bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How compatible are numerical classifications based on whole‐profile vis–NIR spectra and the Chinese Soil Taxonomy?
Authors: Zeng R. , Rossiter D. G. , Zhang G. L.
Published: November 2018

Modern monothetic hierarchical soil classification systems such as the Chinese Soil Taxonomy (CST) are semi‐quantitative and their future development is likely to trend towards a fully quantitative system using the concepts of numerical taxonomy. Previous researchers have calculated the taxonomic distances between individual soils based on soil physiochemical properties, not, however, based on spectra of full soil profiles with different horizons. We hypothesized that numerical taxonomy implemented by cluster analysis of the taxonomic distance matrix based on vis–NIR spectra would accord with some CST Orders assigned by pedologists, and not with others, depending on how closely spectral features represent the diagnostic features used in the classification. Taxonomic distances in spectral space were computed for all pairs of 191 profiles, resulting in a distance matrix on which hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Different indices were calculated to determine the optimum number of clusters, resulting in four spectral soil classes. These were then compared with CST Orders assigned to the profiles by expert allocation. The numerical classes and CST Orders matched poorly because of the completely different classification philosophies behind numerical taxonomy and the CST, which is based largely on presumed genesis and uses sharp thresholds leading to very similar soils being allocated to different classes. Thus, we consider the numerical classification as information that is complementary to the monothetic hierarchical system. Numerical classification can reveal the taxonomic objective aspects of the relation between the defined classes and can suggest new groupings.

Highlights

Taxonomic distances can serve as an objective measure of soil similarity.

Soil spectra are a good candidate for numerical classification based on taxonomic distances.

The conceptual basis of Chinese Soil Taxonomy (CST) does not match that of taxonomic distance.

Numerical classification based on spectra can suggest revisions to the CST.
Treatment of a poorly differentiated sarcoma in the oropharynx of a horse
Authors: Radtke A. , Caruso M. , Miller A. , Getman L.
Published: November 2018

A 10‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare was referred to Tennessee Equine Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a subepiglottic mass. Physical and laboratory examinations revealed no other abnormalities. The tumour was excised through a laryngotomy site using transendoscopic laser and sharp excision. Histological evaluation revealed a poorly differentiated sarcoma with features of a leiomyosarcoma, a rarely identified neoplasm in the oropharynx of the horse. The mare developed intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (iDDSP) after surgery but was able to resume full training. There was no evidence of regrowth 8 months post‐operatively.
Delivering information literacy within a global health care degree: reflections from a health information specialist
Authors: Fredriksson Marketta
Published: November 2018

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a growing interest in establishing International joint degree programmes in developing countries. A Master′s degree in global health care is an international joint degree programme run by two Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences and one Kenyan University. To provide students and staff members who live in Finland with an authentic experience of the circumstances in the developing countries, part of the programme involves delivering a two‐week intensive course in Kenya. Health library services and information literacy training have a significant presence during this intensive course. In this paper, guest writer Marketta Fredriksson describes and reflects on the involvement of the health care library team in the development and implementation of this degree and delivery of the intensive course in Kenya.H.S.
Peer review processes at the Health Information and Libraries Journal
Authors: Grant Maria J.
Published: November 2018

Responding to referee comments, the Health Information and Libraries Journal Editorial Advisory Board has been engaged in a large‐scale project to review and revise local peer review processes. What has emerged is a review process which enables referees to provide a more nuanced review to the editorial team and authors. The revised processes have now been implemented in the ScholarOne Manuscripts submission system. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to peer reviewing for the Health Information and Libraries Journal in 2018.
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) based on citric acid and sucrose as a potential green technology: a comprehensive study of water inclusion and its effect on thermal, physical and rheological properties
Authors: Savi Lizandra Kamradt , Dias Mariana Carolina Gipiela Corrêa , Carpine Danielle , Waszczynskyj Nina , Ribani Rosemary Hoffmann , Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro
Published: November 2018

In this work, NADES based on sucrose and citric acid was synthesised and evaluated. Physical properties such as density, viscosity and thermal profile were evaluated at different temperatures and water contents. Viscosity and density were inversely affected by temperature and water content. Increases in the sucrose fraction resulted in higher viscosity, but no differences in density were observed. The rheological model of Ostwald‐de‐Waele indicated three distinct rheological behaviours at different temperatures, water content and sucrose fractions. The Arrhenius model showed a good fit for the temperature effect on the apparent viscosity of all NADESs. The NADES decomposition temperature was approximately 393 K. The thermal characterisation revealed that all NADESs presented glass transitions at temperatures below 204.59 K, confirming their formation and stability. Based on these results, the NADES proposed appears as potential green solvent to be used in industrial processes such as extraction, separation and biochemical technology.
Anthocyanin extracts of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea L.) attenuate serum lipids and cholesterol metabolism in HCD‐induced hypercholesterolaemic male mice
Authors: Zhang Zi‐cheng , Zhou Qing , Huangfu Gu‐yu , Wu Ying , Zhang Jiu‐liang
Published: November 2018

