Tohno Masanori , Kamiya Yuko , Nonaka Kazuhisa
Published: March 2019

We investigated the effect of rice grain conservation methods on feed intake, milk production, blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows. Raw rice grain was dried before crushing (DRY), ensiled after crushing (ENS‐A), or ensiled before crushing (ENS‐B). Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments comprising ad libitum access to one of three total mixed rations (TMRs; containing DRY, ENS‐A, or ENS‐B at 17% of dietary dry matter) plus a standard allowance of 2.0 kg/day of dairy concentrates. The dietary treatments did not affect the feed intake, milk yield, or milk composition. The selected blood constituents were not influenced by the rice conservation method. The ruminal lactic acid and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and the VFA proportion in the cows were not influenced by the rice conservation method. These results demonstrate that the rice grain conservation method has little impact on lactation performance when cows are fed a TMR containing 17% treated rice grain (dry matter basis).
Describing latent phase duration and associated characteristics among 1281 low‐risk women in spontaneous labor
Authors: Tilden Ellen L. , Phillippi Julia C. , Ahlberg Mia , King Tekoa L. , Dissanayake Mekhala , Lee Christopher S. , Snowden Jonathan M. , Caughey Aaron B.
Published: March 2019

Background

Recent research suggests that latent phase of labor may terminate at 6 rather than 4 centimeters of cervical dilation. The objectives of this study were to: (a) characterize duration of the latent phase of labor among term, low‐risk, United States women in spontaneous labor using the women's self‐identified onset; and (b) quantify associations between demographic and maternal/newborn health characteristics and the duration of the latent phase.

Methods

This prospective study (n = 1281) described the duration of the latent phase of labor in hours, stratified by parity at the mean, median, and 80th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. The duration of the latent phase was compared for each characteristic using t tests or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests and regression models that controlled for confounders.

Results

In this sample of predominantly white, healthy women, duration of the latent phase of labor was longer than described in previous studies: The median duration was 9.0 hours and mean duration was 11.8 hours in nulliparous women. The median duration was 6.8 hours and mean duration was 9.3 hours in multiparous women. Among nulliparous women, longer duration was seen in women whose fetus was in a malposition. Among multiparous women, longer durations were noted in women with chorioamnionitis and those who gave birth between 41 and 41 + 6 weeks’ gestation (vs between 40 and 40 + 6 weeks’ gestation).

Conclusions

The latent phase of labor may be longer than previously estimated. Contemporary estimates of latent phase of labor duration will help women and providers accurately anticipate, prepare, and cope during spontaneous labor.
Quantitative sensory testing in children with sickle cell disease: additional insights and future possibilities
Authors: Miller Robin E. , Brown Dawn S. , Keith Scott W. , Hegarty Sarah E. , Setty Yamaja , Campbell Claudia M. , McCahan Suzanne M. , Gayen‐Betal Suhita , Byck Hal , Stuart Marie
Published: March 2019

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is used in a variety of pain disorders to characterize pain and predict prognosis and response to specific therapies. In this study, we aimed to confirm results in the literature documenting altered QST thresholds in sickle cell disease (SCD) and assess the test–retest reliability of results over time. Fifty‐seven SCD and 60 control subjects aged 8–20 years underwent heat and cold detection and pain threshold testing using a Medoc TSAII. Participants were tested at baseline and 3 months; SCD subjects were additionally tested at 6 months. An important facet of our study was the development and use of a novel QST modelling approach, allowing us to model all data together across modalities. We have not demonstrated significant differences in thermal thresholds between subjects with SCD and controls. Thermal thresholds were consistent over a 3‐ to 6‐month period. Subjects on whom hydroxycarbamide (HC) was initiated shortly before or after baseline testing (new HC users) exhibited progressive decreases in thermal sensitivity from baseline to 6 months, suggesting that thermal testing may be sensitive to effective therapy to prevent vasoocclusive pain. These findings inform the use of QST as an endpoint in the evaluation of preventative pain therapies.
The management and composition of symptomatic seminal vesicle calculi: aetiological analysis and current research
Authors: Miao Chenkui , Liang Chao , Wang Yamin , Song Zhen , Xu Aiming , Liu Bianjiang , Li Jie , Song Ninghong , Wang Zengjun
Published: March 2019

Objective

To report our experience in the diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and composition of seminal vesicle calculi (SVC).