This study is aimed to evaluate the hypocholesterolaemic effect of anthocyanin extracts of lingonberry (LAE) in vitro and vivo studies. In vitro, LAE can effectively inhibit the micellisation of cholesterol with significant dose–effect relationship. In animal experiments, after 10‐weeks of LAE administration, lower values of body mass, daily food intake, liver weight, visceral adipose content, TC level, LDL‐C level, fasting blood glucose level and higher HDL‐C level in serum, cholesterol content and total bile acid content in faeces are observed in HCD‐induced hypercholesterolaemic mice compared with model group. These observations suggest that LAE could promote the metabolism of serum cholesterol in HCD‐induced hypercholesterolaemic mice primarily via faecal excretion of cholesterol. Furthermore, LAE may reduce the inflammatory cell infiltration and attenuate steatosis and hepatocellular fat deposit in the liver. Our results indicate that LAE is a potential dietary supplement in cholesterol‐lowering or for hypercholesterolaemic treatment. These findings may provide important basis for further optimisation of dietary anthocyanins utilisation.
Intestinal absorption of small peptides: a review
Authors: Shen Weilin , Matsui Toshiro
Published: November 2018

Peptides display diverse structural features because of their varied amino acid compositions. The structural diversity often imparts them complex physiological functions, or possible health‐beneficial effects. Some small peptides (di‐/tripeptides) exert preventive effects against conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis. Despite their health benefits, a limited understanding of peptide absorption may hinder their extensive application. Therefore, this review briefly introduces the in vitro and in vivo findings on the intestinal absorption of small peptides and potential factors affecting their absorption.
How I investigate Eosinophilia
Authors: Larsen Rebecca L. , Savage Natasha M.
Published: November 2018

Eosinophilia is typically secondary, that is, reactive, in nature and is associated with a wide variety of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic disorders. Clonal eosinophilia is also seen in a wide variety of hematopoietic neoplasms, and sub‐classification can be diagnostically challenging. A proper evaluation of persistent eosinophilia involves correlation of clinical history, laboratory data, cellular morphology, and ancillary testing. Knowledge of appropriate ancillary testing is necessary for a timely diagnosis. We present a review of the literature regarding eosinophilia, including the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) update of WHO‐defined eosinophilic disorders. We also present a review of eosinophilia in a case‐based format including guidelines for evaluation of both routine and challenging cases. The purpose of this guideline is not to provide an in‐depth discussion of each diagnosis, but rather a practical method that all pathologists can utilize to investigate eosinophilia.
Both Familiar and New: Reimagining Catholic Sexual Ethics
Authors: Kalbian Aline H.
Published: November 2018

The authors of the three essays featured in this focus challenge assumptions that are central to the official Catholic teachings on sexual ethics. Elizabeth Antus and Megan McCabe do so by taking on topics that have not received much attention from the magisterium. Cristina Traina urges us to think differently about the way we usually frame the moral issue of abortion. Although they address different moral problems, I argue in this introduction that they highlight common themes—social sin, interruption, and solidarity—share methodological commitments to using empirical data and to valuing human experiences, and push us to imagine a sexual ethic grounded in a just vision of human sexual flourishing.
“Was It Good for You?”: Recasting Catholic Sexual Ethics in Light of Women’s Sexual Pain Disorders
Authors: Antus Elizabeth L.
Published: November 2018

Over the past one hundred years, Catholic sexual ethics has become more hospitable to sexual bonding as a good that is distinct from procreation. However, our increasing knowledge of women’s sexual pain disorders highlights ongoing problems with official Catholic sexual ethics. This essay argues that the Catholic Church still reproduces gendered social scripts that unwittingly encourage heterosexual women to ignore their sexual pain and continue to engage desperately in intercourse, out of an exacerbated concern to satisfy male partners. These are tactics that only prolong and deepen women’s sexual suffering. Further, insights about the various options for women’s healing from sexual pain concretely suggest more liberative sexual scripts: the importance of women’s non‐obligatory, embodied desire and the need to reject intercourse as the compulsory norm for all sexual activity. Ultimately, women’s experiences of having sexual pain and healing from it lead to revisions in Catholic sexual ethics at a fundamental level.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Unwanted Pregnancy, Mercy, and Solidarity
Authors: Traina Cristina L. H.
Published: November 2018

Over the last half century, United States debates about abortion focused at first on the question whether the fetus is a person with rights and later on whether involuntary conception—for instance, as a consequence of sexual assault—might mitigate a woman’s responsibilities toward the fetus she carries. This article argues that, whatever one’s position on these two questions, a third, morally salient dimension of most US women’s experiences of unwanted pregnancy deserves more attention: both abortion and birth burden women with their inevitable moral failure to fulfill their responsibilities to persons who frequently have de facto last‐resort and unavoidable claims on them. Using Lisa Tessman’s work on moral failure and Pope Francis’s interventions on abortion and mercy, I argue that this moral anguish is not a simple emotional remainder. Structural evil, not necessity, is the primary driver of forced pregnancy choices that injure women and their children both materially and morally. Consequently, whether they abort or carry to term, women with unwanted pregnancies need mercy or forgiveness. But they also need compassionate solidarity: prophetic, active efforts to transform the social structures that make material harm and moral failure, and consequent moral anguish and moral injury, inevitable for many pregnant women.
You Deserve to Suffer for What You Did
Authors: Cates Diana Fritz
Published: November 2018

On many philosophical accounts, the emotion of anger includes a belief that we have been wrongly injured by someone, deliberately or from a lack of due regard. It includes also the belief that the person who injured us deserves to suffer for what she did. Her suffering would serve as fair payback for the suffering she caused us. In slightly different terms, anger includes a desire to strike back at someone who has injured us because we believe that hurting her will compensate for our hurt. A key ethical question concerning anger is whether indulging a desire for retribution or payback is worthy of us as persons.
Clearing Up Some Misunderstandings: A Reply to L. Philip Barnes
Authors: Giannini Heidi Chamberlin
Published: November 2018

Much of Barnes’s critique depends on a misunderstanding of my position and, where we do substantively disagree, Barnes’s arguments fail to take into account important distinctions. As a result, his arguments are not persuasive. In my reply, I begin by clarifying my position and then proceed to address specific points of disagreement, identifying those distinctions that Barnes needs to take into account in critiquing my view.
Personalised medicine in paediatric oncology: Ethical practice outside the clinical trial framework?
Authors: Hansford Jordan R
Published: November 2018

Modern paediatric oncology practice has rapidly evolved from a fatal condition at diagnosis in the 1940s to modern survival rates of over 80%. With the advent of the ‘omics’ era and modern diagnostics platforms, we can now determine many of the molecular driving mechanisms of malignancy. Current molecular diagnostics trials PRISM and AIM/MNP, open in Australia, allow accurate diagnosis and determination of the molecular drivers of many cancers leading to new targeted opportunities for treatment. Unfortunately, clinical trial support, development and drug access for children has lagged behind. This is leaving clinicians and their institutions with increasingly difficult medical and ethical decisions, further complicating an already demanding profession.
Layer‐specific myocardial function in asymptomatic cats with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed using 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography
Authors: Suzuki Ryohei , Mochizuki Yohei , Yoshimatsu Hiroki , Niina Ayaka , Teshima Takahiro , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Koyama Hidekazu
Published: November 2018

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a primary disorder of the myocardium, is the most common cardiac disease in cats. However, determination of layer‐specific myocardial function with 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography in cats with asymptomatic HCM has not yet been reported.

Objectives

To quantitatively measure layer‐specific myocardial function of asymptomatic cats with HCM.

Animals

Ten client‐owned, asymptomatic cats with obstructive HCM and 13 healthy cats.

Methods

A retrospective, case‐control study. Cats underwent assessment of layer‐specific myocardial function (whole, endocardial, and epicardial) in the longitudinal and circumferential directions by using 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography.

Results

Longitudinal strains were significantly lower in cats with HCM than controls in the whole (−15.5% vs −19.1%), endocardial (−18.3% vs −21.8%), and epicardial (−13.1% vs −16.8%) layers. Circumferential strains in whole and epicardial layers also were significantly lower in cats with HCM as compared with controls (−15.0% vs −20.2% and − 4.4% vs −9.4%, respectively). However, no significant difference was found between cats with HCM and controls in the global circumferential strain in the endocardial layer (−31.2% vs −34.2%). The circumferential endocardial‐to‐epicardial strain ratio was significantly higher in cats with HCM than in controls (6.1 vs 3.5).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Layer‐specific myocardial function assessed by 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography differed in asymptomatic cats with obstructive HCM compared to controls despite their apparently normal systolic function, as determined by conventional echocardiography. The maintained endocardial circumferential strain and higher circumferential endocardial‐to‐epicardial strain ratio may reflect compensation for occult systolic dysfunction in cats with obstructive HCM.
Repeated cross‐sectional study ofTrypanosoma cruziin shelter dogs in Texas, in the context ofDirofilaria immitisand tick‐borne pathogen prevalence
Authors: Hodo Carolyn L. , Rodriguez Jessica Y. , Curtis‐Robles Rachel , Zecca Italo B. , Snowden Karen F. , Cummings Kevin J. , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Vector‐borne diseases have an adverse impact on health of dogs, and infected dogs can be sentinels for human infection. Infection withTrypanosoma cruzi, an agent of Chagas disease, causes fatal heart disease in dogs across the southern United States but has been neglected from wide‐scale prevalence studies.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of exposure toT. cruzi,Ehrlichiaspp.,Anaplasmaspp.,Borrelia burgdorferi, and infection withDirofilaria immitisamong dogs in shelters across Texas and to identify risk factors forT. cruziseropositivity.

Animals

Six hundred and eight dogs.

Methods

This repeated cross‐sectional study was performed by collecting blood from ~30 dogs during each of the 3 visits to 7 shelters. We tested serum for antibodies toT. cruziusing 2 tests in series and for antibodies toEhrlichiaspp.,Anaplasmaspp., andB. burgdorferiandD. immitisantigen using the IDEXX SNAP 4DX Plus point‐of‐care test. DNA was extracted from blood clots and tested forT. cruziDNA and strain type via quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). We used logistic regression to assess risk factors.