Patients and methods

In the present study, we evaluated 20 patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2018. All the patients were diagnosed with intractable haematospermia and SVC. The diagnosis was further confirmed by seminal vesiculoscopy. SVC were removed by basket extraction; with larger SVC fragmented by holmium laser before extraction. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the SVC composition.

Results

All operations were completed successfully without surgical complications. SVC were mostly composed of hydroxyapatite and protein, suggesting that they were produced by infections.

Conclusions

Seminal vesiculoscopy is a simple, minimally invasive technique that can be used for diagnostic confirmation and treatment of seminal vesiculitis with SVC. This study improves our understanding of SVC and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention of postoperative recurrence of SVC.
Is Alzheimer's disease linked to Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection? A mini‐review of the molecular correlation and the possible disease connections
Authors: Bahbah Eshak I. , Fathy Safaa , Negida Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Several pathological pathways and genetic alterations have been linked to AD; however, the definitive cause of the disease remains unknown. Recently, an increasing body of evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, might be triggered by microbial infections. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) has been found in brain samples from dead AD patients. At some point of in their lifetime, every person comes into contact with HSV1, but when this enters the brain, it remains latent. However, it was observed that when a person becomes old, and there is a decline in their immunity, the latent HSV1 virus becomes reactivated. The reactivated virus then causes damage to the neural cell DNA and disrupts the DNA repair system, leading to AD. The present review would provide a clear understanding of how HSV1 influences DNA damage, and causes plaque formation and phosphorylation of tau protein, which in turn leads to AD, by inducing the production of interferons that would facilitate the production of specific humoral immunity, which could lead to neurodegeneration.
Baseline nocturnal glucose change: A predictor of the treatment effect of bolus intensification in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes
Authors: Peters Anne L. , Piletič Milivoj , Ejstrud Johan , Salvesen‐Sykes Karen , Snyder James , Bowering Keith
Published: March 2019

This post hoc analysis of an 18‐week randomized trial explored the utility of calculating baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), postprandial glucose (PPG) increments and nocturnal glucose change in predicting efficacy and safety outcomes in response to bolus insulin intensification in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Analyses were conducted on 236 participants with T2D receiving metformin: 116 received fast‐acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) basal–bolus therapy and 120 received basal‐only insulin. Participants were grouped according to baseline HbA1c, PPG increments and nocturnal glucose change variables; analyses were performed on the end‐of‐trial treatment differences between “high” and “low” baseline values. The change from baseline in end‐of‐trial mean HbA1c and mean PPG increments was in favour of faster aspart across all subgroups. Significantly greater treatment differences were observed in participants with high (vs. low) baseline nocturnal glucose change and PPG increments. For baseline HbA1c, significantly greater treatment differences were observed for change in end‐of‐trial PPG increments, but not end‐of‐trial HbA1c. In conclusion, both nocturnal glucose change and PPG increments may be more useful than HbA1c for identifying subgroups of people with T2D who would most benefit from bolus intensification.
A single‐center, open‐label positron emission tomography study to evaluate brivaracetam and levetiracetam synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A binding in healthy volunteers
Authors: Finnema Sjoerd J. , Rossano Samantha , Naganawa Mika , Henry Shannan , Gao Hong , Pracitto Richard , Maguire Ralph P. , Mercier Joël , Kervyn Sophie , Nicolas Jean‐Marie , Klitgaard Henrik , DeBruyn Steven , Otoul Christian , Martin Paul , Muglia Pierandrea , Matuskey David , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Huang Yiyun , Kaminski Rafal M. , Hannestad Jonas , Stockis Armel , Carson Richard E.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Brivaracetam (BRV) and levetiracetam (LEV) are antiepileptic drugs that bind synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). In vitro and in vivo animal studies suggest faster brain penetration and SV2A occupancy (SO) after dosing with BRV than LEV. We evaluated human brain penetration and SO time course of BRV and LEV at therapeutically relevant doses using the SV2A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 11C‐UCB‐J (EP0074; NCT02602860).

Methods

Healthy volunteers were recruited into three cohorts. Cohort 1 (n = 4) was examined with PET at baseline and during displacement after intravenous BRV (100 mg) or LEV (1500 mg). Cohort 2 (n = 5) was studied during displacement and 4 hours postdose (BRV 50‐200 mg or LEV 1500 mg). Cohort 3 (n = 4) was examined at baseline and steady state after 4 days of twice‐daily oral dosing of BRV (50‐100 mg) and 4 hours postdose of LEV (250‐600 mg). Half‐time of 11C‐UCB‐J signal change was computed from displacement measurements. Half‐saturation concentrations (IC50) were determined from calculated SO.

Results

Observed tracer displacement half‐times were 18 ± 6 minutes for BRV (100 mg, n = 4), 9.7 and 10.1 minutes for BRV (200 mg, n = 2), and 28 ± 6 minutes for LEV (1500 mg, n = 6). Estimated corrected half‐times were 8 minutes shorter. The SO was 66%‐70% for 100 mg intravenous BRV, 84%‐85% for 200 mg intravenous BRV, and 78%‐84% for intravenous 1500 mg LEV. The IC50 of BRV (0.46 μg/mL) was 8.7‐fold lower than of LEV (4.02 μg/mL). BRV data fitted a single SO versus plasma concentration relationship. Steady state SO for 100 mg BRV was 86%‐87% (peak) and 76%‐82% (trough).

Significance

BRV achieves high SO more rapidly than LEV when intravenously administered at therapeutic doses. Thus, BRV may have utility in treating acute seizures; further clinical studies are needed for confirmation.
Downregulation of TUG1 promotes melanogenesis and UVB‐induced melanogenesis
Authors: Fu Chuhan , Chen Jing , Lu Jianyun , Pei Shiyao , Hu Shuanghai , Jiang Ling , Ding Yufang , Huang Lihua , Xiang Hong , Huang Jinhua , Zeng Qinghai
Published: March 2019

Studies have revealed that taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), an important member of the long non‐coding RNA family, is involved in the regulation of cell growth, tumorigenesis and invasion, insulin secretion and so on. However, its role in melanogenesis has not been explored. This study attempts to explore the effects of TUG1 on melanogenesis and its regulatory mechanisms. We evaluated the expression changes in melanogenesis‐related genes and detected phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK and P38 in TUG1 downregulated melanocytes. After exposure of melanocytes to UVB irradiation, the expression of TUG1 and melanogenesis‐related genes was detected. We found that the expression of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosine‐related protein 1 (TYRP1) and tyrosine‐related protein 2 (TYRP2) was upregulated and that the phosphorylation level of ERK was downregulated by downregulating TUG1. Inhibition of TUG1 could further upregulate the expression of UVB‐induced melanogenesis‐related genes. In conclusion, TUG1 negatively regulates melanocyte melanogenesis via the ERK pathway and plays a negative role in UVB‐induced melanogenesis.
The effect of high‐flux hemodialysis and post‐dilution hemodiafiltration on platelet closure time in patients with end stage renal disease
Authors: Knehtl Masa , Jakopin Eva , Dvorsak Benjamin , Bevc Sebastjan , Ekart Robert , Hojs Radovan
Published: March 2019

Introduction: We aimed to compare prospectively the effect of high‐flux hemodialysis and post‐dilution hemodiafiltration on platelets.

Methods: Twenty‐two hemodialysis patients were treated with one high‐flux hemodialysis and one post‐dilution hemodiafiltration procedure. PFA‐100 closure times (collagen/epinephrine—CEPI and collagen/adenosine diphosphate—CADP) were measured before and after the procedure, as well as platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count. All pre‐dialysis and post‐dialysis samples were taken from the afferent line.

Findings: The platelet count after vs. before hemodialysis did not change significantly (229.3 ± 55.0 x109/L vs. 233.6 ± 55.8 × 109/L; P = 0.269), but was significantly lower after post‐dilution hemodiafiltration (215.5 ± 51.7 × 109/L vs. 245.3 ± 59.9 × 109/L; P < 0.0001). CEPI after vs. before hemodialysis was not significantly prolonged (192.9 ± 60.8 s vs. 173.4 ± 52.5 s; P = 0.147), and the same applied to CADP (143.6 ± 40.3 s vs. 142.6 ± 38.4 s; P = 0.897). CEPI after vs. before post‐dilution hemodiafiltration was significantly prolonged (268.3 ± 41.3 s vs. 176.4 ± 54.0 s; P < 0.0001) as was CADP (221.0 ± 53.9 s vs.133.9 ± 31.1 s; P < 0.0001).