Results

One hundred ten (18.1%) of 608 dogs were seropositive forT. cruzi. Prevalence of exposure to the other vector‐borne agents was:Ehrlichiaspp. 3.6%;Anaplasmaspp. 6.9%;B. burgdorferi0.2%; andD. immitisinfection 16.0%. Six of 559 (1.1%) dogs were qPCR‐positive forT. cruzi.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

T.cruziseroprevalence was comparable toD. immitisprevalence and higher than seroprevalence of the tick‐borne pathogens.T.cruziis an underrecognized health threat to dogs across Texas and possibly other southern states where triatomine vectors are endemic.
Endo‐therapies for biliary duct‐to‐duct anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation: Outcomes of a nationwide survey
Authors: Cantù Paolo , Tarantino Ilaria , Baldan Anna , Mutignani Massimiliano , Tringali Andrea , Lombardi Giovanni , Cerofolini Angelo , Di Sario Antonio , Catalano Giorgia , Bertani Helga , Ghinolfi Davide , Boarino Valentina , Masci Enzo , Bulajic Milutin , Pisani Antonio , Fantin Alberto , Ligresti Dario , Barresi Luca , Traina Mario , Ravelli Paolo , Forti Edoardo , Barbaro Federico , Costamagna Guido , Rodella Luca , Maroni Luca , Salizzoni Mauro , Conigliaro Rita , Filipponi Franco , Merighi Alberto , Staiano Teresa , Monteleone Michela , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Zucchi Elena , Zilli Maurizio , Nadal Elena , Rosa Roberto , Santi Giulio , Parzanese Ilaria , De Carlis Luciano , Donato Maria Francesca , Lampertico Pietro , Maggi Umberto , Caccamo Lucio , Rossi Giorgio , Vecchi Maurizio , Penagini Roberto
Published: November 2018

Background

The most appropriate endo‐therapeutic approach to biliary anastomotic strictures is yet to be defined.

Aim

To retrospectively report on the endo‐therapy of duct‐to‐duct anastomotic strictures during 2013 in Italy.

Methods

Data were collected from 16 Endoscopy Units at the Italian Liver Transplantation Centers (BASALT study group).

Results

Complete endo‐therapy and follow‐up data are available for 181 patients: 101 treated with plastic multistenting, 26 with fully covered self‐expandable metal stenting and 54 with single stenting. Radiological success was achieved for 145 patients (80%), that is, 88% of plastic multistenting, 88% of self‐expandable metal stenting and 61% of single stenting (P < 0.001 vs plastic multistenting; P < 0.05 vs self‐expandable metal stenting). After first‐line endo‐therapy failure, the patients underwent a second‐line endo‐therapy with plastic multistenting for 25%, fully covered self‐expandable metal stenting for 53% and single stenting for 22% of cases, and radiological success was achieved for 84%, that is, 100%, 85% and 63% with plastic multistenting, self‐expandable metal stenting and single stenting (P < 0.05 vs plastic multistenting or self‐expandable metal stenting) respectively. Procedure‐related complications occurred in 7.8% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies. Overall, clinical success was achieved in 87% of patients after a median follow‐up of 25 months.

Conclusion

Plastic multistenting is confirmed as the preferred first‐line treatment, while fully covered self‐expandable metal stenting as rescue option for biliary anastomotic strictures. Single stenting has sub‐optimal results and should be abandoned.
Maohokite, a post‐spinel polymorph of MgFe2O4 in shocked gneiss from the Xiuyan crater in China
Authors: Chen Ming , Shu Jinfu , Xie Xiande , Tan Dayong
Published: November 2018

Maohokite, a post‐spinel polymorph of MgFe2O4, was found in shocked gneiss from the Xiuyan crater in China. Maohokite in shocked gneiss coexists with diamond, reidite, TiO2‐II, as well as diaplectic glasses of quartz and feldspar. Maohokite occurs as nano‐sized crystallites. The empirical formula is (Mg0.62Fe0.35Mn0.03)2+Fe3+2O4. In situ synchrotron X‐ray microdiffraction established maohokite to be orthorhombic with the CaFe2O4‐type structure. The cell parameters are a = 8.907 (1) Å, b = 9.937(8) Å, c = 2.981(1) Å; V = 263.8 (3) Å3; space group Pnma. The calculated density of maohokite is 5.33 g cm−3. Maohokite was formed from subsolidus decomposition of ankerite Ca(Fe2+,Mg)(CO3)2 via a self‐oxidation‐reduction reaction at impact pressure and temperature of 25–45 GPa and 800–900 °C. The formation of maohokite provides a unique example for decomposition of Fe‐Mg carbonate under shock‐induced high pressure and high temperature. The mineral and its name have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2017‐047). The mineral was named maohokite after Hokwang Mao, a staff scientist at the Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, for his great contribution to high pressure research.
Trends and predictors of optimal breastfeeding among children 0–23 months, South Asia: Analysis of national survey data
Authors: Benedict Rukundo K. , Craig Hope C. , Torlesse Harriet , Stoltzfus Rebecca J.
Published: November 2018

Optimal breastfeeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within 1 hr of birth, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of age, and continued breastfeeding (CBF) for 2 years of age or beyond with appropriate complementary foods, are essential for child survival, growth, and development. Breastfeeding norms differ within and between countries in South Asia, and evidence is needed to inform actions to protect, promote, and support optimal practices. This study examines time trends and predictors of EIBF, avoidance of prelacteal feeding (APF), EBF, and CBF to 2 years using survey data from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan since 1990. EIBF, APF, and EBF increased in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal from 1990 to 2016. EIBF and EBF increased in Pakistan from 1990 to 2013, but both EIBF and APF decreased in recent years. In Afghanistan, EIBF, APF, and EBF decreased from 2010 to 2015. CBF remained fairly constant across the region although prevalence varied by country. Significant (p < 0.05) predictors of suboptimal practices included caesarian delivery (4–25%), home delivery, small size at birth, and low women's empowerment. Wealth, ethnic group, and caste had varied associations with breastfeeding. Progress towards optimal breastfeeding practices is uneven across the region and is of particular concern in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are some common predictors of breastfeeding practices across the region, however country‐specific predictors also exist. Policies, programs, and research should focus on improving breastfeeding in the context of women's low empowerment and strategies to support breastfeeding of infants born small or by caesarian section, in addition to country‐specific actions.
Currency Unions and Trade: A PPML Re‐assessment with High‐dimensional Fixed Effects
Authors: Larch Mario , Wanner Joschka , Yotov Yoto V. , Zylkin Thomas
Published: November 2018

Recent work on the effects of currency unions (CUs) on trade stresses the importance of using many countries and years in order to obtain reliable estimates. However, for large samples, computational issues associated with the three‐way (exporter‐time, importer‐time, and country pair) fixed effects currently recommended in the gravity literature have heretofore limited the choice of estimator, leaving an important methodological gap. To address this gap, we introduce an iterative poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood (PPML) estimation procedure that facilitates the inclusion of these fixed effects for large data sets and also allows for correlated errors across countries and time. When applied to a comprehensive sample with more than 200 countries trading over 65 years, these innovations flip the conclusions of an otherwise rigorously specified linear model. Most importantly, our estimates for both the overall CU effect and the Euro effect specifically are economically small and statistically insignificant. We also document that linear and PPML estimates of the Euro effect increasingly diverge as the sample size grows.
Effect of probiotic interventions on depressive symptoms: A narrative review evaluating systematic reviews
Authors: Nadeem Ibrahim , Rahman Mohammed Z. , Ad‐Dab'bagh Yasser , Akhtar Mahmood
Published: November 2018

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses and is often associated with various other medical disorders. Since the 1980s, the primary pharmacological treatment has been antidepressants, but due to the recent discovery of the association between the gut microbiome and mental health, probiotics have been proposed as an adjunctive or alternate treatment. In this narrative review, we aim to provide a holistic perspective by synthesizing and evaluating existing evidence, discussing key biological mechanisms, exploring the history of probiotic use, and appreciating the influence of modern diet on mental health. Five online databases were searched for relevant studies up to December 2017. Systematic reviews that included randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of depressive symptoms were included. Seven systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Three of these reviews conducted meta‐analyses, out of which, two concluded that probiotics improved depressive symptoms in the sample population. Out of the four reviews that conducted qualitative analysis, three reviews concluded that probiotics have the potential to be used as a treatment. Due to the differences in clinical trials, a definitive effect of probiotics on depressive symptoms cannot be concluded. Nonetheless, probiotics seem to potentially produce a significant therapeutic effect for subjects with pre‐existing depressive symptoms. Further studies are warranted for definitive conclusions.
Comparison of emotional processing assessed with fear conditioning by interpersonal conflicts in patients with depression and schizophrenia
Authors: Tani Hideaki , Tada Mitsuhiro , Maeda Takaki , Konishi Mika , Umeda Satoshi , Terasawa Yuri , Mimura Masaru , Takahashi Takuya , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: November 2018

Aim

While emotional processing is implicated in various psychiatric illnesses, its differences among diagnoses are unclear. We compared associative learning of social values in patients with depression and schizophrenia by measuring skin conductance response to interpersonal stimuli.

Methods

We included 20 female outpatients each with depression and schizophrenia. They underwent Pavlovian conditioning experiments in response to a classical aversive sound, and an interpersonal stimulus that was designed to cause aversive social conditioning with actors’ faces coupled with negative verbal messages. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between the degree of conditioned response and the clinical characteristics of the participants.

Results

Conditioned responses during the acquisition phase in both conditions were higher in depression compared to schizophrenia. Patients with depression successfully showed fear conditioning in both conditions, and they exhibited slower extinction in the interpersonal condition. The conditioned response during the extinction phase showed a positive association with Emotion Regulation Questionnaire Expressive Suppression score, and a negative association with the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire Cognitive Reappraisal score and the use of antidepressants. Patients with schizophrenia did not become conditioned in either of the conditions. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Negative Syndrome score was negatively associated with the degree of conditioned response during the acquisition phase in the interpersonal condition.