Discussion: Only after post‐dilution hemodiafiltration, we found a lower platelet count and prolonged platelet closure times.
Post‐Great Oxidation Event Orosirian–Statherian iron formations on the São Francisco craton: Geotectonic implications
Authors: Rosière Carlos A. , Bekker Andrey , Rolim Vassily K. , Santos João Orestes S.
Published: March 2019

The protocratonic core of the São Francisco craton assembled during the 2.1–2.0 Ga Transamazonian orogeny. Orosirian Fe‐rich sequences that extend from the northwestern border of the São Francisco protocraton (Colomi Group) to the southeast under the Espinhaço Belt (the < 1.99 Ga Serra da Serpentina Group) record the opening of an intracratonic basin with the episodically developed ferruginous waters prior to the initiation of the Espinhaço rift at 1.8 Ga. Ferruginous conditions developed again during deposition of the Canjica Iron Formation of the < 1.7 Ga Serra de São José Group in the Espinhaço rift (contemporaneously with felsic magmatism; Conceição do Mato Dentro Rhyolite and Borrachudos Granitic Suite) and extensive sandstones of the < (1666 ±32) Ma Itapanhoacanga and < (1683 ±11) Ma São João da Chapada Formations. In the upper São João da Chapada Formation, banded hematitic phyllite also records input of Fe‐rich fluids. The young age of these iron formations with respect to the conventionally accepted 1.88 Ga age for the youngest shallow‐marine Paleoproterozoic iron formations, the apparent absence of granular facies (granular iron formations), and yet shallow‐water (above fair‐weather base) depositional environment indicate that an unusual setting developed in a large basin after the Great Oxidation Event, in the aftermath of the Transamazonian orogeny. We propose that mantle plumes led to the opening of a previously unrecognized rift system, that could have caused the magmatism, supplied hydrothermal Fe and led to the opening of the Espinhaço, Pirapora, and Paramirim rifts, later obliterated by the Araçuaí orogenic belt during the Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic Brasiliano orogeny. The rift system did not develop into an open continental margin but probably evolved into a broad sag basin, stretching across the São Francisco and Congo cratons.
Severity, heterogeneity and systemic inflammation in psoriasis
Authors: Christophers E. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M.
Published: March 2019

Psoriasis may express as active severe disease or as mild stable disease. In particular, patients with active severe disease present systemic involvement, including comorbidities and increased values of parameters reflecting an active state of innate immunity. In contrast, patients with mild stable disease show a dominancy of acquired immunity. In this review article, we report the clinical aspects of disease manifestations of both active and quiescent psoriasis as well as the immunological aspects, as well as the impact on antimicrobial resistance. The activity of psoriasis is not captured in the present outcome measures for severity assessment. The present review suggests that incorporating disease activity may be important in the assessment of the efficacy of treatments.
Taking daylight‐PDT home
Authors: Ramelyte E. , Imhof L.
Published: March 2019

Linked article: This is a commentary on S. Karrer et al., pp. 661–666 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15422.
Evaluating the effect of grid size and type in integrated 1D/2D coupled urban inundation modelling on the interacting discharge between the surface and sewerage system
Authors: Lee Seungsoo , An Hyunuk
Published: March 2019

To obtain accurate flood analysis results, research using high‐resolution Digital Elevation Models is becoming important and studies to increase the calculation speed and accuracy are being performed. Numerous researchers have studied parallelisation techniques to improve the accuracy of urban flood analysis by grid resolution and by 1D/2D coupled models. However, there have been few studies on the effects of interacting discharge between the surface and sewerage system on urban flooding analysis using parallelisation techniques. Therefore, in this study, the efficiency of the OpenMP parallelisation technique was investigated according to grid size and type to analyse the influence of the distribution of storm drain boxes on the results of fully integrated 1D/2D urban inundation modelling focused on the interacting discharge between the surface and storm drain boxes.
Servant leadership: A meta‐analytic examination of incremental contribution, moderation, and mediation
Authors: Lee Allan , Lyubovnikova Joanne , Tian Amy Wei , Knight Caroline
Published: March 2019