Conclusion

Female patients with schizophrenia, especially those who prominently demonstrated negative symptoms, suggested their intrinsic impairments in the associative learning of social context. Antidepressants and adaptive emotional regulation strategy may enhance the extinction learning of aversive social conditioning in depression.
A Combination of Visudyne and a Lipid‐anchored Liposomal Formulation of Benzoporphyrin Derivative Enhances Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy in a 3D Model for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rizvi Imran , Nath Shubhankar , Obaid Girgis , Ruhi Mustafa Kemal , Moore Kaitlin , Bano Shazia , Kessel David , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: November 2018

A major objective in developing new treatment approaches for lethal tumors is to reduce toxicity to normal tissues while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) provides a mechanistically distinct approach to treat tumors without the systemic toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. PDT involves the light‐based activation of a small molecule, a photosensitizer (PS), to generate reactive molecular species (RMS) that are toxic to target tissue. Depending on the PS localization, various cellular and subcellular components can be targeted, causing selective photodamage. It has been shown that targeted lysosomal photodamage followed by, or simultaneous with, mitochondrial photodamage using two different PS results in a considerable enhancement in PDT efficacy. Here, two liposomal formulations of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD): (1) Visudyne (clinically approved) and (2) an in‐house formulation entrapping a lipid conjugate of BPD are used in combination with direct PS localization to mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes, enabling simultaneous photodamage to all three organelles using a single wavelength of light. Building on findings by our group, and others, this study demonstrates, for the first time in a 3D model for ovarian cancer, that BPD‐mediated photodestruction of lysosomes and mitochondria/ER significantly enhances PDT efficacy at lower light doses than treatment with either PS formulation alone.
Ultrafast excited‐state dynamics in chlorosomes isolated from the photosynthetic filamentous green bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus
Authors: Yakovlev Andrei G. , Taisova Alexandra S. , Shuvalov Vladimir A. , Fetisova Zoya G.
Published: November 2018

Bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) c pigments in the aggregated state are responsible for efficient light harvesting in chlorosomes of the filamentous anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium, Chloroflexus (Cfx.) aurantiacus. Absorption of light creates excited states in the BChl c aggregates. After subpicosecond intrachlorosomal energy transfer, redistribution and relaxation, the excitation is transferred to the BChl a complexes and further to reaction centers on the picosecond time scale. In this work, the femtosecond excited state dynamics within BChl c oligomers of isolated Cfx. aurantiacus chlorosomes was studied by double difference pump‐probe spectroscopy at room temperature. Difference (Alight − Adark) spectra corresponding to excitation at 725 nm (blue side of the BChl c absorption band) were compared with those corresponding to excitation at 750 nm (red side of the BChl c absorption band). A very fast (time constant 70 ± 10 fs) rise kinetic component was found in the stimulated emission (SE) upon excitation at 725 nm. This component was absent at 750‐nm excitation. These data were explained by the dynamical red shift of the SE due to excited state relaxation. The nature and mechanisms of the ultrafast excited state dynamics in chlorosomal BChl c aggregates are discussed.
“Subnutrition effects during pregnancy and lactation on mitosis, apoptosis and androgen receptor expression in the rat testis”
Authors: Genovese Patricia , Herrera Emiliano , Riaño Victoria , Bielli Alejandro
Published: November 2018

Contents

In order to study the effect of undernutrition during gestation on the testicular development in rats and its impact on mitosis, apoptosis and the relative abundance of androgen receptor expression, twenty primiparous 3‐month‐old Sprague–Dawley (Rattus norvegicus) rats, weighing 246 ± 4.0 grams when the experiment began, were mated by the same male. Control group (CG), n = 10, fed ad libitum with water and rat chow and restricted group (RG, n = 10) fed throughout pregnancy and until birth with 40% of the ad libitum maternal daily feed intake. Litters from both groups suckled for 25 days, RG with 14 pups/litter and CG with 8 pups/litter. After weaning, all animals had access to ad libitum food and water. Testicular samples were taken from male pups at 2, 25 and 100 days of age. Immunohistochemistry was used to evidence androgen receptor (AR) expression in apoptotic (caspase 3‐positive) and proliferating (PCNA‐positive) cells. Three hundred nuclei of sustentacular (or Sertoli: SC), interstitial (or Leydig: LC), myoid (MC) cells as well as gonocytes (GC) were evaluated. Neither LC nor GC showed any differences between groups. However, SC androgen receptor (AR) positivity index in neonatal animals was lower in RG (1.27 ± 0.22 vs. 1.65 ± 0.17**). MC showed lower AR positivity index at 2 (2.69 ± 0.046 vs. 2.8 ± 0.055**) and 25 (1.34 ± 0.097 vs. 1.56 ± 0.1***) days of life; at 100 days of life, there was a greater number of apoptotic MC in the RG (8.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.95 ± 1.1***). Thus, the present experiment demonstrates that the population dynamics of MC are affected by foetal programming due to undernutrition.
From a river valley to a ria: Evolution of an incised valley (Ría de Ferrol, north‐west Spain) since the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Cartelle Víctor , García‐Gil Soledad
Published: November 2018

The evolution of incised valleys is an important area of research due to the invaluable data it provides on sea‐level variations and depositional environments. In this article the sedimentary evolution of the Ría de Ferrol (north‐west Spain) from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present is reconstructed using a multidisciplinary approach, combining seismic and sedimentary facies, and supported by radiocarbon data and geochemical proxies to distinguish the elements of sedimentary architecture within the ria infill. The main objectives are: (i) to analyse the ria environment as a type of incised valley to evaluate the response of the system to the different drivers; (ii) to investigate the major controlling factors; and (iii) to explore the differentiation between rias and estuaries. As a consequence of the sea‐level rise subsequent to the Last Glacial Maximum (ca 20 kyr bp), an extensive basin, drained by a braided palaeoriver, evolved into a tide‐dominated estuary and finally into a ria environment. Late Pleistocene and Holocene high‐frequency sea‐level variations were major factors that modulated the type of depositional environments and their evolution. Another major modulating factor was the antecedent morphology of the ria, with a rock‐incised narrow channel in the middle of the basin (the Ferrol Strait), which influenced the evolution of the ria as it became flooded during Holocene transgression. The strait acted as a rock‐bounded ‘tidal inlet’ enhancing the tidal erosion and deposition at both ends, i.e. with an ebb‐tidal delta in the outer sector and tidal sandbanks in the inner sector. The final step in the evolution of the incised valley into the modern‐defined ria system was driven by the last relative sea‐level rise (after 4 kyr bp) when the river mouths retreated landward and a single palaeoriver was converted into minor rivers and streams with scattered mouths in an extensive coastal area.
An intersectional approach to understanding how race and social class affect intergroup processes
Authors: Moore‐Berg Samantha L. , Karpinski Andrew
Published: November 2018

Much of the current psychological literature investigates single category dimensions (i.e., race or social class), with little focus on the intersection of multiple social category dimensions. Yet some evidence suggests that the intersection of race and social class information influences (a) stereotype expression, (b) categorization, (c) impressions, (d) prejudice, and (e) discrimination, revealing common links between Blackness and low social class and Whiteness and high social class in at least the United States. The present article reviews evidence for considering both target race and social class as intersecting social categories that simultaneously influence intergroup processes. This analysis suggests that a more comprehensive understanding of intergroup processes can be achieved when considering the intersection of race and social class information. This review also provides a series of future directions to advance intergroup processes research.
Good anthropology in dark times: Critical appraisal and ethnographic application
Authors: Knauft Bruce
Published: November 2018

‘Dark Anthropology’ and its complementary ‘Anthropology of the Good’ have become influential and debated notions in anthropology in recent years. I here parse distinctive features of these emphases, address their relation to theory and to ethnography, and consider the stakes involved in concretely applying their conceptual designations. I discuss the general shift in anthropology from grand theory to key concept, and the topical delimitation of theory that results. In larger purview, Dark Anthropology and the Anthropology of the Good both have long theoretical genealogies as well as practical contexts of political and social understanding, including vis‐à‐vis recent events in the U.S. and elsewhere. I suggest that considering the relationship between politico‐economically structured inequality and attempts to assert positive meaning and purpose is the most productive way to ethnographically apply their alternative conceptualisations. This brings to greater focus the thorny question of whose understanding of inequality or suffering, or of moral value and positive wellbeing, is being articulated—the sentiments of the people studied, or the concepts of the analyst? It seems vital to examine both analytic and indigenous views of dark times, and of the good, to refine our understanding of both, that is, in order to consider our complementary conceptualisations in relation to both sides of the emic/etic coin. This refines our understanding of local sensibilities and also of the appropriate limit points of our own conceptual associations.
Hemin impairs resolution of inflammation via microRNA‐144‐3p‐dependent downregulation of ALX/FPR2
Authors: Sun Guixiang , Lu Yao , Zhao Lu , Xia Wenjun , Zhang Han , Wang Linfeng , Zhang Linjing , Wen Aiqing
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

The pathomechanisms of complications due to blood transfusion are not fully understood. Elevated levels of heme derived from stored RBCs are thought to be associated with transfusion reactions, especially inflammatory responses. Recently, the proinflammatory effect of heme has been widely studied. However, it is still unknown whether heme can influence the resolution of inflammation, a key step of inflammatory response.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A murine model of self‐limited peritonitis was used, and resolution was assessed by resolution indices. Western blot, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, chemotaxis assay, luciferase reporter assay, and lentivirus infections were used to investigate possible mediating mechanisms in neutrophils.