Research suggests that when leaders, as servant leaders, focus on their followers’ needs, this can have a positive effect on organizational functioning. Yet results are inconsistent in establishing the strength of the relationships, limiting understanding of the theoretical impact and practical reach of the servant leadership (SL) construct. Using a quantitative meta‐analysis based on 130 independent studies, the current research provides evidence that SL has incremental predictive validity over transformational, authentic, and ethical leadership. Further, the link between SL and a range of individual‐ and team‐level behavioural outcomes can be partially explained by trust in the leader, procedural justice, and leader–member exchange. The paper also explores moderators to better establish SL's criterion‐related validity and to clarify the magnitude of effects across boundary conditions, such as research design, national culture, and industry.

Practitioner points

Servant leadership has predictive validity over other leadership approaches, and therefore, organizations would benefit by developing their current leaders into SLs.

Organizations should aim to select SLs into influential positions: Training programmes and selection profiles and processes would need to be aligned and developed to capture attitudes and behaviours associated with SL inside and outside the organization.

Servant leaderships should seek to create a culture that positively promotes the development of trust, fairness, and high‐quality leader–follower relationships, as these conditions collectively enable the effects of SL to be transmitted onto desirable follower outcomes.
Clinical, epidemiological and echocardiographic features and prognostic factors in cats with restrictive cardiomyopathy: A retrospective study of 92 cases (2001‐2015)
Authors: Chetboul Valérie , Passavin Peggy , Trehiou‐Sechi Emilie , Gouni Vassiliki , Poissonnier Camille , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis , Desquilbet Loic
Published: March 2019

Background

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a common primary cardiomyopathy of cats. However, little information is available regarding prognostic variables in large populations of cats with RCM.

Objectives

To characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and echocardiographic features of cats with RCM and to document their survival times and risk factors for cardiac death (CD).

Animals

Ninety‐two cats with RCM.

Methods

Retrospective study. Diagnosis of RCM was based on echocardiographic and Doppler criteria. Median survival time to CD and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method and multivariate Cox models, respectively.

Results

The feline population (median age [interquartile range], 8.6 years [4.1‐12.4]; body weight, 4.0 kg [3.3‐4.7]) included 83 cats (90%) with the myocardial RCM form and 9 (10%) with the endomyocardial fibrosis RCM form. Most RCM cats (64/92, 70%) were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis, with dyspnea related to congestive heart failure in 57 of 64 cats (89%). The median survival time of the 69 cats with the myocardial RCM form and available follow‐up was 667 days (range, 2‐3710 days) considering CD. Independent of age, biatrial enlargement, and arrhythmias, increase of the left atrium (LA)‐to‐aorta (Ao) ratio (hazard ration [HR], 2.5 per 0.5‐unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5‐4.2; P < .001) and presence of severe LA enlargement (end‐diastolic LA : Ao ≥2; HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.3‐8.7; P = .01) were significantly associated with shorter time to CD.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cardiac death is common in RCM cats, and LA enlargement seems independently associated with decreased survival time in these cats.
Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score for the assessment of mortality prediction in the intensive care unit: a single‐centre study from Iran
Authors: Bahtouee Mehrzad , Eghbali Seyed S , Maleki Nasrollah , Rastgou Vahid , Motamed Niloufar
Published: March 2019

Background

The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II is still commonly used as an index of illness severity in patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and has been validated for many research and clinical audit purposes.

Aims and objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of the APACHE II score for predicting mortality rate of critically ill patients.

Design

This was a single‐centre, retrospective study of 200 Iranian patients admitted in the medical–surgical adult ICU from June 2012 to May 2013.

Methods

Demographic data, pre‐existing comorbidities and variables required for calculating the APACHE II score were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the area under the ROC curves was calculated to assess the predictive value of the APACHE II score.

Results

Of the 200 patients with a mean age of 55·27 ± 21·59 years enrolled in the study, 112 (54%) were admitted in the medical ICU and 88 (46%) in the surgical ICU. Finally, 116 patients (58%) died, and 84 patients (42%) survived. The overall actual and predicted ICU mortality were 58% and 25·16%, respectively. The mean APACHE II score was 16·31 in total patients, 17·78 in medical ICU and 14·45 in surgical ICU patients (P = 0·003). Overall, the APACHE II score had the highest prognostic value for predicting the mortality rate of critically ill patients with an area under the cure of 0·88, and with a cut‐off value of 15, the APACHE II score predicted mortality of patients with a sensitivity of 85·3%, a specificity of 77·4%, a positive predictive value of 83·9% and a negative predictive value of 73·9%.