RESULTS

The administration of hemin by intraperitoneal injection significantly increased the leukocyte infiltration and prolonged the resolution interval by approximately 7 hours in mouse peritonitis. In vitro, hemin significantly downregulated ALX/FPR2 protein levels (p < 0.05), a key resolution receptor, leading to the suppression of proresolution responses triggered by the proresolution ligand resolvin D1. Subsequently, miR‐144‐3p, selected by prediction databases, was found to be significantly upregulated by hemin (p < 0.05). The inhibition of miR‐144‐3p attenuated the inhibitory effect of hemin on lipoxin A4 receptor (ALX)/formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) protein expression (p < 0.05). Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐144‐3p directly bound ALX/FPR2 3′‐UTR. MiR‐144‐3p overexpression significantly downregulated ALX/FPR2 protein levels, whereas miR‐144‐3p inhibition led to a significant increase in ALX/FPR2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that hemin prolongs resolution in self‐limited inflammation, and this action is associated with downregulation of ALX/FPR2 mediated by hemin‐induced miR‐144‐3p. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of hemin derived from stored RBCs for inflammatory response.
The impact of Babesia microti blood donation screening
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Townsend Rebecca L. , Deisting Barbara M. , Haynes James M. , Dodd Roger Y. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Babesia microti, an intraerythrocytic parasite endemic in the Northeast and upper Midwest United States, is responsible for over 200 reported cases of transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis (TTB). The American Red Cross has prospectively screened donations in endemic areas for B. microti since 2012.

METHODS

Blood donation samples from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Wisconsin were tested by arrayed fluorescence immunoassay and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Donors with reactive results by any test were deferred and invited to participate in a follow‐up study.

RESULTS

Screening of 506,540 donations (June 2012–May 2018) yielded 1299 reactives, 177 of which were DNA and antibody positive and 25 DNA positive only. During the same time, 23 unscreened RBC units collected in Connecticut and Massachusetts were involved in TTB cases, making the risk of transmitting the infection from an unscreened donation in these two states 15.6‐times greater than from a Babesia‐negative unit. B. microti screening in Connecticut and Massachusetts has been associated with a reduction in TTB cases; none reported from blood donors residing in Connecticut since 2016. The positive donor rate has also decreased in Connecticut from 0.67% in 2013 to 0.23% in 2017. Ongoing follow‐up testing has shown that only 10% of antibody‐positive donors serorevert within 1 year, while 94% of polymerase chain reacton–positive donors become negative within 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood donation screening for B. microti in endemic areas effectively mitigates TTB risk. Screening should be considered for all areas demonstrating ongoing risk defined as clinical cases or positive blood donors including those associated with TTB cases.
Recent and occult hepatitis B virus infections among blood donors in the United States
Authors: Ramachandran Sumathi , Groves Jamel A. , Xia Guo‐liang , Saá Paula , Notari Edward P. , Drobeniuc Jan , Poe Amanda , Khudyakov Natasha , Schillie Sarah F. , Murphy Trudy V. , Kamili Saleem , Teo Chong‐Gee , Dodd Roger Y. , Khudyakov Yury E. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Characteristics of US blood donors with recent (RBI) or occult (OBI) hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are not well defined.

METHODS

Donors with RBI and OBI were identified by nucleic acid and serologic testing among 34.4 million donations during 2009–2015. Consenting donors were interviewed and their HBV S‐gene sequenced.

RESULTS

The overall rate of HBV‐infected donors was 7.95 per 100,000; of these, 0.35 per 100,000 and 1.70 per 100,000 were RBI and OBI, respectively. RBI (n = 120) and OBI (n = 583) donors constituted 26% of all HBV‐infected (n = 2735) donors. Detection of HBV DNA in 92% of OBI donors required individual donation nucleic acid testing. Donors with OBI compared to RBI were older (mean age, 48 vs 39 years; p < 0.0001) with lower median viral loads (9 vs. 529 IU/mL; p < 0.0001). A higher proportion of OBI than RBI donors were born or resided in an endemic country (39% vs. 5%; p = 0.0078). Seventy‐seven percent of all RBI and OBI donors had multiple sex partners, an HBV‐risk factor. Of 40 RBI and 10 OBI donors whose S gene was sequenced, 33 (83%) and 6 (60%), respectively, carried HBV subgenotype A2; 18 (55%) and 2 (33%), respectively, shared an identical sequence. Infection with 1 or more putative HBV‐immune‐escape mutants was identified in 5 (50%) of OBI but no RBI donors.

CONCLUSION

RBI and OBI continue to be identified at low rates, confirming the importance of comprehensive HBV DNA screening of US blood donations. HBV‐infected donors require referral for care and evaluation and contact tracing; their HBV strains may provide important information on emergent genotypes.
Different Types of Resources Used by Master Students Considering Their Thinking Styles
Authors: Tapan-Broutin Menekse Seden , Ilkorucu Sirin
Published: November 2018

The aim of this research is to determine the different types of resources, regarding the thinking styles, used by mathematics teachers to create an a-didactical situation using a video-game from an essential resource. In this research embedded mixed method was used. Participants were ten teacher-student-researchers, studying at the master degree program at a university in Turkey. The data obtained is analyzed regarding thematic analysis and descriptive statistic. The assignments were analysed in three categories; teacher resources, student resources, and researcher resources. It was found that assignments were used two types of resources, namely "teacher resources" and "student resources". There were no assignments that used "researcher resources. Also, it was also found that the legislative forms, hierarchic and monarchic forms, local levels, external scopes and liberal leanings were dominant among the students. It is suggested to increase the work to put forward the researcher identities in teacher-students’ education at the Universities.