Conclusion

This study shows that an APACHE II score of 15 provides the best diagnostic accuracy to predict mortality of critically ill patients. Our observed mortality rate was greater than the predicted death rate, in comparison to the other prestigious centres in the world. Therefore, it appears that we must improve our intensive care to reduce mortality.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need to create a suitable scoring system to predict the mortality rate of critically ill patients in accordance with the advanced technological equipment and experienced physicians and nurses in that ICU.
Associations between the rate, amount, and composition of weight loss as predictors of spontaneous weight regain in adults achieving clinically significant weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐regression
Authors: Turicchi Jake , O'Driscoll Ruairi , Finlayson Graham , Beaulieu Kristine , Deighton Kevin , Stubbs R. James
Published: March 2019

Weight regain following weight loss is common although little is known regarding the associations between amount, rate, and composition of weight loss and weight regain. Forty‐three studies (52 groups; n = 2379) with longitudinal body composition measurements were identified in which weight loss (≥5%) and subsequent weight regain (≥2%) occurred. Data were synthesized for changes in weight and body composition. Meta‐regression models were used to investigate associations between amount, rate, and composition of weight loss and weight regain. Individuals lost 10.9% of their body weight over 13 weeks composed of 19.6% fat‐free mass, followed by a regain of 5.4% body weight over 44 weeks composed of 21.6% fat‐free mass. Associations between the amount (P < 0.001) and rate (P = 0.049) of weight loss and their interaction (P = 0.042) with weight regain were observed. Fat‐free mass (P = 0.017) and fat mass (P < 0.001) loss both predicted weight regain although the effect of fat‐free mass was attenuated following adjustment. The amount (P < 0.001), but not the rate of weight loss (P = 0.150), was associated with fat‐free mass loss. The amount and rate of weight loss were significant and interacting factors associated with weight regain. Loss of fat‐free mass and fat mass explained greater variance in weight regain than weight loss alone.
Delivering cognitive analytic consultancy to community mental health teams: Initial practice‐based evidence from a multi‐site evaluation
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Ghag Jeetender , Ackroyd Katie , Freshwater Kate , Finch Jayne , Freear Adam , Hartley Judith , Simmonds‐Buckley Mel
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study sought to employ the hourglass model to frame the methodological evolution of outcome studies concerning 5‐session cognitive analytic consultancy (CAC).

Design

Pre‐post mixed methods evaluation (study one) and mixed methods case series (study two).

Methods

In study one, three sites generated acceptability and pre‐post effectiveness outcomes fromN = 58 care dyads, supplemented with qualitative interviewing. The client outcome measures included the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure, Personality Structure Questionnaire, Work and Social Adjustment Questionnaire, Service Engagement Scale, and the Working Alliance Inventory. Study two was a mixed methods case series (N = 5) using an A/B phase design with a 6‐week follow‐up. Client outcome measures were the Personality Structure Questionnaire, Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure, and the Working Alliance Inventory, and the staff outcome measures were the Working Alliance Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Perceived Competence Scale.

Results

In study one, the cross‐site dropout rate from CAC was 28.40% (the completion rate varied from 58 to 100%) and full CAC attendance rates ranged from 61 to 100%. Significant reductions in client distress were observed at two sites. Qualitative themes highlighted increased awareness and understanding across care dyads. In study two, there was zero dropout and full attendance. Clients were significantly less fragmented, and staff felt significantly more competent and less exhausted. Potential mechanisms of change were the effective process skills of the consultant and that emotionally difficult CAC processes were helpful.

Conclusions

Cognitive analytic consultancy appears a promising approach to staff consultation, and testing in a clinical trial is now indicated.

Practitioner points

CAC is a suitable method of consultation for care dyads struggling to work effectively together in CMHTs.

Staff feel more competent and clients feel less fragmented following CAC, and the benefits of CAC appear to be maintained over follow‐up time.

CAC processes can be difficult for care coordinator and client, but this is not an impediment to change.